You might think you can’t do much to slow the alarming rate of climate change on your own, but the government’s official climate advisors say otherwise.
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) told parliament the UK still stands a chance of staying below the recommended 1.5C temperature rise if we take action – including turning our thermostats down to 19 degrees. Even in winter.
Other recommendations for individual households include better insulating our homes, choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport, and opting for LED lightbulbs and electric appliances with high energy efficiency ratings.
The committee said we should only be using “peat-free” compost in our gardens, and all food waste should be placed in a separate bin.
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The CCC has provided a list of short and long-term suggestions in its latest report, so the public can play a part in slowing down rising global temperatures.
This includes setting the water temperature in your heating system to be no higher than 55 degrees Celsius.
If you’re going on holiday, consider using an alternative to flying – because while the aviation industry is trying to make strides in renewable fuels, the number of flights we take every year is still increasing.
People should also change the way they shop, according to the committee. It criticised fast fashion and the habit of buying clothes, then discarding them after one or two outings. “Choose good quality products that will last,” it suggested. “Use them for longer and try to repair before you replace.”
This doesn’t just apply to clothes. The CCC suggests buying better quality electrical goods, and even splitting the cost with neighbours so you can share those items (like power tools) that are used infrequently.
When it comes to food, consider adopting a vegetarian diet – or at least eating less read meat. The CCC believes people can reduce their dietary emissions by 35% if they transition from a high-meat diet to a low-meat one.
Read the committee’s full report here.