26 ideas in case COP26 disappoints
As COP 26 kicks into action, here are 26 things you could do to tackle the Climate Crisis even if the politicians don't manage to agree on a plan!
Food:
1. Buy local, seasonal food – less miles = less carbon
2. Eat less meat, esp. red meat – meat is a resource-intensive way of getting protein
3. Eat less dairy – ruminant animals burp out methane, a powerful greenhouse gas
4. Grow your own – zero transport miles, and definitely seasonal
https://eatforum.org/eat-lancet-commission/ - the Medical view on eating for the planet
Travel
5. Active travel – bike or walk for your health and to lower pollution
6. Fly less – flights are one of the biggest contributors to personal emissions
7. Switch to an EV – and be smug about your clean driving: http://www.nextgreencar.com
8. Drive efficiently – a lighter foot on the accelerator and brake will make for more efficient driving
9. Share vehicles – car clubs and journey sharing are a great way of reducing transport energy
10. Virtual rather than physical meetings – if you don’t need to travel, see them online instead
Home
11. Turn down your heating – every degree less saves energy https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/
12. Insulate – make your home more comfortable
13. Switch to a heat pump – electric heating is lower carbon heating
14. Encourage diverse species in your garden space – help local wildlife flourish. https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/how-to-make-your-garden-more-biodiverse
15. Switch to a renewable energy tariff – and know that your energy comes from the wind or sun, not coal or gas
Shopping
16. Buy less fast fashion – buy clothes that you’ll love for longer
17. Re-use as much as possible to avoid buying new
18. Repair – why throw away if you can fix it? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08l581p
19. Recycle – better than going to landfill
20. Share tools – buy an expensive tool to use once a year? Why not borrow from a neighbour?
21. Shop plastic free – take bags and tubs and bring home less plastic packaging
Finance
22. Switch to an ethical pension or bank – stop your money supporting companies you hate - e.g http://www.triodos.co.uk (or better still, fund organisations who're fixing things, like Bristol Energy Cooperative)
Politics
23. Vote for political parties that you think will manage climate change
24. Write to your MP and help them recognise the demand for change https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/
25. Join a protest and help support the movement
26. Share these ideas with others and get others on-board