Climate Action Wales is looking to create a stronger, greener, fairer Wales by showing how ‘small changes add up’.
With more than three million of us in Wales, no one can do everything to fight climate change on their own, but everyone can do something.
There are some simple, everyday actions we can start with to reduce our impact on the planet.
Green energy choices
There are many things you can do to reduce energy usage and lower carbon emissions, including:
- Setting your room thermostat 1°C lower than usual. This could cut your heating bills by up to 10%. You could add a thermal clothing layer to keep you warm.
- Reducing your boiler’s flow temperature. Many boilers are set to heat water to 75-80°C. If you have a combi boiler, 60°C should be warm enough. Doing this could save between 8% and 13% on your gas bill.
- Trying air drying. Using an airer instead of a tumble dryer can significantly reduce your energy consumption, lower your bills, and even extend the life of your clothes. Make sure you don’t dry your clothes on radiators as this can cause mould, and only dry your clothes indoors if you’re able to open your windows. If you can dry your clothes on the line outside, this is the best option.
- Draught-proofing. Make sure you’ve draught-proofed any gaps, for example in windows or under doors, to avoid heat escaping.
Green transport choices
Making changes to how we travel can help to reduce our impact on the planet. Changes we can make include:
- Getting more active. Choosing more active ways to get around, such as walking, cycling or wheeling is not only great exercise, but a more affordable, green and sustainable transport choice.
- Using public transport more. Opt for greener modes of transport, like buses or trains to avoid traffic jams and reduce the number of cars on the road. If public transport isn’t an option for you, try car sharing.
- Walking to school. If you live close enough, and you’re able to, walking to school is a great way to keep fit, spend some time together and avoid the stress of the school run in the car.
- Avoiding unnecessary travel. Take advantage of technology and organise virtual meetings or conferences when you can. Looking for ways to travel less will reduce harmful emissions.
Green daily choices
Making green daily choices will lower the amount of harmful carbon emissions released into the atmosphere, which are the primary driver of climate change. These choices can be things like:
- Using less water. There are many simple ways to save water – take shorter showers, turn off taps and install water saving devices.
- Repairing and reusing. Most things can be fixed – by you, a professional or at a repair café. When you no longer need something, donate it, sell it online, upcycle it or take it to a reuse facility. You can also try renting, borrowing or sharing items that you use occasionally.
Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader and Climate Champion, said: “Climate change is not a problem for the future, it’s a very urgent problem that needs addressing quickly and it’s clear that it’s going to take a big effort from all of us to turn things around. The small changes we make in our daily lives can really help to make a difference.”
For more information, tips and advice take a look at Climate Action Wales page.
It’s International Walk to School Month – are you taking part? – Wrexham Council News
