Change your bank account to one that doesn’t invest in fossil fuels
Write to your old bank letting them know why you are switching – Ethical.net has a useful template.
Consider installing solar panels (PV), solar water heating or heat pump
Even though the Feed-in Tariff has now ended, it could still be ecologically AND financially viable to install solar panels – especially with the price of domestic battery storage.
Divest your savings out of companies that invest in fossil fuels
If you have savings or pensions, move them out of companies that produce fossil fuels, and out of funds and banks that invest in them.
Use LED lighting
This idea will brighten up your life!
Investigate grant aid for energy efficiency and insulation
If you are on low income, have health issues or are vulnerable, you may qualify for an in-depth LEAP home survey and advice session to help you save energy and money.
Investigate tools to help your organisation reduce its carbon footprint
Fail to prepare and prepare to fail!
Check your appliance energy rating
If you need to buy new appliances for your home, look out for the energy ratings label and consider the size of the appliance that you require.
Go on a fact finding holiday
Don’t forget to send us (your ideas on) a postcard!
Share tools and equipment
We don’t all need to own everything! Join a group setting up a Library of Things.
Rainwater harvesting
Water use may be a relatively low part of your energy budget, rainwater is better for your plants and is essentially free. Mains water has “hidden” environmental costs throughout its whole treatment and distribution process. With accelerating Climate Change, rainwater is too valuable to pour down the drain!
Do an online course, read books and articles, become more informed about Energy
There is so much to learn and information is always changing with new developments.
Use a washing line instead of a tumble drier
Electric tumble dryers use a lot of energy. If you are lucky enough to have a garden, use the washing line to dry clothes, even an indoor rack can do the same job if the room has ventilation to avoid condensation.
Think about a quick shower rather than a bath
A full bathtub requires far more water than a five-minute shower. A low-flow showerhead helps – but there again, you can use bathwater on the garden.
Energy audit your home or check if your home has an Energy Performance Certificate
In the UK every home put up for sale or offered for rent must have an Energy Performance Certificate or EPC. These must be done by a professional and are valid for ten years. The EPC tells you what to do to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Join a Climate Action group
Meet other like-minded people and join forces. It’s fun, and great to feel connected and empowered in a wider community.