Six Small Steps to Reduce your Impact on the Climate

Climate change is rightly at the top of the agenda at the moment. In order to tackle the climate emergency, we’ll have to fundamentally change the way we consume resources. Many of these are changes we can make right now. Here are six ways that you can reduce your impact:

1. Ditch the disposables. There are lots of reusable alternatives to disposable products such as dishcloths, coffee cups, water bottles, reusable food containers, reusable bags, sanitary products.
2. Embrace the second-hand economy. It’s easy to find good quality second-hand clothes and furniture – look online, in charity shops, or visit one of our Swish and Style events, later this year. Consider buying second-hand mobile phones, laptops, books, DIY tools/equipment, or household objects like kettles, crockery, or picture frames. There are loads of unique, good quality items out there waiting for a new home!
3. Repair and improve. Many of our possessions have years of life left in them. Learning a few repair or upcycling techniques can help you extend that life even further. Get advice and inspiration at one of our Repair Cafés, or our London Upcycling Show. We’ve also put together a list of electronics repair experts in north London who can repair your broken gadgets too.
4. Recycle as much as you can at home – just make sure it’s not covered in food or oil. Recycling doesn’t need to be spotlessly clean; the important thing is that leftover food does not spread onto other items - this is especially problematic for paper and card.
5. Find local recycling points for other household items like batteries, lightbulbs, ink cartridges, small electrical items, cooking oil, or paint.
6. Remember the journey from farm to fork. Growing, transporting and manufacturing the food we eat requires lots of water and energy. By following a few handy tips, you can keep your food waste to a minimum, as well as saving money. There will always be some food waste though. Check if you have a local food waste service, or, if you have an outdoor space, your local council may sell subsidised compost bins.