No Impact
Sustainable living, modern lifestyle
10 Things I Can Do
Click on the topic you are interested in:
1. Be informed
2. Choose your transport
3. Buy local
4. Grow what you can
5. Recycle and reuse
6. The right stuff
7. Switch off
8. Think beyond carbon
9. Offset your footprint
10. Spread the word
1. Be informed Return to Top
The debate on climate change and human impact is far from closed. There is some consensus that the earth is warming but no consensus as to the degree, if any, that humans are influencing it. No Impact looks beyond just our effect on the climate, considering the wider effects on forestation, clean air, animals and other humans.
The links that we provide here are because we personally found them useful. It is up to the reader to form their own opinion as to their validity. Please note, that the views and advice expressed here at that of the individuals and organisations and we make no representations as to the accuracy of the information.
Poles Apart
Al Gore
IPCC
2. Choose your transport Return to Top
Cars and planes are a major cause of emissions, this means that using trains, buses, bicycles and walking are a good option when possible.
Network rail
Consider the purchase of an increasingly popular fold up bicycle for commuting.
Brompton bicycles
3. Buy local Return to Top
There is less of an impact if you live in London and buy your strawberries from Kent rather than Morocco. There is less of an impact if you live in London and buy your flowers from Suffolk rather than Kenya. This seems obvious but it is a choice we often make at our local supermarket. Supermarkets are becoming far more conscious of local sourcing and are both leading customers and responding to customer feedback by sourcing locally as much as possible.
Sainsbury's
Waitrose
4. Grow what you can Return to Top
You might have an inner city flat, a small backyard or a country estate. Each provides its own opportunities for what you can grow, you just need to make the best use of it. In a small flat you might still have room for herb plants, a backyard could provide you with room to grow some fruit and vegetables and a country estate provides an opportunity to be fully self sufficient.
Home Grown
The Home Grown Food Company
5. Recycle and reuse Return to Top
Council recycling schemes are increasing the number of items that can be recycled. It is worth checking to ensure that you are recycling the right items and disposing of the items in the right way. For instance, most recycling schemes prefer you to wash out the items before disposing of them.
Recycling in my area
6. The right stuff Return to Top
When purchasing items for around the home consider their energy efficieny rating. Kettles, ovens and fridges all have an effect and the more efficient the appliance the less of an impact.
Energy efficient appliances
Televisions can use up to 80% of their full energy requirement whilst on standby. Switch them off when you are not using them. It does not take much longer and it will reduce your impact and your electricity bills.
When replacing globes get the most energy efficient available.
Computers and lights are items that are also often left on unnecessarily.
Appliances on standby
8. Think beyond carbon Return to Top
Emissions are one way in which we are having an impact on the world. There are however a number of other ways that we are having this effect. Deforestation through the purchase of illegally logged timber, the rise of palm oil and clearing for farming all have an effect. Try to be an informed consumer when you buy from a supplier. Do not be embarressed to ask if it is responsbily sourced and if so ask for details.
Responsible sourcing of timber
Palm oil and its affect
The type of food we eat also has an impact. Intensive cattle farming results in methane emissions. Eating cod and certain species of tuna is having an effect on their survival as species, as well as the knock on effect to the ecosystem.
The end of the line
9. Offset your footprint Return to Top
To make the changes that we need in the world people's attitudes and behaviours need to change. By changing our way of living we can reduce our impact but there is likely to still be a remaining impact. Offsetting your calculated carbon footprint can help you to manage this. Consider though how you want to do this; reforestation, third world support or funding green technology. Think about which approach, or combination thereof is right for you.
Woodland Trust
Carbon Trust
10. Spread the word Return to Top
Social views change. Currently, the world is becoming more environmentally conscious and the effect of this is beginning to show. By being someone who does care about the world, is informed and does support initiatives to reduce the damage we are doing you can help to spread the word and make this lifestyle more mainstream.
This does not mean you need to be preaching the cause or stopping people in the street, just happy to have your view. You can also support organisations who communicate on a wider scale.
World Wildlife Fund
Australia Zoo
Green Peace
