Homes
1.
Small is beautiful
The smallest you can manage with is the best; smaller houses,
smaller appliances, shorter showers are all winners.
2.
Monitoring is a must
If you measure it you can manage it. Unless you read your meters
regularly you won’t be able to see whether the changes you are making are
having an effect.
3.
Insulation! Insulation! Insulation!
Insulated lofts, walls, floors and pipes are all winners.
Heavy curtains and window shutters will also help. It’s hard to overdo
insulation. Aim to use no heating or air conditioning at all.
4.
Plan for the sun
Remember that solar gains are good in cold weather. Plan for
shading to prevent overheating in hot weather.
5.
If in doubt, switch it off!
It’s never more efficient to leave things running when you’re
not using them.
6.
Ditch dinosaurs
It’s sometimes better to get rid of an inefficient
appliance, even though it still works.
7.
Build tight, ventilate right
Draughts are not a good way of getting fresh air! Make sure your
house is air tight and has the necessary ventilation in the form of fans, and
windows that can be opened.
8.
Recognise expertise
Look for builders and architects with real experience of
low- energy construction. Don’t get confused by internet chat.
9.
Be kind to yourself
Your green solutions are more likely to succeed if they are also
comfortable and convenient.
10.
Talk, plan, do
Talk to the people you live with, make plans together, act on
them.
Travel
11.
Distance matters
Long journeys, whether for commuting or overseas holidays, cause
the greatest emissions. Reduce them as much as you can.
12.
Is your journey really necessary?
Consider the alternatives, before reaching for the car keys.
13.
Slow is good
Choose a slower means of transport: walk or cycle instead of
driving; take the train rather than flying; if you drive, reduce your speed.
Enjoy the journey.
14.
The more the merrier
Full cars and buses are more efficient per passenger. Offer and
accept lifts as often as you can.
15.
Look at your lifestyle choices
Keep the effect on your CO 2 output in mind.
16.
Air travel is always worse than you think
Avoid using the plane whenever possible.
Food
17.
A sustainable diet is a healthy diet
Following a sustainable diet is also good for your health.
18.
Go easy on meat, fish and dairy
Reduce the amount of meat, fish and dairy produce you eat. Substitute
beans, pulses, nuts and seeds.
19.
Fruit and veg are fantastic
Prioritise foods from the bottom two layers of the healthy
diet pyramid. Put vegetables, fruit and grains at the heart of your diet.
20.
Avoid air freight: choose local and seasonal
Out of season, perishable fruit and vegetables clock up high
emissions as they are usually flown in. Local, seasonal fruit and vegetables
have the lowest emissions. Favour fresh and unprocessed
21.
Reduce the amount of processed foods in your diet,
especially frozen foods and items with multiple ingredients.
22.
Avoid waste
Only buy fresh foods you are sure you will use. Learn to use
up leftovers. Reduce the amount of food you throw away.
Stuff
23.
A high income usually equals high emissions
Try to spend in the low-carbon sectors of the economy
24.
Beware of rebound
Be careful what you do with any money you save
25.
Try to live on less
Think about what really makes you happy
26.
Think before you buy
Shop for items with a long and flexible life
27.
Remember your ‘R’s
Reduce, Repair, Reuse, Recycle
Talking to
friends and family
28.
Listen
Empathise, accept, offer support, don’t judge.
29.
Speak from the heart
Express what you feel, notice your own responses, reflect.
30.
Understand ambivalence
Accept that we all have mixed feelings and struggle with our
inner conflicts.
31.
Roll with the resistance
Focus on feelings and find a new angle if you hit a brick
wall.
32.
Don’t expect instant change
Work through the complex feelings so that change becomes permanent.
33.
Nourish your creativity
Take care of yourself and seek support.
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