10 ways to take action on climate change without leaving the house
Here at Possible, we believe Positive practical action is the antidote to despair, and fortunately, that’s what we’re all about. So if you’re ready for something to do - here are ten suggestions for ways to take meaningful action on climate change without leaving your house:
1. Get in touch with your MP
As your representative in parliament, your MP is a resource well worth using. Right now, as the government is considering ways to rebuild our economy, it’s paramount that they know that the vast majority of us in Britain don’t want a return to business-as-usual. Those of us who want to build a better and cleaner world must be heard.
Not sure where to start? We’re running training to get you tooled up and confident in getting your MP to support clean energy.
2. Organise a film night
Get others in your household thinking about climate action by putting it on the telly. Our faves are The Age of Stupid (of course), This Changes Everything and Merchants of Doubt, but if you’re household is more into series, how about David Attenborough’s ‘Our Planet’? If you live alone, don’t worry - just ask a friend to join you remotely, and once the end credits start rolling, give them a call to chat it through.
3. Wise up
Knowing your stuff won’t just help you, it’ll mean you’re equipped to encourage the people around you to care about climate change too. Being able to speak with confidence during tricky conversations is an asset in making sure people listen, and persuading them to act. If you’re not sure where to start, try our climate change explainers. Want more? Skye’s listed her favourite climate justice resources and Alice has listed some top websites for keeping up to date with the latest climate news.
4. Switch it up in the kitchen
When it comes to what we eat, there are loads of ways you can cut your own emissions, and plenty you can do to encourage others to get on board.
Gradually reducing meat and dairy in your diet, (even if it’s a little bit) can make a world of difference, you don’t need to go cold tofurkey. This could also mean reducing food waste, eating seasonally and buying locally grown produce or even opting for plastic-free packaging when doing your groceries.
Having your friends and family over for a plant-based feast is a brilliant way to introduce others to delicious low-carbon meals whilst also being the perfect setting to talk about climate action together.
5. DIY retrofit: reduce your energy consumption at home
Whether or not you’ve switched to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency is a sure way to reduce your household’s climate impact. And because it’s all about making the energy you buy go further, it’ll save you money too. From switching to LED lighting to preparing for colder months by layering up your home, see our tips for cutting energy at home.
6. Move your money
Even if your home is powered by 100% clean energy (if so, nice work!), you might be inadvertently financing fossil fuels through your bank, pension or other investments. But don’t worry -there are ethical options out there, you just need to know where to look. We’ve got tips over at the actions blog, but if you’re looking for more detailed reports, check out Bank Track.
7. Get your bicycle (and yourself) road ready
If you have a bicycle that you haven’t been using as much as you’d like, this could be the time to change that. Global Cycling Network’s YouTube account has some handy videos on how to mend common bike problems (from fixing punctures, to replacing brake pads). If it’s confidence you’re after, why not make use of quieter roads to make friends with your bike again and choose cycling as your daily exercise? That way, you’ll feel able to make cycling your go-to travel method.
8. Renew your wardrobe
Whether your clothes are looking a bit tatty, or just not your style right now, putting some time into doing up your pre-loved garments could help you shrink your carbon footprint, by reducing the need (or perceived need) to buy new things. Liz has pulled together some useful videos on how to mend clothes (from patching, to darning) and how to revamp them into something you’re excited to wear.
9. Build your local networks
From mutual aid groups organising at a local level, to people across the country showing their appreciation for key workers, this pandemic has provided many of us with a new (or renewed) sense of community. This can-do attitude of interdependence and care is well worth keeping hold of, beyond COVID-19. With stronger networks, we could speed up change in so many other areas, including tackling the climate crisis. If you’re not sure where to start how about using apps such as Next Door, or local Facebook/WhatsApp groups, to ask neighbours what changes they’d like to see in your area, and how you can take action together.
10. Commit to flight free travel for your next holiday
Flying less is one of the most powerful actions we can take to cut carbon, but time is often a key barrier to people being able to choose more climate friendly travel.
This is where Climate Perks comes in. Employers who sign-up to the scheme offer their workers paid ‘journey days’ to staff who travel on holiday by train, coach or boat instead of flying.
