What can you do in order to reduce your dependence on resources?

There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is real, and the greatest challenge facing humanity. But it is not just an environment issue, it is a development issue, and a global justice issue.

Rich countries like the UK are responsible for climate change. Our excessive carbon emissions are driving it. But it is poor countries that will bear the brunt of the impact. Hundreds of millions face drought, floods, starvation, disease and death.

You want to help - what can you do? In two words - Live lightly.

Think about your Footprint - how much energy you use, how much waste and pollution (of all sorts) you create. You can reduce your footprint - use the ideas here and look for more on the Internet. Spread the word to friends and family. Don't be afraid to challenge your workplace on wasteful practices like leaving lights on.

Many websites can help you assess your footprint - for a comprehensive selection see Ecological and Carbon Footprints and Resurgence. 

 1.         Use less energy in the home

• Turn off lights when leaving a room
• Turn off electrical appliances at the mains rather than leaving them on standby
• Use a washing line not a tumble drier
• Boil only the water you need; if possible use a gas kettle rather than an electric one
• Turn down the central heating thermostat and use the heating controls to provide heat only when and where you want it
• Use less hot water: wash clothes at a lower temperature, run the dishwasher on fast / low temperature cycle if available, take showers instead of baths

2.         Improve your home's energy efficiency

• Install energy efficient light bulbs
• Buy energy efficient appliances - go for A++ if possible
• Replace your gas boiler with a modern condensing boiler, fit thermostatic valves on radiators

3.         Get your electricity from a Green Energy Source

• Research the market, it's constantly changing. Try Good Energy or Ecotricity (08000 326 100) for example -  recommended by Worldwide Fund for Nature, and may cost no more than your current supplier of fossil fuel generated electricity

4.         Travel responsibly

• Make fewer and shorter motor journeys (eg shop locally); plan to combine journeys and use home delivery services; walk or cycle when possible
• Drive to save fuel (keep car and tyres well maintained; don't speed)
• Drive a more fuel efficient car (the best, such as the Toyota Prius and small diesel cars, emit only 25% of the carbon dioxide of the worst for the same journey)
• Avoid air travel

5.         Save heat in the home

• Insulate your loft and walls - try to meet or exceed current Building Regulations
• Insulate your hot water tank and lag hot water pipes
• Draft proof doors, windows and letter box flaps
• Install double glazing, triple if possible and with low-emissivity glass
• Install your own renewable energy supply - solar panels for hot water or electricity, or a domestic windmill for electricity

6.         Food

• ·Buy local, seasonal produce eg from the Farmers' market or from a local vegetable box scheme. Avoid air freighted food
• Buy organic
• Eat more vegetables; eat less meat, particularly beef
• Drink tap rather than bottled water (and use a Sodastream for carbonated drinks)
• Grow some of your own food.  Plant a tree!
• Try composting your waste food  - Woking, Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils offer products at favourable prices and information and advice on home composting

7.         Buy responsibly

• Avoid over packaged products
• Use refillable containers
• Take your own shopping bag
• Buy things that last
• Use cloth rather than disposable paper (e.g. for cleaning)
• Ensure any wood you buy is from sustainable sources (shown by the FSC symbol)

8.         Encourage others, including your work place, to reduce emissions

• Many work places are more wasteful of energy than homes. Promote energy efficiency and resultant cost savings - refer your Finance Director to The Carbon Trust and the Energy Saving Trust.

9.         Waste

• Recycle packaging materials
• Use services like Freecycle or Swap it Surrey to give unwanted items a second life:
• Donate unwanted goods to charity shops

10.       Become aware of your emissions

• Work out your energy consumption from your gas and electric meter readings and car mileage, and any flights taken - try to reduce them
• Purchase offsets for your unavoidable emissions and ensure they are of the highest quality - see the Gold Standard. (but it is much better not to pollute in the first place)

11.       Campaign to help others reduce their carbon emissions

• Individuals can only do so much.  Government and big business has to take a lead too.  This requires individuals to campaign for change.  Join Friends of the Earth and support its work.