Explore 18 simple, impactful choices we can make right here in Norwood ahead of our Green Day.
Make your voice heard by those in power
The future isn’t written in stone, we get to shape it. But we cannot do it entirely alone. Real, systemic change requires nudging those at the top. We can write to our local MP, sign petitions, and support policies that prioritise our environment. Let us make our voices too loud to ignore.
Eat less dairy and meat
We do not have to go entirely vegan overnight to make a massive impact. Simply swapping a few meat- or dairy-heavy meals each week for plant-based alternatives drastically reduces our carbon footprint. It is a simple shift that makes a significant difference for the planet.
Fly less
Short-haul flights are a disaster for the planet. This does not mean we can never fly, as there are still far-away places we all want to visit. However, we can save up our carbon allowance for one major trip every few years rather than hopping back and forth across mainland Europe multiple times a year, which creates massive carbon emissions. We need to challenge ourselves to think twice before booking those flights.
Carry a reusable mug and water flask
It is time to never buy a single-use plastic water bottle again. By keeping a reusable mug and a water flask in our bags, we ensure we are never caught without them. As an added benefit, nearly every coffee shop offers a discount if we bring our own cup.
Adopt good food habits and reduce waste
We throw away mountains of perfectly good food every year. We can get smarter by planning our weekly menus and shopping strictly for what we need, avoiding extra perishable items. We should also pay scant attention to best-before dates on robust items like cheese and yoghurt, and learn to love our leftovers. Read more.
Protect our green spaces
We are incredibly lucky to have wonderful community gardens and park groups right here in our neighbourhood. Green spaces are the lungs of our community. We can get in touch with the Forum to find a local group nearby and get involved.
Bank and invest responsibly
Where does our money sleep at night? Many major banks pump billions into fossil fuels. By switching our current accounts or pensions to ethical, green institutions, we ensure our hard-earned money is building a cleaner future rather than funding the climate crisis.
Recycle brilliantly
We should recycle all that we possibly can. Local councils have dedicated webpages with an A-Z guide of what can be recycled locally to ensure everything ends up in the right bin. We can also look out for specialised schemes, such as high street sports shops that take back old trainers to recycle them.
Buy household products and toiletries in bulk
If we look under our kitchen sinks, we likely have dozens of plastic bottles for various cleaning products. Instead of buying a new plastic container every time, we can buy in bulk and refill what we already have to cut down on plastic waste. Read more.
Repair stuff
There was a time when things did not become obsolete after just a few years; they were built to last, and we fixed them when they broke. We can support the movement to influence manufacturers to make sustainable, repairable products, and visit local Repair Cafés where clever, friendly people help us fix our items. Read more.
Borrow stuff
We all own gadgets, home appliances, and tools that take up space and are rarely used. Instead of owning everything individually, we can borrow items like drills or carpet cleaners from family, friends, or a local library. If we need a vehicle, we can even skip car ownership entirely by using peer-to-peer rental services. Find out more about borrowing items and car sharing.
Buy second-hand clothes
Fashion is the world’s second-largest polluter. Billions of garments are produced annually, yet the average person only wears a tiny fraction of their wardrobe regularly. We can break this cycle by buying less, mending what we have, hosting clothes swaps, and utilising online markets or the excellent charity shops on our high street.
Save water
We use millions of litres of pristine, drinkable water to water plants, wash clothes, and flush toilets. We need to be bolder: we can wash our clothes less often, wash ourselves at the sink with a flannel on days when we have not worked up a sweat, and consider flushing the toilet less frequently when home alone. It is about saving the planet one small step at a time. Read more.
Donate to an environmental charity
A growing movement is working to raise awareness of the climate crisis and engage us in practical action. There are brilliant large organisations fighting for environmental justice, as well as smaller, local groups promoting community renewable energy schemes. All of them welcome one-off investments or regular donations to support their vital work. Read more.
Insulate your home
The greenest energy is the energy we do not use in the first place. Properly insulating our homes keeps the heat inside, lowers our carbon footprint, and significantly reduces energy bills. Financial support and advice are widely available to help make our homes more energy-efficient. Read more.
Go green on energy
The UK has officially closed its last coal-fired power station, and clean energy sources now account for a massive portion of our electricity. We can get with the programme by switching to a 100% renewable energy provider. Monitoring a smart meter, switching off appliances instead of leaving them on standby, and opting for an airfryer over the oven are easy ways to save money whilst saving the planet.
Read more.
Ditch the car
Cars are undeniably useful, especially for families, older individuals, or those living in areas with poor public transport. However, if we live in areas with exceptional public transport links, we should consider selling our vehicles and relying on walking, cycling, buses, or trains. If that is not possible, we can still be more thoughtful - walking short distances for essentials or train-booking ahead for longer trips makes a massive difference.
Have Hope!
Amongst all the challenges we face, what matters most is that we maintain hope. We can be deeply hopeful because the future is not yet written, and we have the power to shape it. By taking action and making small, manageable changes today, we can successfully avoid the massive, disruptive changes later. Let us influence others and build a better Norwood and planet together.