Have you considered any diet or lifestyle changes as we start 2025?
As well as health and budgetary reasons, there are changes we can make that are good for the climate although we need to bear in mind the big picture too. Pushing responsibility for the climate crisis onto individuals has been a key tactic of fossil fuel companies reluctant to make changes to their business models and huge profits. We urgently need massive systemic changes away from fossil fuels and excessive consumption, but changes from individuals can also make a difference, especially when taken up by large numbers.
If you’re up for making radical changes, be encouraged that these can make the largest impacts and go for it. If you’re keen to take others with you, or you’re less convinced about making major changes yourself then perhaps some of the more moderate changes below may be more doable. We’ve tried to phrase things in a way that acknowledges some of the challenges and recognises the value of steps in the right direction, and will be shareable with friends and family to widen your impact.
Avoiding flying is probably the one choice that reduces greenhouse gas emissions the most, if someone has been a frequent flyer. This may be a more difficult decision for someone with close family or friends in other distant countries, but reducing the number of flights for business or pleasure can have a big impact. Check out Flight Free UK for inspiration and tips on grounded holidays.
Plant rich diets or going vegan would be the next most impactful choice for most people, although it depends on your current diet. For someone used to eating lots of meat and dairy, reducing their meat consumption by half would have a larger effect than an occasional meat eater cutting out meat and dairy entirely. Eating more plants is a good choice for nearly everyone, but for some the challenge of eating vegan for January is a good way to kick start new habits, see Veganuary.com. Finding more meat-free food choices you enjoy and that work for you and your family may be an easier transition towards a more climate-friendly diet.
Switching to a fossil-free bank is a simple and impactful choice, particularly for those with more money in the bank. Choosing a bank which matches your ethical values makes a lot of sense, and there are alternatives with high street branches and good online banking which do not fund new fossil-fuel projects. Check out The Big Bank Switch – our campaign with friends from JustMoney Movement.
Going electric can substantially reduce your household greenhouse gas emissions, if you choose a tariff which uses renewable energy. Replacing gas or oil with electric heating such as an air source heat pump has the biggest impact, along with generating electricity through solar panels and battery storage. However you can also make smaller impactful changes by ensuring your home is well insulated and energy efficient. Find out more about air source heat pumps and other home energy solutions at Energy Saving Trust.
Supporting sustainable farming could mean choosing organic options and looking out for other indicators that produce is farmed in a sustainable way. LEAF marque is an environmental assurance system recognising more sustainably farmed products. Getting to know local farmers at farmers markets may also help you find out more about their methods and ethics. Sometimes these options are more expensive, but eating less, higher quality & welfare meat for example can be a balanced choice. Check out our new resources on sustainable farming available here.
Going car-free can be another significant choice for climate impact, which may be easier depending on your lifestyle or location. For those who need a car, choosing electric models is becoming more affordable and significantly decreases the day-to-day climate impact of your travel once the initial higher impact costs of manufacturing the vehicle have been absorbed. Using more public transport, car-sharing and exploring car clubs are other ways of reducing the climate impact of your travel. Check out Sustrans for tips on walking, wheeling and cycling more and campaigns for transport and planning policy that put people first.
Reducing food waste is an important climate solution as around a third of food is currently wasted, along with all the emissions involved in growing and transporting it. Avoiding over-purchasing and over-catering have benefits for budgets as well as the planet, but finding ways to use leftovers and using food before it spoils are also important. Supporting projects which redistribute food to those who need it or which help people cook healthy meals are other ways of reducing food waste at a neighbourhood level. Find more ideas at Love Food Hate Waste and London’s The Felix Project.
Pushing for systemic change is one of the most important things we can do for the climate. We need our MPs to support the Climate and Nature Bill on Friday 24th January – please contact your MP and ask them to support it. You can also sign up to join our Bright Now Campaigners network where you will receive updates and opportunities on ways to take action throughout the year. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025.
