What you can do to help the environment

Everyone can play a part in protecting the planet. Small everyday actions - how we travel, eat, and shop - can add up to a significant impact when we act together.

Here are some practical ways you and your household can take climate action:

1. Eat for a healthy you and a healthy planet

Food production accounts for around 30% of the UK’s carbon emissions. Changing how and what we eat can benefit your health, the environment and your purse.

Simple ways to reduce your food-related emissions:

Eat more whole and seasonal foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables. What fruit and veg is in season when?
Waste less food - around 40% of food grown globally is never eaten so plan meals ahead and write a shopping list to ensure you don’t over buy. This will also help you save time and money. This food planner could help you organise meals for the week.
Eat less meat, or choose locally sourced meat, fruit and vegetables. See the Lanarkshire Climate Hub Interactive Map for local food-growing groups.
Cut back on processed and ultra processed foods, which use more resources to produce and often contain high levels of sugar, fat and salt.
Choose products with certified sustainability labels like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for fish or RSPCA Freedom Food for meat and eggs.

Find out more: Love Food Hate Waste offers practical advice to reduce food waste at home and how to save yourself time and money.

2. Reduce your energy use

Improving energy efficiency at home helps lower bills and reduce carbon emissions. Many actions are easy to implement.

Energy-saving tips:

Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Devices consume 75% of their electricity while they are turned off or in standby mode. You can purchase smart power strips that can automatically shut off power to devices that are not in use.
Switch to energy-efficient LED light bulbs
Buy appliances with the Energy Saving Trust recommended logo
Consider renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power
Insulate your home with measures such as loft insulation, draught-proofing, double glazing and thick curtains
Wash clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C
Don’t overheat your home and consider using smart heating controls. The Energy Saving Trust recommends heating your home to between 18-21 degrees Celsius during winter
Consider your water use

Water use accounts for 6% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. 1% of this is from the treatment and transport of water and waste water, and the remaining 5% is from the energy used to heat water in the home.

So saving water can save energy, which can help save money on your energy bills - it’s good for your pocket and the planet.

Showers and baths use the most amount of water in the home (30%). Knocking 2 minutes off your shower can save over 21,500 litres and at least £50 off your energy bill, each year.

Have shorter showers and where possible use your dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes. Dishwashers typically use less energy and hot water than hand washing.
Install water-efficient fixtures and fittings to avoid leaks and reduce the rate of flow from your shower and taps

Need support? Home Energy Scotland provides free advice and services, including thermal imaging to spot energy loss in your home.

Scottish Water provides more useful water saving advice.

3. Make environment-friendly choices in your home

With UK weather becoming more extreme - hotter summers and wetter winters - it’s important to adapt our homes. We can also take some small steps within the home to reduce our impact on the environment.

Things to consider:

Improve insulation and ventilation
Collect rainwater to use during dry periods or to avoid using clean fresh water for plants
Upgrade windows and doors or draught proof your current windows and doors to reduce heat loss
When making home upgrades choose durable materials designed for changing weather conditions
Replace chemical cleaners with natural alternatives or create your own
Create a pollinator friendly garden The best plants for bees and pollinators | The Wildlife Trusts
Grow indoor plants to improve air quality. Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while also filtering out toxins from the air. They can also boost your mood and overall well-being.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycling in the UK saves around 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year - equivalent to taking 5 million cars off the road. Reducing what we consume and reusing where possible makes an even bigger impact.

Steps you can take:

Use your recycling bins for paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and tins and cans. Check what can be recycled in your area
Buy fewer new items and choose second-hand alternatives where possible. Repair items instead of replacing them. Local charity Waist Not Want Not run workshops to learn mending skills
Donate or sell unwanted items rather than throwing them away or if they are unfit for resale recycle them at a local clothes bank. Use the Zero Waste Scotland Recycling Sorter to find out what can be recycled where
Choose high-quality, long-lasting products. Items may cost more initially but better-quality items washed right should last longer
Consider clothing rental services or second-hand shops to reduce fashion waste
Join local litter-picking groups
Opt for reusable products over single-use items. By investing in quality, reusable products, you not only save money in the long run but also support a lifestyle that minimises waste

5. Rethink how you travel

Transport contributes around 25% of global energy-related emissions. Reducing car use is one of the most effective ways to cut your carbon footprint.

Travel tips to reduce emissions:

Walk or cycle for short journeys when possible
Use public transport where available
Share car journeys with friends, neighbours or colleagues
Consider switching to an electric vehicle (EV). EVs produce up to two-thirds fewer emissions over their lifetime compared to petrol cars

Additional benefits of sustainable transport:

Improved air quality
Lower noise pollution
Better physical and mental health
Reduced travel costs

Find out more from Sustrans, the UK charity for sustainable transport.

6. Get involved in your community

Getting involved in local action is a great way to stay motivated, support others and often learn new skills.

Ways to get involved:
• Join local climate action groups or environmental initiatives.
• Volunteer with food-growing, repair cafes or clean-up events.
• Take part in tree planting or nature restoration activities.
• Support local, sustainable businesses and community projects.

Find a local group on the Lanarkshire Climate Hub Interactive Map