What can we do personally to combat climate change?

Calculate your carbon footprint The average person in the UK produces 12.5 tonnes of CO2 p.a. 2.9 tonnes (~23%) are used up in the home 2 tonnes (~16%) is used up in the food we eat tonnes (~26.5%) is used up on transport. To check your carbon footprint go to:

What can we do? Personally In the home At work or at school Transport

Personally Invest in rainforests Have two children or less Minimise the consumption of meat Grow your own vegetables Shower rather than bath, save water and electricity

At home Take electrical items from standby when not in use and unplug chargers Only use lights when necessary and use low energy light bulbs Create a composting heap and do not waste food wherever possible – buy chickens!

Making the home more energy efficient Cavity wall insulation Draft excluders Loft insulation Only use energy companies that are committed to generating energy by green methods, such as EDF An uninsulated house loses 33% of heat through its roof

Appliances Choose A+ or A++ electrical goods Only buy goods if they are practical for your home Avoid using tumble dryers when necessary

At school or work Use paper recycling facilities, eg. recycling points near printers Only print documents if absolutely necessary Turn on energy saving on computers Live as close to work as possible Ask schools to provide more reusable items instead of disposable ones, eg. bottled water Try to implement ecoschools

Transportation Set up a car share scheme eg. Yeovil to Sherborne or vice versa Avoid one passenger car journeys Get rid of one car/buy a car with a smaller engine Use public transport when available Walk and cycle more Take holidays more locally and avoid flying

What can we ask the government to do? Subsidise public transport Fine supermarkets who continue to give out free carrier bags Set up more Area Partnerships which focus on the environment Educate people on the things that can be done to combat climate change – climate change is happening