What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases we produce through our daily actions. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
We measure these gases using carbon dioxide equivalent. This helps us compare the impact of different gases on global warming.
Everyday activities that burn fossil fuels such as driving, flying, cooking, or using electronics release greenhouse gases. These actions may seem small, but together they have a big impact. When one person makes a change, it can inspire others to do the same.
Reducing your carbon footprint helps fight climate change and can also save you money.
What you can do
Food, clothes, and consumer goods
- eat local and seasonal food
- cut down on meat, especially beef and lamb
- only buy what you need
- reduce food waste
- grow your own food if you can
- use reusable bags instead of plastic ones
- take care of your belongings like clothes and electronics
- recycle or donate old electronics
- buy second-hand or refurbished items
- rent items instead of buying them
Transport
- walk, cycle, or use public transport
- share car journeys with others
- fly less – if you must fly, stay longer
Energy and waste at home
- keep your home between 18°C and 20°C
- only heat the room you are using
- choose energy-efficient appliances
- turn off electronics at the wall
- use LED light bulbs
- improve insulation to keep heat in
- buy electricity from renewable sources or install renewable energy systems like solar panels or heat pumps
- follow the waste hierarchy: prevent, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose
UK climate change goals
The UK aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050. This is part of the Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener, which builds on the Climate Change Act 2008.
You can learn more about these national plans:
- Climate Change Act 2008
- Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener
- Powering Up Britain
- British Energy Security Strategy
Sustainable Warmth Scheme
We have secured funding through the Sustainable Warmth Scheme to help homes across the borough become greener and reduce fuel bills.
Find out more about the Sustainable Warmth Scheme