Many of the different ways to cut a tonne are about developing new habits, and what better time to start than at the beginning of the New Year? Our final idea to cut a tonne has ten habits to build this year. To cut a tonne, you need to keep these habits throughout the year. The steps are spread between the home, what you eat and how you get around.
At home
Try to recycle everything you can. Save on heating bills by taking a shorter shower, and for a big carbon and cost saving turn the thermostat down. Finally, always make sure you turn the lights off in unused rooms for small electricity savings but one that will keep you thinking about when you really need to beusing power.
What you eat
Eating with the seasons helps to reduce your food carbon footprint as in-season food is more likely to be grown using nature’s help and closer to home. It may well taste better too. For an even bigger saving cut back on red meat because beef and lamb have very high carbon footprints compared to other foods. You can also avoid palm oil, or look out for the sustainable version, which will help protect the rainforests as these are often cut down to make way for this productive but destructive, crop. Many foods that contain palm oil are unhealthy too.
Getting around
Getting public transport means lower carbon because you are sharing emissions with others. Trains are low carbon especially if they’re electric as well, allowing you to travel long distances quickly. Walking short distances is good for your health, and as lots of journeys are under one mile(1.6km), there are plenty of opportunities to do it. If you do drive, then drive more efficiently to save up to 20% off your fuel bills. As a final bonus step, try the before you buy checklist as often as you can. The amount of carbon and cash you save will be all about how often it helps you make a better decision, but it’ll ensure that you’re thinking about all your purchases with the planet in mind. Individually these steps help but building all these habits together will help you cut up to a tonne from your carbon footprint.