East Suffolk Council
Tackling climate change at home
In 2019 East Suffolk Council declared a climate emergency. As part of this the council is working to reduce its own carbon emissions.
To tackle climate change we all need to take action. So, what can residents do? If we all make small changes in our behaviour we can start to make a big difference.
If applicable, residents, businesses and organisations could consider the following suggestions:
Save energy, carbon and money at home
- Switch to a green energy provider
- Ensure your home is well insulated
- Help, support and advice for keeping warm and saving energy
- Suffolk's Warm Homes Healthy People project helps vulnerable people and families make their homes cheaper to heat
- More information on home improvements relating to energy and insulation can be found on the Low Impact Living – Green Suffolk website
- Service your boiler regularly
- Turn down your thermostat and use smart controls
- Choose low energy appliances - look for A+ ratings
- Turn off appliances rather than leaving them on standby
- Wash clothes on a cool setting and air dry
Eat less meat and more vegetables
This is good for both your health and the planet. It could also reduce your food bills.
- Eat more meat-free meals
- If eating meat, try to source local, higher welfare produce
- Buy local whenever possible
- Plan your meals and reduce waste
- Try growing your own fruit and vegetables
Consider your travel plans
- Reduce single occupancy car journeys - try car sharing
- Check SuffolkCarShare.com to find people to share with
- Cycle or walk locally. Maps showing safe cycle routes in Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Halesworth, Beccles, Lowestoft, Ipswich and other towns in Suffolk can be found at Suffolk on Board
- If you're travelling longer distances, use public transport if possible
- If you're replacing your car, consider an electric or hybrid vehicle
- Green Suffolk’s Journey Planning webpages are designed to help those considering leaving the car at home make informed choices about other ways to commute, explore and get about
- Reduce your air travel
Consume less, waste less
- Reduce, reuse and recycle so you produce less waste
- Make sure you are getting your recycling right
- Bring home less packaging by getting your own containers refilled. Many local shops now offer refills for products including dry foods, tea, cleaning products, and toiletries. See the Suffolk Refill Directory for details of participating shops and vendors near you.
- Sharing, making, fixing, up-cycling, re-purposing and composting are all good habits to get into. Consult the Suffolk Recycling A – Z for ideas around reducing and reusing a wide range of items, as well as how and where to recycle them
Encourage wildlife to your garden
- Plant species which encourage insects, particularly bees, and other wildlife to your garden. If you don’t have a garden, even a window box or hanging basket can help
- Plant trees - they are effective at absorbing carbon dioxide
- Create other wildlife habitats in your garden using insect hotels, ponds or by allowing organic material to decompose
- Install nesting boxes for birds and swifts, or roosting boxes for bats
- Provide food, and clean fresh water, for birds and hedgehogs
- More ideas about actions you can take to help wildlife at home is available from the Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Get involved
- Engage with your community - there are many local organisations that need help
- Join the East Suffolk Greenprint Forum and stay informed about local community environmental initiatives and events
- Become a Plastic Action Champion to motivate others to reduce their dependency on single-use stuff
- Organise a litter pick in your local area
- Support a local grass-roots community group