Lighten your step

How to reduce your Footprint

The everyday activities and choices we make in life cause carbon dioxide and other gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

In fact, the average UK resident emits more than 15 tonnes of CO₂ a year. This is below the per person emissions of countries such as the USA and Australia, but around four times as high as China’s average. To meet global targets, this must drop to 2-3 tonnes of CO₂ per year by 2050.

The good news is that there is a lot that we can do as individuals to lower our own carbon footprints – the amount of CO₂ that is emitted through our individual actions. Only one third of our emissions are from using electricity, gas and driving our cars. The other two thirds are caused when we buy and use products and services.

Emissions are released in creating, transporting and selling everything we buy. From the mining equipment used to extract the raw materials, to the electricity and gas used by the factory that makes the product, to the lorries that transport it (and the roads that the lorries use), and the shop that sells it, CO₂ is emitted when we use and then dispose of them. That’s why these daily purchase decisions have the biggest impact on our carbon footprints.

Did you know that food and drink is one of the top three carbon emitters? The footprint below shows the areas of our lives that create carbon emissions. Our homes make up the biggest part of our carbon footprint, but food and drink and travel follow close behind while recreation and other day-to-day activities also play a significant role.

The next graphic breaks down each activity, showing their relative carbon footprints. This can help us make some informed choices by managing and reducing our individual carbon emissions while still enjoying our lifestyles.

Note: 'Carbon' is used to refer to all gases that contribute to climate change. It is measured in tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide (tCO2e). Government and capital emissions have been reattributed to individuals' emissions.

Source: Carbon Trust SEI (2004 data) and BCG analysis.

In the home

Switching off lights when you're not in the room, only filling kettles with the water needed, turning the heating down by a degree. there are lots of simple actions that will reduce our annual carbon footprint. You can find out more from our sister agency at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

At work

It's as easy to cut carbon at work as it is at home. Turning off your computer when you leave, only printing what's absolutely necessary and making the most of natural light are just three ways. To read more, and receive a free starter pack of energy saving tips, click here.

Waste and recycling

How we dispose of things can also have an impact on climate change. At www.wrap.org.uk you can find advice and help on reducing waste and recycling more including how to make use of local resources to tackle climate change.

Calculate your carbon footprint

The first step to making a difference is to calculate your home and travel carbon footprint. Visit http://actonco2.direct.gov.uk/ to see how you can make further reductions.