On this page you will find resources below that can help you to live more sustainably and be better for the environment.
Energy advice services for the West of England
The Centre for Sustainable Energy currently offers free energy advice services for the West of England and Somerset area, with targeted additional support for more vulnerable households. You can find out about these services by clicking here.
Smart Meters
Smart meters put consumers in control of their energy use, allowing them to adopt energy efficiency measures that can help save money on their energy bills and offset price increases.
The Government have put together a website to explain all about Smart Metres, which you can find here.
Citizens Advice have a tool that can tell you what type of smart meter you have in your home and if it’s working in smart mode.
You can use the tool by clicking here.
Waste and Recycling
Here is the information for waste and recycling services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
For those who live in Bristol
and
those who live in South Gloucestershire
Volunteering
There are many interesting ways to do you bit for the planet, one of them is volunteering! You can find some of those opportunities below.
Green Peace: Groups do all sorts of things, but they all have one common goal: defending our planet. You can click here to find out more about what they are doing in Bristol.
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV): Join thousands of people and communities across the UK, connecting to nature on their doorsteps and contributing to its protection. Take a look at this page to see what’s going on in the South West and how you can get involved.
Be greener with your internet surfing!
When surfing the internet you can help the planet! Ecosia is a search engine. It donates 80% of its profits to nonprofit organizations that focus on reforestation.
Buying locally sourced food and Healthy Eating
Food production is a major driver of wildlife extinction. What we eat contributes around a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for almost 60% of global biodiversity loss.
Farming animals for meat and dairy requires space and huge inputs of water and feed. Today, one of the biggest causes of forest loss is the expansion of agricultural land for animal feed production. Meat produces more carbon dioxide than plants such as vegetables, grains and legumes.
Moving away from a meat-dominated diet towards a more plant-based diet can reduce environmental impact. Vegetarian and vegan foods are rising and becoming far more common in restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Also, cutting down on meat and dairy products can reduce your weekly food bills.
The BBC Good Food website have a helpful article with some tips on how to eat more locally sustainable food.
It’s important to eat a healthy and balanced diet that also benefits the environment! Here is the UK Government Eat Well guide infographic to help.
Shopping at an independent store or farm shop is an amazing way to support sustainable food producers and foster your local economy. The Soil Association have produced a list of local organic farms to buy directly from, you can find them here.
Travelling Responsibly
Travelling responsibly is one of the most efficient ways of lowering your environmental impact. This means choosing a more sustainable way to get from A to B whenever you can by walking or cycling.
Transport is one of the most polluting sectors in the UK. But holidaying closer to home can greatly impact your carbon footprint. One short-haul return flight can account for 10% of your yearly carbon emissions; long-haul flights can completely determine your carbon impact. You can check out your travel carbon footprint here.
If you have the time, you can usually get trains to European destinations to cut your carbon footprint. Get creative and try to find alternate ways to travel.
If you choose to go abroad and want to see the local wildlife, consider how to go about it ethically. Attractions involving being able to pet, hold or feed animals for money are generally a no-go. Be wary of attractions involving any unnatural interactions with animals. As a rule, observe animals from afar in their natural habitat and look to support local conservation projects. (Source WWF)
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone
The Government set legal limits for pollution and has introduced a Clean Air Zone to ensure Bristol meets those limits within the shortest possible time. Bristol’s zone has been in place since summer 2022. You can find out more whether or not you have to pay by clicking here.
