Advice for residents

In 2019, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils declared a climate emergency, which kickstarted our journey towards finding innovative solutions to tackle climate change at a local level and slash our carbon emissions to net zero by 2030.

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.

Save energy, carbon and money at home

• Work out your individual impact by using the carbon footprint calculator
• Switch to a green energy provider
• Ensure your home is well insulated
• Service your boiler regularly
• Help, support and advice for saving energy
• Suffolk's Warm Homes Healthy People project helps vulnerable people and families make their homes cheaper to heat
• Warm Homes Suffolk
• 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
• Visit Food Savvy for food waste reduction tips
• 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 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.
• Sharing, making, fixing, up-cycling, re-purposing and composting are all good habits to get into.

Encourage wildlife in 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
• Find volunteering opportunities near you
• Join a local Community Climate Group (link to community groups page)
• Become a Plastic Action Champion to motivate others to reduce their dependency on single-use stuff
• Organise a litter pick in your local area