What can I do?

Everyone can help limit climate change. From the way we travel, to the electricity we use and the food we eat, we can make a difference.

Save energy at home

Much of our electricity and heat is powered by coal, oil and gas. Use less energy by lowering your heating and cooling, switching to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances, washing your laundry with cold water or hanging things to dry instead of using a dryer.

Walk, cycle or take public transport

The world’s roads are clogged with vehicles, most of them burning diesel or petrol. Walking or riding a bike instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions – and help your health and fitness. For longer distances, consider taking a train or bus. And carpool whenever possible.

Find out more about Bradford District active travel, public transport and under the cycling heading the sports and leisure pages. 

Consider your travel

Aeroplanes burn large amounts of fossil fuels, producing significant greenhouse gas emissions. That makes taking fewer flights one of the fastest ways to reduce your environmental impact. When you can, meet virtually, take a train or skip that long-distance trip altogether.

Switch to an electric vehicle

If you plan to buy a car, consider going electric, with more and cheaper models coming on the market. Even if they still run on electricity produced from fossil fuels, electric cars help reduce air pollution and cause significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

Eat more vegetables

Eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and less meat and dairy, can significantly lower your environmental impact. Producing plant-based foods generally results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land and water.

Throw away less food

When you throw food away, you're also wasting the resources and energy that were used to grow, produce, package and transport it. And when food rots in a landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. So use what you buy and compost any leftovers.

Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle

Electronics, clothes and other items we buy cause carbon emissions at each point in production, from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing and transporting goods to market. To protect our climate, buy fewer things, shop second-hand, repair what you can and recycle.

Change your home's source of energy

Ask your utility company if your home energy comes from oil, coal or gas. If possible, see if you can switch to renewable sources such as wind or solar. Or install solar panels on your roof to generate energy for your home.

Cut down on single-use plastics

Swap disposable items for reusable alternatives—water bottles, shopping bags, and coffee cups.

Advocate and educate

Talk to friends and family about climate issues, support policies that promote sustainability, and vote for climate-conscious leader.

Take a look at some of these suggestions:

  • BankGreen is a project that exposes the fossil fuel financing of banks and helps you switch to green banking
  • Ecosia community is the planet's largest tree-planting movement, making a difference every day.
  • Aire Rivers Trust is the only charity dedicated to improving the rivers and becks in the Aire valley.

Offset carbon emissions

Participate in tree-planting initiatives or support carbon offset programs.

Talk to your local school

We have dedicated Climate Action resources hosted by Living Well Schools to support schools in making meaningful steps towards environmental sustainability, integrated into health and wellbeing for children and young people.

A key part of this approach is nurturing pupil leadership and voice through Eco Councils, which provide a valuable opportunity for pupils to lead on sustainability projects and influence decision-making.

Get involved in local activities

Contact your local area office to find out how you can get involved in Climate Action activities near you.

Bradford East

Bradford South

Bradford West

Keighley and Ilkley Area Co-ordinator's Office

Shipley Area Co-ordinator's Office

Stay connected

Sign up for our email updates about climate action

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