Just how low can you go?
How can you have a low impact, low carbon lifestyle, without sacrificing comfort or principles? You can make a start by using the WWF Carbon Footprint Calculator. WWF: “Our world is in crisis - from climate change to the pollution in our oceans and devastation of our forests. It's up to all of us to fix it…”
We all know that we need to take steps towards a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle, but how do we go about this? One answer is ‘treading lightly’, an increasingly popular philosophy for reducing our carbon footprint and making a difference to our impact on the world.
An introduction to the 10 Principles of One Planet Living
One Planet Living is an approach to sustainability that sets out 10 principles for living within the means of our One Planet. It’s a practical framework for individuals, businesses and communities.
The 10 One Planet Living principles are:
1. Zero Carbon – we need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to stop climate change.
2. Zero Waste – we need to eliminate waste and move towards a circular economy.
3. Sustainable food – we need to produce healthy food, sustainably.
4. Local & Sustainable Transport – we need to move away from polluting, congested transport systems.
5. Sustainable Materials – we need to use sustainable materials in our products and buildings.
6. Nature & Biodiversity – we need to protect and restore nature.
7. Culture & Community – we need strong communities where people can thrive.
8. Equity & Local Economy – we need a fair distribution of resources with a thriving local economy.
9. Governance for Sustainability – we need effective governance at all levels.
10. One Planet Living for All - we must enable everyone to live well within planetary limits.
Implementing the Principles
'Low Impact, Low Carbon Living' is a term used to describe a lifestyle that minimizes your ecological and carbon footprint. It’s a way of living that isn’t contributing to the climate crisis.
There are many ways to live a low impact life, but some key things include eating less meat and dairy, wasting less food, driving less, flying less, and using less plastic.
You can also offset your carbon emissions by subscribing to approved carbon adaptation and offsetting schemes (not just rewilding or planting trees, or investing in renewable energy projects).
The goal of low impact living is to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and live a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a daunting task, but we all have to start somewhere. And remember, every little bit counts!
The benefits of low impact, Low Carbon Living
If everyone on the planet made a few simple changes, we could collectively make a huge difference. Here are some of the benefits of low impact, low carbon living:
- Saving money – low impact living can help save you money on your energy and water bills. It can also help you reduce your waste and become more efficient with the resources you use.
- Helping to conserve resources – by using less water, energy and other resources, you’ll be playing your part in helping to conserve them for future generations.
- Protecting wildlife – another benefit of low impact living is that it can help protect wildlife and their habitats. By using less water and energy, you’ll be reducing your reliance on fossil fuels which are a major cause of habitat destruction and climate change.
- Feel better – Not only is low impact living good for the environment, it’s also good for your health! By reducing your exposure to toxic chemicals, eating organic food and getting plenty of exercise, you’ll be feeling healthier and, hopefully, a lot happier, too.
Some more ideas…
Reduce, reuse, recycle: one of the best ways to reduce waste is to simply not create it in the first place. When you need something, see if you can borrow it from a friend or neighbour instead of buying it new. And when you no longer need something, donate it or sell it, so someone else can get use out of it.
Downsize your car: if you have a big car that guzzles fuel, trade it in for something smaller and more efficient. Walking or riding your bike when possible is also a great way to save resources and stay healthy.
Buy locally: instead of buying lots of small packages, buy larger sizes when possible, this usually saves money too. Buy hyper local seasonal produce; foods that are grown closer to home don’t have to travel and have a positive impact on local farmers and supplier chains.
Renewable Energy Alternatives
Renewable energy is a crucial part of the effort to reduce humanity’s impact on the environment. Renewables don’t pollute, they help diversify our energy sources and they provide jobs in the green economy. There are many types of renewable energy, including solar, wind, water (hydro), geothermal and biomass. Some of these can be used to generate electricity, while others can be used for heat or transportation fuels.
Solar energy comes from the sun and can be used to generate electricity or heat water. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity, while solar thermal systems use sunlight to heat water or air. Solar PV is a form of renewable energy, costs are falling as technology/efficiencies improves. (PRL recommends using battery storage, along with PV).
Wind energy can be used to generate electricity. Wind turbines capture kinetic energy from the wind and convert it into electrical energy. Wind power is one of the fastest-growing forms of renewable energy, with capacity increasing all the time - UK capacity is one of the largest in Europe.
Water power (tidal, river, hydro and dams) can be used to generate electricity or pump water. Smaller-scale hydropower systems can also be used to pump water for irrigation or domestic use.
Sustainable Building Practices
Sustainable building practices minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings and improve their energy efficiency.
One way to make a building more sustainable is to use green materials that have been sustainably sourced and have a low environmental impact. Some examples of green materials include bamboo, recycled plastic, and cork. Using green materials can help reduce the carbon footprint of a building and make it more environmentally friendly.
Improving insulation is another way to make a building more sustainable. Proper insulation helps keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer, which can save energy and money. It also helps reduce the amount of pollution created by heating and cooling systems.
Ecological agriculture and gardening practices
When it comes to ecological agriculture and gardening practices, there are a number of ways that you can help save the environment. One way is to choose plants that are native to your area. This will help to ensure that the plants are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions where you live, and that they require minimal amounts of water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Another way to reduce your impact on the environment is to compost your organic waste. This provides a nutrient-rich amendment for your garden soil, while also keeping organic waste out of landfills. You can also use mulch in your garden to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Finally, consider using sustainable gardening practices such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation. These can help you save water, which is a valuable resource in many parts of the world.
Carl Dodd, Property Revolutions Ltd.
