Summers are getting hotter – the Met Office has announced 2025 to be the hottest UK summer on record, averaging 16.1°c, with the top five hottest summers all happening within the last 25 years. Heat stress affects human health; water scarcity, extreme conditions and season shift are affecting crop growth, food and water supplies and many species’ life cycles. Wildfires, habitat loss, pests and diseases expanding their range, means many more species now face extinction. Extreme weather damage to buildings and infrastructure also has mounting financial implications. Dukeries Eco Watch have talked previously about more action being needed by governments to mitigate changes we are already seeing happen, but there are many small steps we, ourselves, can take to avoid or lessen the effects of climate change in our own lives. We’ve put together a few suggestions:
- Reduce our use of scarce resources – be fashionably unfashionable instead of following trends or having to have the latest and the best. Recycle, reuse and repair items rather than discard.
- Limit consumption of energy – saves money as well as carbon emissions! Tried and trusted ways to improve home energy efficiency are insulating walls, floors, and roof, and draught-proofing windows and doors. Choose energy-efficient appliances and replace old incandescent bulbs with LEDs. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, use a lid on pans when cooking, wash laundry in cooler water and dry outdoors. Switch to a green energy plan with your supplier that supports renewable energy sources like wind or install solar panels to generate your own clean energy.
- Be weather aware – extreme weather can affect health, particularly in young and elderly people. In heatwaves, wear sun screen and a hat and drink plenty of water and take care in winter, particularly after snowfalls and in icy weather when we are prone to falls. Transport services may be disrupted; winds can bring down power lines and water pipes may freeze during cold periods. Be aware of vulnerable members of your family and community.
- Water conservation is becoming essential. We can help by taking shorter showers and not letting water run while brushing teeth. We can retain moisture in garden soil by using mulch, pebbles, gravel, chipped bark, or grass clippings. Connect water butts to drainpipes – rainwater collected can be used to water plants and wash the car. Fully load dishwashers and washing machines, or set for the size of load, before switching on. A dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres a week, so taps should be fully turned off and leaky taps fixed.
- Adapt our diets – temperature changes, weather and transportation issues are affecting food supplies, while meat and dairy are heavily water-intensive and producing soy-based animal feed has caused massive deforestation too. We can help by reducing meat and dairy consumption and increasing locally sourced and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Planning meals and storing food properly avoids waste. If possible, grow your own and pass any surplus to your neighbours.
- Think about what you wear – clothing has a huge impact in water use, transport emissions and landfill pollution. Extend garment life and reduce demand for new by buying pre-owned clothing from thrift stores or online marketplaces. Wash clothes in cooler water and air dry. Organise clothing swaps with friends or families, mend clothes instead of throwing them away and explore upcycling to give old garments a new look. If you do buy new, buy fewer but better-quality clothes that are more durable and last longer. Find brands that are sustainable. Opt for natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp, and linen, that will eventually break down naturally, or materials made from recycled content. Donate good quality unwanted items to charities and send stained / unwearable items to local textile recycling programs.
- Choose transport wisely– we can make a big difference by choosing to walk or bike for short distances. For longer commutes or trips, use public transportation, carpool, or consider an electric or hybrid vehicle. Holiday in the UK instead of abroad and reduce flights.
Making small tweaks in our everyday lives can not only cut our costs but brighten our future! For more information, find us on Facebook: Dukeries Eco Watch.