Fly less
Reducing flying is the single most effective lifestyle action. A longhaul flight can release 5 tonnes of CO2 and a short haul flight 0.6 tonnes. Frequent-flying “super emitters” are just 1% of the world’s population but caused half of aviation emissions in 2018, whilst almost 90% of the population didn’t fly at all. Stopping flying altogether may be hard for people with family overseas (‘love miles’) so holidays might be a good place to start.
Go car free
Sometimes it is hard to avoid driving since our society has been built around the car. Advocacy power is vital for getting better alternatives. However, for most people, many car journeys are optional. Public transport fares are far higher than they should be, but it also costs around £2000 a year to run a car. Google maps will show you how to get to places by public transport. Though rural routes will be a challenge as many places are not served by a regular bus service.
You can walk or cycle, or join a car club. One car club vehicle typically displaces 20 private vehicles. There are many established car club companies or websites that let you rent local people’s cars (you can rent out your car too). Or start a community car club by informally sharing a vehicle/s with friends or neighbours. Car sharing halves the emissions per person, or reduces them even more if you pile four people in! Use a lift-sharing website to find people who travel the same route as you.
Switch to an electric car
The advantages of using an electric car are compelling. Firstly, the cost savings associated with electric vehicles contribute to financial well-being. While the initial purchase price may be higher, electric cars often have lower operating costs. Charging an electric vehicle is generally cheaper than refueling a traditional gasoline car, and the maintenance requirements are often reduced, leading to long-term savings for the owner.
A new Nissan Leaf pays back its embodied carbon in less than 13000 miles or two years of driving.
UK Government/BEIS
Electric cars offer a more environmentally conscious transportation option. By driving an electric vehicle, individuals directly contribute to reducing air pollution and their carbon footprint. The absence of tailpipe emissions enhances local air quality, making electric cars a cleaner and healthier choice. At a personal level, driving an electric car reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship, allowing individuals to align their lifestyle choices with sustainability goals. Overall, the advantages of electric car usage extend beyond economic considerations, providing individuals with an opportunity to contribute positively to both their personal finances and the broader environmental landscape.
Resources and links
- Flight-free travel across Europe
- Local car hire
- Lift share
- Community transport association
- Setting up a community car scheme – advice from Somerset Council
- Cycle Together – Frome Town Council
- Drive-Green – your local EV specialist
- Pledge to go flight-free
- Get help planning 100% flight-free holidays across the UK and Europe
- Green Commute Initiative
- Get inspired to get on your bike with tips on routes, local groups, and organised rides
- Sustrans – Find a route on the National Cycle Network
- Creating a network of walking routes that connect all of Britain’s towns, cities, and national parks
- CoMoUK – The National Charity for Sharded Transport
- Campaign for Better Transport