Personal action involves small changes anyone can make in their everyday lives which
will affect the lives of people across the globe. It’s also about personal choice:
what you feel you can do, how you feel you can do it, when you can and about what
you care about. You’re also in a position to educate others around you such as family
and friends.
Cut down on electricity use Around 45% of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions
actually come from energy we use every day - at home and when we travel. By turning
the TV off at the plug we could cut down on CO2 emissions and save money! This is
a small action which can make a big difference, especially if we all did it. Check
out: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Consumer power Food transportation is responsible for the UK adding
nearly 19 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year. Choosing
food that is grown locally and in season means it does not have to travel so far,
which can reduce CO2 emissions. You could buy other ethical produce such as ecover
cleaning products, jewellery and clothes. If you need a product which can’t be grown
here in the UK, then use your consumer power and buy Fairtrade. Fairtrade’s focus
is on helping farmers and workers improve the quality of their lives and take more
control over their futures. You can always buy second hand, start a swap shop or
boycott too!
Ethical banking Ever wondered how interest is gained on your money
in bank accounts? Did you know that banks invest in the arms trade, oil, nuclear
energy, GM crops, to name a few. Don’t like the sound of? Invest ethically with
banks like the Cooperative and Triodos.