We can all take steps to live more sustainably and reduce our environmental impact. Many of these actions not only help the planet but can also lead to financial savings, improved well-being, and a healthier lifestyle.
If you're unsure where to start, try making small, manageable changes that fit into your daily routine. Even minor adjustments can add up over time and make a real difference.
Calculate and cut your carbon footprint
Understanding your impact is the first step towards reducing it.
- Use the Essex County Council carbon cutting app – calculate your carbon footprint and find tailored ways to reduce it.
- Explore the Essex climate advice packs – these include a general advice pack, an easy-read version, and tailored packs for residents, businesses, schools, and early years and childcare settings.
Save energy at home
Reducing your energy use at home can lower bills and cut emissions.
- Retrofit your home – use the government’s Energy Certificate Finder to check your home’s energy rating and get suggestions for improvements, such as improve insulation, upgrade windows, and consider renewable energy technologies like solar panels.
- Take advantage of grants – find out about available funding for energy-efficient home improvements, such as Help to Heat funding.
- Adopt energy-saving habits – follow simple tips such as turning off standby appliances, switching to LED bulbs, and reducing heating use.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Minimising waste and recycling properly help reduce emissions and landfill waste.
- Use recycling bins correctly – check Harlow’s bin collection dates and what items you can recycle and how.
- Reduce food waste and start composting – learn more about reducing food waste, such as how to store food properly and use leftovers creatively and purchase a reduced-price compost bin to turn any remaining food waste into nutrient-rich compost.
- Repair and reuse items – instead of throwing away broken household items or worn clothing, consider repairing or repurposing them or find a nearby community repair café.
Travel more sustainably
Switching to active or low-emission transport reduces pollution and congestion.
- Walk or cycle when possible – check out the latest Harlow cycling map to see available cycle paths.
- Use public or shared transport – explore bus services across Harlow and Essex, train routes, and car-sharing schemes such as Liftshare.
- Switch to an electric vehicle (EV) – locate Harlow’s EV charging points on an interactive map or check if you’re eligible for support through the government’s EV Chargepoint Grant.
Support biodiversity and green spaces
Helping nature thrive benefits the environment and local wildlife.
- Plant bee-friendly flowers or trees – support pollinators and improve biodiversity by learning more about the best plants for bees.
- Join a community garden or allotment – engage with local sustainability groups to grow food and plants, whilst learning more about the environment and nature.
- Explore, protect, and enjoy local green spaces – learn more about Harlow’s parks, how they’re being preserved and what’s on in these green spaces.
Get involved in community projects
Taking action together creates a bigger impact.
- Volunteer for sustainability initiatives – find opportunities to help with conservation and local green projects, such as Harlow Conservation and Wildspace! volunteers.
- Join local environmental groups and projects – connect with others working on sustainability and climate action in Harlow or join group tasks such as litter picks.