5 things you can do to tackle the climate crisis

By Jennifer, Climate Cymru Ambassador

We can all help to tackle the climate crisis by adjusting the small things in our day-to-day lives. From buying ethical consumer goods (to reduce pollution through airmiles and packaging), to writing a note to your local MP.

It’s important to remember that our lifestyle habits can have a big impact on businesses and policymakers. By showing how our priorities and lifestyle habits are shifting, together we can update business operations to ensure that the health of the planet is central to future agendas and international laws.

So, what day-to-day changes can we all make to tackle the climate crisis?

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1. Think about the source of the products you purchase

Our partners, The Size of Wales, reference the fact that ‘large-scale commercial agriculture and subsistence agriculture accounted for 73 percent of deforestation in tropical and subtropical countries’.

So, take a moment to think about where your product comes from. Anything from beef and soy milk to timber for construction, is it produced ethically? Has the land been unlawfully invaded by businesses looking to make a profit? Are local communities paid a fair wage? Are they being empowered to develop their community? Buying fair trade products ensures that everything about the product is as ethical as it can be.

If you want to read more about the impact of food choices here in Wales click here.

2. Off-set your carbon footprint

Although there was a large decrease in air travel at the beginning of the pandemic, carbon is still being released into the atmosphere from other forms of travel and manufacturing processes. Planting trees is a great way to off-set your carbon footprint and keep our air clean. Why not research what type of tree is best for your area, so it can support wildlife and ecology too? Even if you don’t have a garden or outdoor space, you can volunteer with a local woodland group.

3. Write to your local MP

Every voice matters. Contact your local MP online or write them a letter to highlight environmental issues in your area. Have you been affected by climate change such as heatwaves or flash flooding? Are houses and public buildings in your area efficient on energy? How could your infrastructure improve, perhaps you would you like more green space for wildlife and woodland?

If you need a helping hand with starting your letter, here are some useful links:

https://www.writetothem.com/

https://www.theclimatecoalition.org/write-to-your-mp

You can also add your voice to our #ClimateCymru campaign here.

4. Reduce your waste

In a consumerism culture, we are continuously buying products and ‘upgrading’ what we had before. Whether it’s a phone, bike, car, or house, do you really need a new one? It is impossible to give a straightforward answer to this question, because it covers a whole range of material items. However, one thing we can do easily, is ensure the waste of the ‘old’ product is dealt with in an environmentally friendly way and not buried in the ground. Swap cling film for re-usable beeswax wraps, a bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic, or a bar of soap instead of a bottle. There are even shampoo bars now – the possibilities are limitless!…

5. Stay updated on climate progress and challenges

With the advancement of technology, news updates from all around the world are at our fingertips. It’s easier than ever to research, share and interact with information about climate change. Make sure that you keep yourself informed, so you can talk about it with friends and family too. However, always ensure the source of information is from a reputable organization, to make sure that it is credible.

Our campaign, Climate Cymru, aims to protect the Wales we love for future generations. We’re gathering voices from all around Wales to hear what you love the most – from our seas to woodlands! We’re then aiming to take these to COP26. 

Tell us what matters to you and add your voice here.