You made it here. We salute you. It’s 2020 and we’re all looking for ways to do our bit to reduce our impact. 

Research suggests, at a personal level there are four most impactful actions when it comes to reducing your footprint:

1/ Eat a plant based diet 

Plants are really having their moment in the sun. It’s simple, less industrial meat farming means less CO2. 

According to some estimates, beef gives off more than 6 pounds of CO2 per serving as compared to beans, legumes, apples and potatoes that are estimated at less than half a pound. 

For those that struggle to kick meat completely, making a simple switch such as the #MeatFreeMonday movement or not eating meat during the week, could be a great way to start. 

2/ Fly less

The fly less movement is becoming so trendy, the Swedes had to go and invent some new words for it. Flygskam for “flight-shame” and Tågskryt for “train brag”. 

If, like us, you enjoy a bit of Hygge in your life, maybe Flygskam could be the next Scandi trend for you. 

There are definitely flights we can’t avoid taking though, so where possible, research your airline and fly with those making steps to improve. 

3/ Live Car Free

If you can walk, cycle or take public transport it can have a big impact on your carbon footprint. Research shows that living car free saves about 2.4 tons of CO2 per year.  

4/ Have a smaller family 

Bah-humbug. Of course, if someone doesn’t exist they don’t have a carbon footprint, but what’s the world coming to if you’re having to choose between having more bambinos or protecting the planet. For this, we suggest instead to make yourself heard to influence systems change at a global level. Pressure your government and the businesses you buy from to take action on the climate crisis. More power to the uncooperative crusties!

Big change starts with small steps and though these four actions may seem overwhelming remember that every action, no matter how big or small, can help when it comes to your footprint. 

Two big easy wins from the team at Homethings are to switch your suppliers. Switching your energy supplier and your bank could have a big impact. For your energy supplier we recommend bulb or Octopus. For your bank we recommend switching to Triodos or Monzo. 

Here’s to us all doing our bit. 

To hear Loïs talk more about the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, click the video below.