How to live a more sustainable life

Everything we do has an environmental impact, there are things we can all do to help the environment and live a more sustainable life.

Recycle, reuse and compost

You can reduce your waste through recycling and re-using items by:

• recycling items at council recycling sites and other companies. For example donating to charity shops or putting your spare elastic bands in a post box for the Post Office to reuse
• try home composting, this will reduce your waste and help with home growing food and plants. Help to pay for composting
• using reusable nappies, we can help towards the cost of reusable nappies

Be smart with your energy use

Reduce your energy bills, enjoy a warmer home when you need it and cut your carbon emissions by making some simple changes:

• understand your thermostats or heating controls, this can make a big difference to your bills
• draught proof your home
• fit low-energy light bulbs
• switch off appliances instead of keeping them on standby this could save you up to £35 per year
• check your home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), decode your home’s EPC and follow the recommendations to reach the next band
• check quick tips from The Energy Saving Trust to saving energy
• consider better insulation or an electric heat pump. You may be able to get a grant to help you cover some of the cost. Always use a TrustMark registered provider or tradesperson

Use less water

Thames Water have created an online water calculator to help you to work out how much water and energy you use every year.

It will also give you water and energy saving tips along the way, such as:

• alternative ways to use water that would normally be wasted
• store rainwater in a water butt which you can use to water your garden
• take the 4-minute shower challenge to save water, energy and time

Choose sustainable travel

Get active and try to walk and cycle where possible.

As well as being better for the environment, this will also help to improve your health and save you money.

You can:

• cycle in Barnet, try our safety courses to make sure you stay safe when cycling
• consider car sharing or buying an electric vehicle, you can apply for a government grant to help towards the cost, charge points are available across Barnet
• use public transport where possible, use the TfL journey planner to find the most efficient route
• walking is a great way to get more exercise in to your day, helping to improve your health and wellbeing

Make Barnet even greener

Planting trees, plants and grass in your front and back garden allows water to drain into the earth, rather than running into the sewers.

Keep wild areas and plant wildflowers. This is good for animals, insects and bees.

Try not to concrete front gardens or use a permeable material instead of concrete.