We want to create a cleaner and greener Rotherham and a key part of this is reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the borough, which is something we can all contribute to.
Here are some tips on how we can all help tackle the climate crisis, as individuals, in the community and for businesses. Many of these actions also have cost saving benefits too.
What we can do as individuals
- Check your own environmental impact and get tips on how to reduce it using the WWF’s footprint calculator.
- Switch to a renewable electricity tariff.
- Consider where you could reduce energy within your home – take a look at the Energy Saving Trust’s tips.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle your waste – check what goes in each bin. You can find out more about recycling on the Recycle Now website.
- Think about how you travel – is walking, cycling or public transport an option?
- Think about your food: reduce food waste; consider if you could reduce the amount of meat and dairy you eat; and buy food locally – Rotherham Markets are a great place to start.
- If you have a garden take a look at these wildlife friendly gardening tips, or even grow your own vegetables.
- If possible, repair old or broken items. Borrow items from friends and neighbours or consider buying second hand.
- Reduce water use – take a look at Yorkshire water’s easy tips to save water.
- Use your local library – you can borrow books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines and more for free from Rotherham Libraries.
What we can do in our communities
- Get your friends and family involved with being more climate friendly.
- Consider volunteering to help improve our local environment. There are opportunities at Love Where You Live, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust and Voluntary Action Rotherham.
- Speak to your school about getting involved in climate-friendly initiatives such as the Schools Climate Education South Yorkshire conference, Eco Schools or the Let’s Go Zero campaign.
What you can do as a business
- Sign up to the Rotherham Climate and Nature Charter. The charter gives businesses and other organisations the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the climate and nature emergencies.
- Take a look at the government’s UK Business Climate Hub website for lots of advice, free tools and training.
- Carry out an energy audit to understand where you could save energy or switch to renewable energy.
- Look at your supply chain and consider if you could switch to more sustainable suppliers or use more local companies.
- Consider setting up a cycle to work scheme for employees.
- Carry out a waste audit to understand if your business could recycle more waste.
- Consider whether you can reduce commuting and business travel by hybrid working or encouraging staff to travel by active travel or car sharing.