100 green actions

Home

• switch traditional light bulbs to LED bulbs
• switch to a green electricity tariff – ask your provider or use a price comparison site
• if it’s not dirty, wash at 30 degrees
• open the blinds or curtains and use natural light instead
• unplug electronic devices when they aren’t in use
• hang-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer
• recycle more of your waste
• use a reusable water bottle
• insulate your house
• use old t-shirts for rags
• try turning your heating down by 1 degree
• turn off the tap when brushing
• think twice before hitting ‘print’
• reuse scrap paper
• fix those dripping taps or toilets
• don’t use a screen saver - use sleep mode
• always recycle glass (it takes a million years to decompose)
• shower rather than bathe
• put a lid on your pans so that food cooks quicker
• draft proof your doors, floorboards and windows
• put on an extra layer instead of turning up the heating
• recycle your birthday cards
• only boil the amount you need in the kettle.

Work

• turn off your computer and monitor when you leave work
• turn off your computer when you’re not using it
• open the blinds to let in the daylight
• open the window rather than turn on the fan
• aim for a paperless office
• reuse scrap paper
• use video and conference calls
• schedule more than one meeting per business trip
• use public transport where you can
• avoid rush hour - work from home
• leave a mug or glass at work instead of using single-use cups
• reduce your paper waste
• buy recycled and chlorine-free paper
• turn lights off when nobody is using a space
• get a plant and place it on or near your desk
• use a water hippo to reduce flushing
• pack your lunch in a reusable lunch bag or box
• delete files to save energy
• bring a jumper to work in winter (run a cooler office)
• last one out turns off the electrical equipment
• eat in, or bring your own, rather than using takeaway cutlery and containers
• follow the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• ask your pension scheme to invest in green industries
• ask your canteen to source locally.

Transport

• drive more slowly
• use cruise control
• try car sharing
• turn off your engine while queuing
• map a two-mile circle around your house and walk everywhere within it
• work from home one day each week if you can!
• ride a bike
• holiday in Kent this year
• open the car window rather than turning on the air con
• accelerate slowly
• anticipate stopping and brake gently
• travel by bus
• travel by train
• if you can walk or cycle to work
• consider switching to a plug-in electric or hybrid car
• avoid travelling by car at peak times to reduce congestion
• stay with family and friends on holiday
• plan your journey
• turn off your engine while queuing.

Food

• eat more locally sourced food
• reduce food waste
• make your own lunch – ditch the meal deal
• make meals from scratch
• buy fruit and veg which is in season
• make jam
• grow your own
• start composting.

Garden

• plant your own vegetable garden or herb box
• plant a tree
• visit a country park
• water plants with collected rainwater
• create a log or leaf pile in the garden - great habitat for insects
• create a small hole in your garden fence or gate to allow mammals like hedgehogs to visit
• put plants that attract bees and butterflies in your garden
• create a wildlife friendly area.

Shopping

• shop local
• shop less
• wear it out - don’t replace clothes until worn out
• re-use gift wrap paper
• donate old clothes, toys and books to charity
• use the shoe repair shop
• don’t use single use carrier bags
• use rechargeable batteries
• join the library (re-use a book).