Climate change - Net Zero Nation: public engagement strategy

Annex A – Actions That Individuals and Households Can Take

This list is intended only as an indication of the actions people can take. We understand that people need access to support to achieve a number of the actions listed, and the required actions will also change over the lifetime of the strategy. For the most up-to-date information on the actions which individuals and households can take, and the support which is available to facilitate these, please visit www.NetZeroNation.scot

Every day

• Encourage your workplace, school or community to reduce its impact by considering any positive changes that could be made
• Talk about your experiences to help normalise action and encourage others to act
• Consider the wider impacts of your actions, including from any money you have invested

At home

• Install a room thermostat, invest in smart heating controls and have your boiler checked once a year to ensure it’s efficient to help save energy and money
• Move from a low emissions heating system, such as a heat pump, or a renewable heating system to make your home more efficient
• Buy low energy models when appliances need replacing, and switch computers, laptops and kitchen appliances fully off (not just on stand-by) when not in use
• Help nature thrive in any outdoor space you have by allowing vegetation to dieback naturally, planting wildflower meadows, and creating spaces to naturally flood in times of high rainfall

Getting around

• Walk, wheel or cycle where possible
• Switch from private car use to public and shared transport to help reduce transport emissions, reduce traffic congestion and make journeys faster
• Consider the use of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and electric bikes instead of petrol and diesel cars
• Consider your working practices by using video-conferencing and avoiding unnecessary business travel

What you buy

• Opt for items with less packaging
• Move away from ‘fast fashion’, which is low-cost, mass-produced clothes. Also, think about sharing clothes with friends or buying second-hand items instead of new
• Choose good quality products that will last by checking guarantee periods or use-by dates, and opt to repair before you replace
• Re-use products by buying liquids and dry goods in refillable cartons that you can use again and again

What you eat

• Plan meals by looking at what you already have, making a shopping list and sticking to it, to help reduce food waste
• Recycle unavoidable food waste by using recycling points around your premises or your recycling caddy at home
• If you have space, grow your own fruit and vegetables, providing a range of healthy food and without the packaging
• Choose local, in-season food where possible