The fast approach of summer reminds us of the pressing need to fight climate change. Those of us in the UK may be reminded of the extreme heat that hit the British Isles in four of the past eight summers, when temperatures climbed as high as 40 degrees C. With the late May bank holiday now behind us and the start of the summer social calendar, now is a great time to consider ways to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions this summer.  

Summer, with its unique activities, purchasing habits, and energy demands, offers numerous opportunities to make environmentally friendly choices. We share several ways consumers and households can reduce lower their Carbon Cost during the summer months.  We offer a range of ideas from fast, free, or easy to those that require a more significant investment of your time, effort, or money, and everything in between.

1. Change Your Transportation Habits

A. Drive Less, Bike, Take National Rail

Cars are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce your driving, combine errands, carpool, or use public transportation. Summer is also ideal for walking and biking for short to medium trips, which not only cuts emissions but also promotes a healthier lifestyle. For summer travels, perhaps to the beach or the highlands to keep cool, consider using National Rail domestically to avoid summer motorway traffic and reduce emissions. For trips to the continent, use Eurostar, which produces significantly fewer emissions than flying.

B. Choose Flights With Lower Emissions

If you have to fly to your preferred destination this summer, choose a flight that has a lower carbon emissions estimate.  These estimates are provided by airfare search services such as Google Flights, Expedia and Booking.com and are based on the length of your route and the type of aircraft used.  Generally, non-stop direct flights have fewer emissions than if you have to connect in an intermediate city.  Flying in economy class, which takes up less space on the plane, also produces fewer emissions per person compared to those who fly in premium economy or business class.

C. Choose Fuel-Efficient or Electric Vehicles

If you’re in the market for a new car, a purchase many households consider during the spring and summer, consider a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle (EV). EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, and many can be charged using renewable energy sources. Hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of petrol and electric power, are also a good option for reducing emissions compared to an ordinary petrol car.

D. Maintain Your Vehicle

Keeping your car well-maintained ensures it runs efficiently, reducing emissions. Summer is a good time for maintenance, especially if you take a do-it-yourself approach. Check tire pressure, change the oil, and replace air filters. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, and regular maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle, which helps cut emissions by reducing demand for new materials.

2. Be Mindful of the Carbon Cost of Food Choices

A. Think Seasonally with Seasonal and Local Produce

Buying seasonal and local produce reduces the carbon footprint of transporting food long distances and using energy-intensive climate-controlled growing methods.  It’s during the summer that the best and biggest range of seasonal produce can be found in the UK. Seasonal produce often requires fewer resources to grow and is fresher and more nutritious. The Association of UK Dieticians offers a handy guide for what’s in season year-round.

B. Be Flexible: Reduce Meat Consumption

The production of meat, particularly beef, has a high environmental impact. Reducing meat consumption, even by having one meat-free day per week, can lower your carbon footprint. Explore plant-based diets, which are generally more sustainable.  For summer grilling events, consider substituting beef, which has high emissions levels, with more pork and poultry products, which have a lower emissions profile.  Think grilled chicken pieces instead of steak, turkey burgers instead of hamburgers, and supplement it all with lots of grilled veggies.  Plant-based foods should always dominate on your plate if you are pursuing a climatarian diet!

C. Minimize Food Waste

Plan your meals, store food properly, and compost food scraps to reduce food waste. Wasted food represents not only wasted money but also the energy and resources used to produce it. Summer is a great time to start composting organic waste, which can reduce methane emissions from landfills and provide valuable nutrients for your garden.

3. Make Eco-Friendly Purchases Such as Summer Wardrobe Picks

A.  Shop Surplus First: Buy Second-Hand or Recycled Goods

People tend to buy a lot of “stuff” in the summer, like outdoor equipment, travel gear, and summer clothes.  Manufacturing new items is associated with additional greenhouse gas emissions. Purchasing second-hand items reduces the demand for new products and the associated environmental impact. Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales are great places to find gently used goods.  Another tool is participating in a library of shared resources, such as our Oxford Party Library. Additionally, products made from recycled materials help reduce waste and conserve resources.  

This is all especially important regarding clothing—clothing production represents 8% of all emissions globally, more than global flying and marine shipping combined.  Resist the urge for warmer weather to spur purchasing a new wardrobe.  Make new purchases selectively, only when you cannot maintain your existing garments or find what you seek via second-hand. If possible, buy clothes that use recycled materials.  We provided more ideas in our Christmas blog post regarding gift-giving and fashion.

B. Buy Less But Better: Choose Sustainable Products

When shopping for new items, look for products made from sustainable materials and with minimal packaging. Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable items such as shopping bags, water bottles, and containers. Support companies that prioritize environmental responsibility.

4. Optimize Energy Use at Home

A. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

One of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to use energy-efficient appliances. The British energy label helps indicate which appliances meet or exceed the government’s energy efficiency guidelines. This includes air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines. Look for appliances with an “A” or “B” score for the most efficiency and to help cut your electricity bills at the same time.

B. Think Smaller

Smaller appliances tend to be more efficient, especially in the kitchen. Instead of using your entire oven, consider using equipment like a microwave, air fryer, or toaster oven to heat small batches of food. For heating water, use the electric kettle instead of the hob.

C. Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can significantly reduce energy use by adjusting the temperature when you’re not home or while you sleep. Set the thermostat to higher temperatures when the house is empty and cooler when you’re home. Smart thermostats can learn your schedule and preferences, optimizing your home’s energy use even further.

D. Improve Home Insulation

Proper insulation keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Check your home’s insulation, especially in the attic, walls, and around windows and doors. Adding weather stripping or caulking to seal leaks can also make a big difference.  This becomes all the more important as British summers get hotter.

E. Utilize Natural Ventilation

Although most homes don’t have it, air conditioning is becoming increasingly popular in the UK as 40-degree days become more common.  However, when possible, instead of relying on air conditioning, use natural ventilation to cool your home. Open windows in the early morning and late evening when it’s cooler outside, and use fans to circulate air.

E. Consider Installing an Efficient Heat Pump

Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool a home. They run on electricity, which means they get more environmentally friendly over time as the UK energy mix relies more on renewable and carbon-free energy sources. The UK government offers a grant for installing heat pumps and demand is soaring as consumers discover the benefits of this technology.  Last year, 3 million heat pumps were installed across Europe, four times as many as a decade earlier.

5. Adopt Renewable Energy Sources

A. Install Solar Panels

The shining sun and longer summer days are a reminder of the potential of solar power. This option certainly requires the money to invest in home upgrades, but financial support is available through the UK Green Deal. Installing solar panels can reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your electricity bills. Summer is the ideal time to maximize solar energy, as the longer days provide more sunlight.

B. Purchase Green Energy

If installing solar panels isn’t feasible, consider switching your energy supplier. Many energy companies offer the option to buy electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. This can significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint.

6. Reduce Water Use

Reducing water consumption helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions because significant energy is used to pump, transport, treat water, and process wastewater. Using less hot water, often heated by fossil fuels, also cuts emissions. Simple actions like taking shorter showers and doing laundry with cool or warm water can make a difference.

A. Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets reduce water use without compromising performance. They help conserve water and the energy required to heat it, lowering your overall energy consumption.

B. Use Water Wisely in Your Landscaping or Garden

Water your garden or yard in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation. Use a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and keeps the soil cooler.

C. Harvest Rainwater

Installing a rainwater harvesting system can provide a sustainable source of water for your garden. Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from your roof, which you can then use to water your plants, wash your car, or even flush toilets.

7. Engage in Green Activities in Your Community

A. Plant Trees

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and also provide cooling shade. Planting trees around your home can create a natural cooling effect and enhance your property’s aesthetic appeal.

B. Participate in Community Clean-Ups

Summer is a pleasant time to join or organize community clean-up events to help keep your local environment clean. Removing litter and debris from natural areas prevents pollution and protects wildlife. These activities also raise awareness about environmental issues and foster a sense of community.

C. Educate and Advocate

Educate yourself and others about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Advocate for policies and practices that promote sustainability at the community level. Voting for candidates and supporting initiatives that prioritize the environment can lead to broader systemic changes.  Be sure to tell people about the steps your are taking.  Research finds that one of the most powerful ways to convince people to “go green” is by sharing your green habits with your social circle and neighbors. Tell friends, family, and your neighbors what you are doing to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.

Check out and share our learning page to learn more about how greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change and how you can lower the Carbon Cost of your daily activities.

Start Reducing Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions Now

It’s not hard to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions footprint during the summer. It is not only beneficial for the environment but can also lead to cost savings and a healthier lifestyle. By making small changes in your energy use, transportation habits, food choices, and daily activities, you can significantly lower your impact on the planet. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a difference in combating climate change.