New Leaf Checklist

My Changes to Help the Planet

Travel

Try to reduce the number of flights I take. If I have to fly, limit the impact by flying direct, economy class and carbon offset the trip.
Reduce the number of car journeys I make by walking and cycling instead, combining trips, lift sharing, using public transport or working from home.
Switch my car to an electric or hybrid car.
Make sure my car is running efficiently by checking the tyre pressures and servicing my car regularly.
Don’t leave my engine idling when my car is stationary.
Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup when I’m out.

Home : Heating

Make sure my boiler is energy efficient and serviced regularly.
Reduce energy loss with insulation and double glazing and don’t leave my doors and windows open at the same time as heating my home.
Control my heating. Check my timer is set carefully or get a remote-controlled system. Lower the thermostat and put on an extra layer instead.

Home : Hot Water

Home : Electricity Use

Switch to a green energy tariff where 100% of my electricity comes from renewable sources.
Get a smart meter.
Run my appliances during off-peak times where possible.
Unplug my devices when they are not in use and don’t leave them on standby.
Change my light bulbs to low energy bulbs.
Always turn lights off when I leave the room.
Check the manuals for my appliances to make sure I am using the most energy eco-friendly cycles.
Always try to dry my laundry naturally rather than tumble dry. If I do have to tumble dry, check the filter is clear before I use it.
Do less laundry and save it up until I have a full load. Only wash clothes when they really need it and change my bed less often.
Stop washing up and use the dishwasher on a full load instead.

Home : Admin

Food & Cooking

Eat less meat particularly beef and lamb. Have more meat-free days.
Replace dairy products with alternatives like oat milk.
Use my oven less often and cook mainly using a slow cooker, stove or microwave instead. When I do use the oven combine my cooking to bake several foods at the same time.
Eat more raw veg and buy a stacking steamer for steaming my vegetables over one pan.
Reduce my food waste so I never have to throw food away.
Get a composter so I don’t place food waste like peelings in the refuse.
Make my own rather than buying takeaways and processed food, which has plastic packaging or contains palm oil.

Shopping

Buy less.
Plan my meals and make shopping lists so I only buy what I need.
Buy my dry foods in bulk and shop locally every few days, on foot or by bike, for the fresh food I need.
Shop using reusable bags and containers.
Try growing my own food or making my own things like bread, yoghurt and cleaning products.
Choose products marked eco, natural and organic. (A-rated for energy, Soil Association Approved, Sustainable Palm Oil)
Buy products like stationery, toilet and kitchen roll made from recycled materials.
Stop using unnecessary plastic products and replace with sustainable alternatives (wipes, J Cloths, washing up sponges, razors, sanitary products and toothbrushes).
Look at packaging and choose items with the least harmful packaging. (Glass bottles and tins instead of plastic bottles and containers)
Buy items produced locally that have a shorter distance to travel and buy fresh food that is in season.
Buy / ask for alternative gifts that help the planet rather than items I don’t really need.
Have a Secret Santa for the adults in my family.

Repair, Reuse, Recycle