Five New Year's resolutions tips to help cut Cornwall's carbon footprint
The council has shared ideas as it aims for the Duchy to become carbon neutral by 2030
Last updated 1st Jan 2022
Cornwall Council is giving residents some carbon-cutting tips to kickstart 2022 with action against climate change.
As officials work to help Cornwall become carbon neutral by 2030, they have shared a list of New Year's resolutions ideas that can lower carbon emissions, protect nature and wildlife and, in some instances, save money.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “As a Council we are working with our partners and businesses and other organisations to reduce carbon emissions.
"But you can influence businesses too and make changes in your own lifestyle that will directly affect carbon emissions and help combat climate change.
“Make 2022 the year to lower your carbon impacts, help tackle the climate emergency and bring more nature into your community".
Cornwall Council's New Year's Resolutions Ideas:
Save energy at home
With up to a quarter of Cornwall’s emissions coming from heating and powering our homes, look at ways to improve your insulation, install double glazing, or hang thermal curtains and fit foam strips in doorways to prevent draughts. Community Energy Plus give advice on heating and insulation grants, reducing your energy bills and combatting condensation, or check out our Winter Wellbeing programme.
Reduce car travel
Road transport is one of our biggest carbon emitters with 14.9% of Cornwall’s emissions coming from cars. Look at greener ways to travel such as taking a bus or train or get physically active on shorter journeys by walking or cycling. Consider an electric car when you next purchase or hire a car. For more ideas see our Sustainable Transport section.
Repair, reuse and recycle
Waste is our fifth biggest emitter, so it’s important to buy sustainable, recyclable and repairable products. Can you repair rather than replace or buy second-hand? Repurpose, recycle or re-gift unwanted Christmas presents. See our tips on recycling.
Support sustainable food
More than a fifth of Cornwall’s emissions come from agriculture and meat production has a higher carbon footprint. If you don’t want to become a vegetarian or a vegan, can you go meat and dairy-free one day a week? Try to buy more locally produced or grown food with fewer carbon miles and avoid overpackaging, only buy what you need and use up leftovers to reduce food waste and costs. Search 'Love Food Hate Waste' for more tips
Bring more nature into your community
Get involved in the Forest for Cornwall by planting a tree or join a community tree-planting project. Re-wild a part of your garden to help nature and wildlife or find a local scheme to help with improving biodiversity or carbon reduction.