How to tackle your carbon footprint

Everyone in the borough has a role to play in reducing their carbon footprint. Below we've highlighted some potential actions that you can take to reduce your emissions.

Some of these are easier than others, but they will all have an effect on reducing the amount of carbon we use in Southwark and help tackle the climate emergency.

Eat more vegan or vegetarian food

Eating a more plant-based diet can cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution and prevent deforestation.

Why don’t you try changing up your dinners with some tasty veggie meals?

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Reducing, reusing and recycling products have a smaller impact on the environment than buying new products.

Could you reduce your waste? Try the One Bag a Week Challenge!

Walk, cycle or use public transport

The less we rely on cars, the smaller our impact on the environment.

If you have a car, could you leave it at home for more journeys?

Take fewer flights 

Air travel has a huge environmental impact. Try to reduce the flights you take. If you must fly, then offset your emissions through an offset scheme.

Have you thought about holidaying in the UK or traveling by train to Europe?

If you must fly, then offset your emissions through an offset scheme.

There are a number of different carbon offset schemes available.

Before making any purchase, you should take your time to check that the offsetting projects represent real, independently verified sources of emissions reductions, or other social or environmental benefits. A good example of this is The United Nations Carbon Offset Platform

Get involved

Tackling the climate emergency needs joint action as well as just what we do as individuals. A good way to help is to join one of our local groups.

There is a wide range of environmental groups in Southwark looking for volunteers. To find out more, visit the Community Southwark site.

Find out more

You can find more top tips on tackling your carbon footprint.

To find out more about the work we're doing on the climate emergency, sign up to our e-newsletter.

Page last updated: 29 December 2022