Guide to greener living for over-50s
The environment and greener living are issues of increasing concern for over-50s. While people over 50 enjoy an affluent lifestyle in general, they also have a large carbon footprint. However, you can take action to balance energy use in many ways: by recycling, volunteering on conservation projects, saving energy and insulating your home.
Saving energy in your home
The energy we consume in our homes is responsible for over a quarter of all UK emissions of carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas causing climate change. People aged 50 to 64 have a bigger carbon footprint than any other age group in the UK.
High car dependency, holidays abroad and eating out are key carbon-intensive activities of the baby boomers. By using energy more efficiently and cutting out wastage, you will reduce carbon emissions as well as your fuel bills.
Help with heating your home
There are many financial and environmental benefits to having a properly insulated home.
Full loft insulation can reduce heat loss by over 20 per cent and cavity wall insulation by over 30 per cent. This means big savings in winter fuel bills, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Insulation will also keep your home more comfortable during the summer months.
If you need help to pay for heating or to improve insulation in your home, you may be able to get money from a government grant scheme.
Recycling
Nearly two thirds of all household rubbish can be recycled. Recycling a wide range of goods - such as wood, engine oil, fluorescent light tubes, textiles, batteries and televisions - saves a lot of energy and raw materials, and avoids waste going to landfill.
Green volunteering
There are many ways you can help the environment by volunteering. Conservation projects are often run locally by councils and voluntary organisations. There are also ‘green gyms’ organised by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers which help you keep fit at the same time as helping out.
Allotments
Keeping an allotment is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and provide yourself with freshly grown fruit and vegetables. Allotments also provide sanctuary for wildlife in towns and cities. Find out about the benefits of an allotment, the different types of allotment and what you can expect to be provided with.
Eat green
The production, transportation and consumption of food is responsible for nearly a third of the contribution to climate change. It also adds to other environmental problems like water pollution.
If you want to make greener choices about how you eat you can do things like cutting down on packaging and buying from local markets. Buying your food from local producers is a good idea. It not only helps in health and environmental terms, but also supports local business.
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