Climate change

How you can help

There is a lot you can do about climate change.

For more information on nine steps you can take to help with climate change, visit Imperial College London: 9 things you can do about climate change.

To help you understand your personal carbon footprint and how to reduce it, there are some free apps and websites you can use:

There are some social media accounts that provide information and advice:

Opportunities in South Tyneside

There are lots of opportunities in South Tyneside for you to support the local environment and lower your carbon footprint. 

Switch off your engine

You should turn your car engine off when you're waiting for more than a few seconds, for example:

  • when waiting outside a school / business / hospital, or other place where you're picking up or dropping someone off
  • when waiting at a level crossing

Keeping your car engine running unnecessarily when you are stationary:

  • pollutes the environment
  • costs you money
  • is illegal if you are on a public road

Eat for the planet

How you can eat for the planet:

  • Waste less
  • Eat more vegetables
  • Eat seasonally
  • Reduce packaging
  • Think 'quality not quantity' with meat

Things in South Tyneside:

For more information on eating for the planet, see:

Travel sustainably

What you can do to travel sustainably:

  • Walk more
  • Cycle more
  • Take public transport
  • Car share
  • Go electric
  • Drive less
  • Fly less

Things in South Tyneside:

For more information on sustainable travel see BBC Future: How are daily travel harms the planet.

Protect our wildlife

What you can do to protect wildlife:

  • Add greenery to your yard, garden, windowsills and balconies
  • Go chemical free
  • Volunteer in local parks

Things in South Tyneside:

For more information on enhancing your greenspaces, see:

RSPB: Green living
RSPB: Nature on your doorstep
RHS: Garden inspiration
National Trust: How to garden in small spaces

Waste less

What you can do to waste less:

  • Reduce, reuse and recycle
  • Buy less
  • Choose second hand
  • Mend and repair
  • Share
  • Avoid single-use items
  • Regift

Things in South Tyneside:

Save energy

What you can do to save energy:

  • Waste less
  • Be energy smart
  • Insulate your home
  • Choose a green energy tarrif
  • Install renewable energy technology

For more information on how to be energy smart, see: