In the face of today’s climate emergency, it’s crystal clear that we all need to work together. We’re at a crucial point where our individual efforts can add up to make a real, tangible difference. But where do we start?
Not only is the world evolving, but the sustainability scene is also faced with the challenge of staying ahead of the rapidly unfolding climate crisis. So, how can we figure out our role in all of this?
With CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) reporting in 2017 that just 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions since 1988, it is no surprise that we as individuals may feel helpless – and entirely unsure of our own capacity to make a meaningful difference.
One powerful concept gaining traction is the ‘5 Tonne Lifestyle’, a practical approach to reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a better future.
It goes without saying that UK for Good are passionate about guiding not only businesses but also individuals, on this transformative journey, recognising that businesses are fundamentally composed of individuals.
In this blog, we explore the 5 Tonne Lifestyle and outline some actionable steps that each of us can take to make a meaningful impact.
What is the 5 Tonne Lifestyle?
The 5 Tonne Lifestyle is a call to action, urging individuals to limit our annual carbon emissions to just 5 Tonnes and live a low-carbon life.
Why 5 tonnes?
The average global carbon footprint in the UK is around 8.5 tonnes per person, and experts believe that we in the Global North need to at least halve this statistic to combat the climate crisis effectively.
Carbon footprint expert Mike Berners-Lee suggests in his book ‘How Bad are Bananas’ that by adopting the 5 Tonne Lifestyle we can all play a significant role in reducing our individual environmental impact.
How to live a low-carbon life and achieve a 5-tonne lifestyle
Now we know that achieving a 5-tonne lifestyle by living a low-carbon life is essential for our planet’s health, how can we actually achieve this? Here are our top tips on achieving a 5-tonne lifestyle.
Calculating your carbon footprint
Before you can start your journey towards a 5 Tonne Lifestyle, you must first assess your current carbon footprint. There are numerous online calculators that can help you determine your emissions from daily activities such as transportation, energy usage, consumption, and food choices. This proactive step can provide you with valuable insights into where you can make the most substantial improvements.
We love the WWF footprint calculator, as well as cogo – an app that integrates with your spending and can help you measure your carbon emissions and suggest personalised ways to reduce them.
Both are free resources, and a fantastic place to get started. Once you know your footprint, it’s time to make some shifts towards a greener lifestyle.
Transform your transport
One of the most impactful areas we can address is by understanding and improving our travel choices; most notably by opting for greener alternatives such as walking, cycling, or using public transport whenever possible.
If you must drive, consider carpooling, investing in an electric vehicle, or exploring car-sharing options. Needless to say, flying is going to send your carbon footprint soaring, so for longer journeys consider options such as trains or ferries where possible.
If you must fly, scientists advise taking no more than one short-haul flight every three years and one long haul flight every eight years. By making these choices, you can significantly reduce your carbon emissions.
‘Home sweet sustainable home’
Your home is a hotspot for emissions, but simple changes like turning off lights when you leave a room, popping up a ‘no junk mail’ sign or avoiding using your tumble dryer in the summer can all make a difference.
Improving insulation to prevent unnecessary heat loss, switching to energy-efficient appliances, and installing solar panels can all make a big difference too. Remember – reducing energy consumption not only lowers your carbon footprint but also saves you money in the long run. Win-win!
Mindful consumption
The choices we make as consumers have a profound impact on the planet, and the old adage of ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ is as relevant as ever. Embrace buying products with minimal packaging, support local and sustainable businesses, and reduce your food waste by planning meals and composting. A simple way you can be a more mindful consumer is by making use of zero waste refill stores and online sites like Milk & More. A 2022 report by Deloitte highlights how modern consumers are embracing ‘circularity’ and the circular economy. Find yourself fancying a new outfit? Check out charity shops or car boot sales, and have a scroll on the likes of Vinted, depop or eBay with an aim of buying preloved items instead of fuelling the world of fast fashion. Being mindful of what you consume can drastically improve your carbon footprint.
Embrace the power of plants
Research shows that vegan diets result in 75% less climate-heating emissions, water pollution and land use than diets in which more than 100g of meat a day is eaten. As a result, it is no surprise that by reducing your meat and dairy consumption in favour of plant-based alternatives you can significantly lower your carbon footprint.
By eating a largely plant-based diet you can be sure you are having a positive impact. But if going fully vegan seems too big a task, why not start with meat-free Mondays? By even committing to one plant-based day a week, you can save the same amount of emissions as driving 348 miles in a car.
Green-ify your finances
Your financial choices, especially when it comes to your banking and pensions, can be a powerful way to significantly reduce your carbon footprint. In fact, research shows that switching to a sustainable pension could be 21 times more powerful in the fight against climate change than giving up flying, prioritising a plant-based diet and choosing a renewable energy supplier combined.
Have a look at organisations like Make My Money Matter which provide valuable tools and resources that can help you to align your financial decisions with your environmental values. By investing in sustainable funds, supporting green initiatives, or choosing pension plans with responsible investment strategies, you not only secure your financial future but also contribute to a more sustainable world.
So, while individual choices like opting to go vegan and reducing your air miles are important, don’t underestimate the potential of your financial decisions in the fight against climate change.
Be a Champion of Change
While individual actions are vital, it is the collective efforts that are going to drive systemic change. There is strength in numbers, and we can all come together to support (or join!) organisations and initiatives working towards climate action. By advocating for policies that prioritise renewable energy sources and the environment at local, national, and global levels we can place much-needed pressure on the decision-makers to accelerate us towards a green, carbon-efficient future.
Key takeaways: achieving a low carbon life
The 5 Tonne Lifestyle is a call to action, urging us as individuals to take responsibility for our carbon emissions and make significant shifts in our daily lives. As a certified B Corp, UK for Good is anchored by our commitment to a better world, and we believe that every person can play a role in creating a better future.
By calculating your own carbon footprint and taking practical steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle we believe that you, the individual, can make a meaningful impact.
Remember, what may feel like the smallest steps towards the 5-tonne Lifestyle can add up to create a world of difference! Ultimately, we must remember that it is not about perfection – but progress. By embracing the 5 Tonne Lifestyle as a guiding principle on your sustainability journey, together, we can pave the way to a better future for all.
The UK for Good Call to Action
We would love for you to explore your individual carbon footprint and share your progress on your sustainable living journey. None of us are perfect – but hopefully by holding each other accountable, we can make meaningful progress together.
Want to join us?
You can check out your carbon footprint on the WWF footprint calculator, or perhaps you might like to download the cogo app. Let us know your score, and in 6 months time we will check in to see how far we have all come by implementing some of the shifts needed to achieve our 5 Tonne Lifestyle goal.
If you have any tips for making sustainable lifestyle shifts (small or large) we would love to hear them!