If you are renting your home, there are limits to what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint. It is not possible to install heat pumps, put in double glazed windows or install solar panel roofs without the landlord’s permission. But what can you do instead? It’s possible to reduce your carbon footprint by 2-3 tonnes each year if you follow these steps.

Switch to a renewable energy supplier

Buying your energy from a renewable energy supplier can reduce your carbon footprint by a massive 1.5 tons alone!

Change all light bulbs to LED lights

LED lights are more efficient than any other light bulb. Avoid buying traditional incandescent light bulbs which waste energy as heat rather than light.

Switch off light when you are not using them

Surveys show we waste energy when we don’t bother to switch off a light in the room. The worst situations we do this is when we go out for the day or keep them on the in the night when we are sleeping. Apparently, the most likely place we accidentally keep lights on is in the bathroom. This could save up to 0.3 tons of carbon emissions a year.

Set your washing machine on a colder setting

When washing your clothes, set your washing machine at the lowest temperature. This will save money on your energy bill as well.

Reduce your food waste

It is estimated that the average UK household throws away the equivalent of 8 meals a week! Be aware of whether you need the food you are buying and avoid buy one get one free offer or two for three offers. Remember that best for end dates simply mean when the food is at its freshest, so you don’t have to automatically throw it away at that date. Also, freezers keep food fresh longer and edible.

Have a shorter shower on a cooler setting

Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump in your home. The less water you use, the less energy is needed, which reduces your carbon footprint. Simply reducing your time in the shower by a minute can make a big difference. Lowering the temperature of your shower also means you are using less energy.