Our Scotland, Our Future: Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature

5. Annex A – Actions that households and individuals can take

This strategy aims to support people to take action on climate change and nature loss in ways that are meaningful to them. Individuals and households can contribute in many ways, from actions at home and in their communities, to helping shape the decisions that affect Scotland’s future. We recognise that people have different circumstances and priorities, and that not every action will be relevant or accessible for everyone.

Reduce emissions at home

• Move to a clean heating system, such as a heat pump.
• Where this is not possible, install a room thermostat, invest in smart heating controls and have your boiler checked once a year to ensure its efficient to help save energy and money.
• Install solar panels to generate renewable electricity to use in your home and help to reduce your electricity costs.
• Improve your home’s energy efficiency through measures such as insulation and draught-proofing.
• Reduce waste by reusing and repairing the items you have instead of throwing them away. If you must throw something away, make sure you recycle it where possible.
• Save money and prevent food waste in the first place by safely using up the food you have and sharing it with others, recycle any unavoidable food waste by using your local authority food recycling service, if you have one. Find out more at Love Food Hate Waste | WRAP – The Waste and Resources Action Programme.
• Consider composting your food waste – Easy guide to composting | Zero Waste Scotland If you have space, grow your own fruit and vegetables, providing a range of healthy food and without the packaging.
• Buy low energy models when appliances need replacing, and switch computers, laptops and kitchen appliances fully off (not just on stand-by) when not in use.

Travel sustainably

• Walk, wheel or cycle where possible.
• Switch from private car use to public and shared transport to help reduce transport emissions, reduce traffic congestion and road casualties, improve air quality and make better places.
• Switch to electric vehicles instead of petrol and diesel cars.
• Reduce unnecessary travel by using online options where appropriate, for example accessing services online, purchasing goods online, or attending events and appointments virtually.

Shop and eat sustainably

• Opt for items with less packaging and ensure this is recycled correctly.
• Move away from ‘fast fashion’, which is low-cost, mass-produced clothes. Also, think about sharing/swapping clothes with friends or buying second-hand items instead of new.
• Choose good quality products that will last by checking guarantee periods or use-by dates, and opt to repair before you replace.
• Look for opportunities to refill rather than replace. Many supermarkets and refill stores offer options for food, cleaning and household products, helping to reduce waste and single-use packaging.
• Plan meals by looking at what you already have, making a shopping list and sticking to it, to help reduce food waste.
• Choose local, in-season food where possible.
• Choose sustainably sourced and organic produce where possible.
• Avoid single use items, and chose reusable items over single use items where possible.

Support nature

• Help nature thrive in any outdoor space you have by allowing vegetation to dieback naturally, planting native species and wildflowers, and creating rain gardens and ponds or other spaces to help manage rainwater runoff from hard surfaces.
• Avoid chemical weedkiller, pesticides and fertilisers, and use peat-free compost.
• Adopt good hygiene practices for outdoor recreation (e.g. cleaning shoes before walking in a protected area, cleaning boats).
• Mow the lawn less often.
• Take part in local conservation, restoration or environmental improvement activities.
• Participating in citizen science or wildlife monitoring.

Prepare for a changing climate

• Know your local climate risks, find out whether your home could be affected by flooding, storms, overheating or wildfires, and then get prepared by visiting Ready.scot.
• Improve your home’s resilience by considering measures that can help reduce overheating in summer (e.g. blinds and air circulation) and manage flood risk (e.g. upgrades to your drainage system).
• Install a water butt to capture rainwater so you can save water during dry spells and help reduce runoff for your community during heavy rain.
• Make a household flood plan, so you know what to do before, during and after a flood.
• Look out for neighbours, friends and family members who may be more vulnerable during severe weather.
• Support local efforts to improve community resilience and preparedness.

Get involved in your community

• Find out what is going on in your area and get involved. Your nearest Climate Hub should be able to help.
• Take part in local conversations, consultations and decision-making processes.
• Volunteer for local projects and initiatives.
• Share experiences, knowledge and ideas with others to encourage learning and action.
• Encourage workplaces, schools, community groups and organisations to reduce their environmental impact.