Make 2020 the year we save the planet, with Friends of the Earth’s New Year Resolutions

As the year ends many of us will be thinking about new year resolutions. Friends of the Earth wants everyone, especially those in power, to make 2020 the year we save the planet from catastrophic climate breakdown. It can be small, individual actions, or making the decision to join other people for collective change. Whatever you resolve to do, start the new decade feeling positive that we can all make a difference.

Muna Suleiman, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: 

“With the world in the middle of a climate emergency we can all play a part in cutting the emissions that are heating our planet. There are lots of things we can all do in our lives to reduce our own carbon footprint – but crucially we need to force our politicians to act too. Let’s make 2020 the year we all take action to end the climate emergency.”

Here are some Friends of the Earth tips on cutting your emissions and helping to save the planet in 2020:

1. Cut down on flying – especially long-haul. Aviation is a huge problem for climate-wrecking emissions. Heathrow airport is one of the UK’s biggest single source of carbon emissions. From the stunning Scottish Highlands to Cornwall’s beautiful coasts there are lots of wonderful places to visit in Britain without getting on a plane. And with its extensive rail network, Europe is a great destination too. Book early to get the cheapest rail options.
2. Power yourself with plants. Our high consumption of meat and dairy produce is fuelling the climate crisis, warns a UN report published earlier this year. By eating less meat and dairy you can limit your impact in terms of carbon and methane emissions and enjoy a healthier diet. Try easing yourself in with meat-free Mondays.
3. Ask your council to double tree cover. There’s lots that local government can do to make your area more climate friendly, and doubling tree cover is a great place to start. Not only do trees help mitigate harmful emissions, they’re also important habitats for a variety of fauna and flora. Contact your local councillors and ask for more trees.  
4. Watch your (food) waste. Plan your meals so you only buy the ingredients you know you’re going to use. Freeze your leftovers or make them into a packed lunch. By only using the food you need you’ll save on emissions coming from production and transport – and save money too. 
5. Leave the car at home. Petrol and diesel cars are a huge source of emissions, bad for both air quality and our climate. By hopping on your bike or walking into town you’ll also find yourself getting fitter – as well as saving money. For longer journeys use public transport as much as possible and if you do need a car why not hire one or carpool? 
6. Get active where you live. Changing your lifestyle is fantastic – but with the planet facing a climate crisis, we need to get active too. Join a Climate Action Group – there are scores already up and running across the country. Check out the website to find one near you: https://takeclimateaction.uk/get-involved
   1. You can also get active on email and put pressure on our politicians. Contact your MP and councillors to ask what they’re doing to address the climate crisis and build the greener, fairer world we need.

ENDS

For more information contact the Friends of the Earth press office on 020 7566 1649 / 07718 394786 (out of hours – please do not text this number) media@foe.co.uk.

Notes to editors

1. About Friends of the Earth: Friends of the Earth is an international community dedicated to the protection of the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We bring together more than two million people in 75 countries, combining people power all over the world to transform local actions into global impact. For more information visit: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/ follow us at @friends_earth, or like our Facebook page.