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There are many things that you can do limit the impact of your lifestyle on the planet. All of these will have an effect and although they will be small, the more people that undertake them the greater the overall affect will be. By taking these initial actions you may find that you become more aware of your environment and inspire others to take similar steps in their lives.

Climate change can be addressed through many day-to-day actions that are quick and simple to implement, most of them will save you money too:

|Contacting your council online can help save the planet
Residents who use the internet to contact their local council could help save the equivalent of millions of air miles in carbon emissions, according to new research issued today by Communities and Local Government.

|Energy Efficiency Discount Schemes
Our |Private Sector Housing Team have put together information about alternative 'low carbon' energy sources suitable for homes and businesses and the grants available for installing them.

|Climate Neutral Development
Our Town Planning Division has has introduced a checklist of climate neutral measures that should now be incorporated into 'major' planning applications for new development.

|Tips for Saving Energy
Simple steps you can take in your home to save energy.

|Tips for Saving Water
We all waste water but we are becoming more and more aware of how we can make small changes to our habits to help save water not by going without but by cutting out waste and unnecessary use.

|We Are What You Do
This is the |Elmbridge Community Partnerships initiative to encourage residents to make small changes to their lifestyle (for example decline plastic bags, fit energy saving light bulbs, recycle mobile phones etc...) so that collectively, we can make a big difference. Since the start of the campaign, over 2000 pledges have been made.

|Recycling, Composting and Garden Waste
Our |Environmental Care Division provides recycling services and information on how to reduce, compost or reuse waste in Elmbridge.

Driving, try to use you car efficiently:

• Make sure the tyres are up to the right pressure;
• Avoid heavy braking or acceleration (comply to the speed limit);
• Use the gears properly;
• If you are waiting for some time at road works/ traffic lights / picking someone up / dropping someone off, turn your engine off;
• If you are getting a new or second hand car, why not look for one that is appropriate to your needs and check for the fuel efficiency figures. Remember more efficient cars save you money on fuel and on road tax, as well as producing less pollution. New cars should have energy efficiency stickers on in the showroom rating them from A (the cleanest) to G (the most polluting).
• Surrey Car Share: halve your fuel costs, get money towards the upkeep of your car and make new friends! The Surrey Car Share website will do all the hard work for you. You register your route and can specify timing, gender, and smoker or non-smoker to find your perfect match.

|Public Transport
It is improving all the time and will be increasingly cost effective as fuel bills and road tax increase. You can also indulge in a good book or the morning paper while someone else worries about getting you there on time.

|Cycling
Cycling is an enjoyable way to travel while getting some fresh air and keeping you fit as well. Just make sure you invest in a cycling helmet and high visibility clothing.

|The Energy Efficiency Centre at the Energy Saving Trust (0800 512 012) gives advice on all energy saving and renewable energy suppliers. All installers are vetted before being approved.