Take Climate Action
Climate action isn't just about emissions — it's warmer homes, lower bills, healthier lifestyles and communities better prepared for extreme weather. You don't need to do everything at once: start with one action that works for you.
Save Money and Reduce Food Waste
Food waste in landfill produces greenhouse gases — and it costs you money.
- Plan meals before shopping
- Store food correctly so it lasts longer
- Use up leftovers, freeze food before it goes off
- Recycle unavoidable food waste in your caddy
Order a food caddy or recycling container
What can go in your food caddy?
Grow Your Own and Connect with Nature
Growing fruit, veg or herbs cuts costs and food miles, builds skills and supports biodiversity. The Acorn Farm programme has already helped hundreds of local households learn to grow — improving wellbeing, time outdoors and community connection.
Travel in Healthier Ways
Walk or cycle for short journeys, use public transport, share lifts, combine errands. Even small cuts to car use add up.
https://zerowastenw.org/projects/lifecycles/
Lower Your Energy Bills
Improving energy efficiency helps reduce emissions while making homes more comfortable and affordable to heat.
You can:
- Switch off unused appliances.
- Use LED lighting.
- Improve insulation and draught-proofing.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances.
- Monitor your energy use.
These actions can help reduce household costs while improving comfort throughout the year.
Useful Contacts
NI Energy Advice Service (Freephone 0800 111 4455)
Energy Saving Grants (incl. Affordable Warmth, NISEP)
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Before throwing something away, ask whether it can be reused, repaired, donated or recycled.
You can:
- Buy less and choose durable products.
- Repair items where possible.
- Borrow, share or swap items instead of buying new ones.
- Donate unwanted goods.
- Use reusable bottles, cups and bags.
- Recycle correctly using Council services.
Choosing to repair, share and reuse helps save money, reduces waste and conserves valuable resources.
Useful Links
https://repairsharefoyle.org/
Northern Ireland Resources Network
Council Recycling and Bin Services
Support Nature and Biodiversity
Trees, wetlands, gardens and green spaces absorb carbon, cut flood risk, improve air quality, cool urban areas and support wildlife.
- Plant pollinator-friendly flowers; go easy on pesticides
- Create a wildlife-friendly garden
- Join local clean-ups and planting events
Council Biodiversity Programme →
Be Prepared for Severe Weather
Extreme weather is becoming more frequent. A few simple steps keep you, your family and your property safer.
- Stay informed: sign up for alerts via the https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/weather-app and UK Weather Warnings.
- Know your flood risk: check your area or Flood Maps NI — Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100 (24hrs).
- Build a home resilience plan: emergency contacts, torch, portable charger, know how to shut off utilities, keep documents safe, know where your gutters/drains are. See the Household Emergency Kit guide.
- Hot weather: drink water, avoid peak sun, keep your home cool, check on vulnerable neighbours. See PHA hot weather advice and nidirect advice.
- Get involved locally: join community groups, support food-growing projects, take part in emergency planning, check on neighbours. See Be Ready as a Community, Be Ready for Emergencies, and the Weather Ready newsletter.