100 green actions

Image of the Kent year of green action

In 2019 we collected suggestions from residents, businesses and community groups on how they make a positive contribution to our environment.

Read though for inspiration, or download our Kent Green Action poster (PDF, 2.2 MB) for your home or workplace.

Home

  • switch traditional light bulbs to LED bulbs
  • switch to a green electricity tariff – ask your provider or use a price comparison site
  • if it’s not dirty, wash at 30 degrees
  • open the blinds or curtains and use natural light instead
  • unplug electronic devices when they aren’t in use
  • hang-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer
  • recycle more of your waste
  • use a reusable water bottle
  • insulate your house
  • use old t-shirts for rags
  • try turning your heating down by 1 degree
  • turn off the tap when brushing
  • think twice before hitting ‘print’
  • reuse scrap paper
  • fix those dripping taps or toilets
  • don’t use a screen saver - use sleep mode
  • always recycle glass (it takes a million years to decompose)
  • shower rather than bathe
  • put a lid on your pans so that food cooks quicker
  • draft proof your doors, floorboards and windows
  • put on an extra layer instead of turning up the heating
  • recycle your birthday cards
  • only boil the amount you need in the kettle.

Work

  • turn off your computer and monitor when you leave work
  • turn off your computer when you’re not using it
  • open the blinds to let in the daylight
  • open the window rather than turn on the fan
  • aim for a paperless office
  • reuse scrap paper
  • use video and conference calls
  • schedule more than one meeting per business trip
  • use public transport where you can
  • avoid rush hour - work from home
  • leave a mug or glass at work instead of using single-use cups
  • reduce your paper waste
  • buy recycled and chlorine-free paper
  • turn lights off when nobody is using a space
  • get a plant and place it on or near your desk
  • use a water hippo to reduce flushing
  • pack your lunch in a reusable lunch bag or box
  • delete files to save energy
  • bring a jumper to work in winter (run a cooler office)
  • last one out turns off the electrical equipment
  • eat in, or bring your own, rather than using takeaway cutlery and containers
  • follow the 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • ask your pension scheme to invest in green industries
  • ask your canteen to source locally.

Transport

  • drive more slowly
  • use cruise control
  • try car sharing
  • turn off your engine while queuing
  • map a two-mile circle around your house and walk everywhere within it
  • work from home one day each week if you can!
  • ride a bike
  • holiday in Kent this year
  • open the car window rather than turning on the air con
  • accelerate slowly
  • anticipate stopping and brake gently
  • travel by bus
  • travel by train
  • if you can walk or cycle to work
  • consider switching to a plug-in electric or hybrid car
  • avoid travelling by car at peak times to reduce congestion
  • stay with family and friends on holiday
  • plan your journey
  • turn off your engine while queuing.

Food

  • eat more locally sourced food
  • reduce food waste
  • make your own lunch – ditch the meal deal
  • make meals from scratch
  • buy fruit and veg which is in season
  • make jam
  • grow your own
  • start composting.

Garden

  • plant your own vegetable garden or herb box
  • plant a tree
  • visit a country park
  • water plants with collected rainwater
  • create a log or leaf pile in the garden - great habitat for insects
  • create a small hole in your garden fence or gate to allow mammals like hedgehogs to visit
  • put plants that attract bees and butterflies in your garden
  • create a wildlife friendly area.

Shopping

  • shop local
  • shop less
  • wear it out - don’t replace clothes until worn out
  • re-use gift wrap paper
  • donate old clothes, toys and books to charity
  • use the shoe repair shop
  • don’t use single use carrier bags
  • use rechargeable batteries
  • join the library (re-use a book).