Living sustainably doesn’t mean completely changing your lifestyle or spending more money. Small, simple changes can make a big difference. We’re lucky to live in a town full of nature, local businesses, and travel options that make it easier to make greener choices.

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7 Everyday Challenges, Choices & Changes:

Enjoy Nature

Why it matters & what you can do

• Climate change and habitat destruction are driving a sixth mass extinction.

Local habitats:

• Reedbeds, lakes, streams, River Kennet, canals, woodlands, heathlands, farmland, and gardens.

Actions:

• Spend time in local green spaces such as the Nature Discovery Centre or the Open Spaces.
• Follow conservation guidelines.
• Consider the global impact of your choices (food, products, holidays, chemicals).

 

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Use & Waste Less

Simple steps to reduce consumption:

• Buy only what you truly need. Consider buying your veggies loose from Thatcham Market.
• Buy second hand where possible. We have lots of charity shops in town, or Furniture Project for larger items.
• Replace items less often.
• Repair rather than discard – use organisations such as Thatcham and Newbury Repair Cafes
• Reuse items whenever possible.
• Recycle responsibly.

Quick Tip: Small lifestyle changes reduce emissions from manufacturing and transport worldwide.

Your Money Matters

Invest responsibly:

• Ask your pension or investment provider about environmental policies.
• Encourage disinvestment from fossil fuels.
• Support funds and companies prioritising sustainability.

Did you know? Your money can influence far more than individual daily actions.

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Think About Food

Eat smart, reduce emissions

Tips:

• Food miles: Buy local, seasonal produce. Avoid air-freighted food. Buy from markets and local shops rather than Amazon!
• Seasonality: Eating in-season reduces artificial energy use.
• Meat & livestock: Reduce red meat; choose low-impact or pasture-raised meat. Buy your meat from local butchers who source their meat from local farms
• Fish: Avoid overfished species; check farmed fish sources.
• Packaging: Reduce single-use plastics and recycle wherever possible.
• Meat and Dairy-Free Days: Consider going meat and dairy free at least one day a week. There are so many great swaps that don’t feel like a burden these days.

 

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Save Energy

Cut home emissions & save money

Electricity:

• Switch to renewable providers.
• Use LED bulbs.
• Install solar panels.
• Turn off unused lights/appliances.

Heating & Hot Water:

• Insulate lofts, walls, and windows.
• Set thermostat to 18°C or lower; wear extra layers.
• Take shorter showers; prefer showers over baths.
• Consider heat pumps when replacing boilers.
• Only boil needed water in kettles.

Quick Tip: Domestic energy accounts for ~28% of household CO₂ emissions in West Berkshire.

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Travel Wisely

Reduce transport emissions

Tips:

• Avoid flying; use trains or explore the UK.
• Walk, cycle, or use public transport.
• Consider an electric car (offset ~5 years).
• Use e-bikes for short trips.

Quick Fact: Transport is the largest emitting sector in the UK (excluding aviation).

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Join In

Ways to get involved:

• Join local or national groups: Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace, West Berks Climate Action Network, Hungerford Environmental Action Team, Cold Ash Parish Greening Group, Pangbourne & Whitchurch Sustainability Group, Extinction Rebellion.
• Lobby local council or MPs.
• Attend rallies or online campaigns (Avaaz, 38 Degrees, Change.org, WWF).
• Educate yourself and others.
• Encourage climate discussions in groups you already belong to.
• Donate to climate-focused organisations.

Remember: Climate action works best when we act together.

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Quick Wins: 10 Simple Actions Today

• Switch to renewable electricity.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Eat seasonal and local food.
• Reduce meat and dairy consumption.
• Turn off unused appliances.
• Walk, cycle, or use public transport.
• Repair items instead of buying new.
• Support sustainable investments.
• Visit and care for local green spaces.
• Join a local climate action group.

 

 

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Related Links

Tub2Pub Recycle Poster

Green Providers Directory

Solar Streets

Thatcham Litter Pickers

Thatcham Refillable

West Berkshire Council Environment Strategy

West Berks Climate Action Network

West Berks Green Exchange

Eco Friends (formerly known as West Berkshire Sustainable Community)