Build sustainable habits into your everyday life for a healthier, greener future

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how our daily habits can make a difference not only for the planet but also for our health and wallets. Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan highlights the need for collective and individual efforts to cut carbon emissions, protect the environment, and create a sustainable future for the borough.

The Climate Emergency can feel like a big task for us to tackle individually but by focusing on small, achievable and regular habits we can play our part to benefit both the environment and our own lives.

Sustainable living can help improve your health and boost savings

Sustainable living often feels like a grand goal, but it’s also deeply personal. By making greener choices, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but can also improve our physical and mental well-being, often while saving money. Here are some ideas on how to do this.

• Active transport: Walking or cycling short journeys instead of driving cuts emissions, improves your health, and saves on fuel costs.
• Energy efficiency: Reducing energy use at home lowers carbon emissions and helps to cut energy bills.
• Food choices: Introducing more plant-based food to your diet and reducing food waste saves money, supports a healthier diet, and can help reduce the methane emissions linked to livestock and landfill waste.

All of these goals will help with the borough's target to become carbon-neutral by 2045, providing us with greener communities and more sustainable area to live.

Tips for Creating Sustainable Eco-Habits

• Start small but stay consistent
  Habits don’t change overnight. Begin with one or two manageable goals—like cutting out single-use plastics or opting for meat-free meals twice a week. Small actions, when repeated regularly, create lasting change.
  
  
• Go green with transport
  Try walking, cycling or wheeling for short journeys. If you are going further afield try car sharing, or using buses and trains. You’ll reduce emissions, save on petrol, and stay active. If you are heading to Chester during January the Park and Ride service is offering free tickets to all passengers. Find out more on the Council’s website.
  
  
• Reduce energy use at home
  Simple energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics, and washing clothes at lower temperatures, can lead to significant savings. Consider switching to renewable energy providers or investing in home improvements like insulation or smart thermostats. Details of energy savings grants that are currently available are listed on the Council's home energy for residents webpage.
  
  
• Rethink your waste
  Recycling is essential, but reducing and reusing are even better. Repair rather than replace, buy second-hand, and compost food waste to reduce the amount of waste that is going to landfill. The Council's website has information about what you are able to recycle in your bins at home and what can go to your local waste and recycling centre. Some of the borough’s waste and recycling centres also have reuse shops where you can buy second hand items, such as small electrical items and some furniture.
  
  
• Eat sustainably
  Support local farmers’ markets, businesses and community initiatives that reduce food miles and provide fresh, seasonal produce. Cutting back on processed foods and adding more plant-based meals to your diet not only helps the planet but also lowers your risk of chronic diseases. Visit the Veganuary website for some recipe ideas.
  
  
• Leave space for nature in your garden
  Whatever the size or shape of your garden you can make small changes to make it a home to wildlife and encourage nature to thrive. You could boost biodiversity by scattering some native seeds to make a wildflower meadow, try growing your own food, consider adding a micro pond or plant more flowering plants to support pollinators. It's also really important to ensure that any adaptations you make to your garden allow for water to permeate through the ground to help avoid flooding. For tips on gardening for nature visit WWFs website or view a webinar that Cheshire Wildlife Trust hosted about climate proofing your garden.

• Get involved locally
  Our Climate Emergency Response Plan highlights the importance of community collaboration. Join local green groups, participate in tree planting/habitat creation, or volunteer for clean-up events to connect with others in your community and amplify your impact. Visit the Climate Emergency Inspire Hub for details of local community groups.

The ripple effect of your choices

When you adopt sustainable habits, the benefits ripple outward. Your actions inspire others—friends, family, and neighbours—to follow suit. Together, small changes create a culture of sustainability that supports the borough's climate goals.

By incorporating some of these habits into your everyday life, you’ll enjoy a healthier lifestyle, financial savings, and help to create greener communities. The Council’s Climate Emergency Response Plan and Climate Emergency Hub offers guidance, tips and resources to help you on your journey to make west Cheshire carbon neutral by 2045.