Climate Action
Climate action begins with individual and collective efforts to make small changes in our daily lives. By choosing sustainable travel options, reducing energy consumption, and supporting local initiatives in Bradninch and Mid Devon, we can significantly reduce our environmental impact. Local resources, programs, and community groups are available to help residents adopt greener habits and make Bradninch a more sustainable places to live.
Take the Jump
With all the talk about sustainability and climate change, do you sometimes wonder what more you could realistically do to make a practical difference?
'Take the Jump' has been created by a group of people who want to change the feeling of powerlessness that many of us have when we think about the future of our world.
Based on scientific research about the most important changes we must take to prevent ecological collapse, Take the Jump highlights six areas of our lives where we can consider and explore personal actions that will support the goal of keeping global warming to safer levels.
The shifts are goals to work towards. As the website says, just try them, maybe one at a time for a few months, and even if you can't keep them 100% just do what you can. Every little action adds up to a bigger whole.
The six 'Jumps' or shifts we can work towards are:
If you can, no personal vehicles. Utilise local bus and train services where possible.
Keep products for at least seven years, and maintain and mend them where possible.
A plant-based diet, no waste, healthy amounts.
Three new items per year (swap or secondhand for anything else).
One flight every three years.
At least one life shift to change the system.
It's worth taking a look at Take the Jump's websiteif you've been thinking about making some changes to make your life more sustainable, or if you're interested in exploring the idea.
Sustainable Transport
Bradninch residents can take advantage of local public transport, car-sharing schemes, and cycling to reduce their carbon footprint. Consider switching to an electric bike or swapping old petrol and diesel vehicles for electric to support sustainable travel.
Walking, cycling, or using public transport instead of driving reduces both emissions and traffic congestion. Bradninch's bus route to Cullompton and Exeter offers a convenient option for reducing car use and embracing more sustainable modes of transport.
Local incentives, including government grants for electric vehicle (EV) purchases, can help Bradninch residents make the switch to a cleaner, greener mode of transport. Mid Devon is expanding its EV infrastructure, making it easier to drive sustainably.
For those commuting from Bradninch, consider combining carpooling with public transport or switching to electric vehicles. By reducing reliance on single-occupancy travel, we can help reduce emissions and improve air quality in the region. Why not see if you can share transport with friends to reduce cost and carbon?
More information on Sustainable Transport in Bradninch can be found here.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient homes are crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Bradninch residents can improve insulation, switch to LED lighting, and use energy-efficient appliances. Local support programs in Mid Devon can help with grants for energy-efficient upgrades.
Switching to renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines can significantly reduce a home's carbon footprint. Local energy providers in Bradninch offer green energy tariffs that can help households embrace clean energy alternatives.
Simple changes, like adjusting your thermostat, improving insulation, and using energy-efficient appliances, can lower energy consumption while maintaining comfort. Bradninch homes can take advantage of local energy audits to find additional ways to reduce energy use.
More information on Energy in Bradninch can be found here.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Bradninch residents can minimise waste by being careful about what they buy and making sure they don't buy things that they don't need. Read more here.
Bring stuff to the Repair Café to be mended, selling stuff secondhand, maybe at our Jumble Trail, or just giving it to someone else are all great ways to reuse things.
Mid Devon District Council offers a comprehensive kerbside service for recycling from home. Check the local District website for details and check you are recycling all you can. Many people don't know that you can put out small electricals, mobile phones, batteries and printer cartridges.
Your local Household Recycling Centre (either in Pinhoe, Exeter or Ashley, Tiverton) act as drop-off points for large items or more difficult materials to help ensure that waste is handled sustainably.
Bradninch is also lucky enough to have a Terracycle collection from the Guildhall - check the metal bin beside the entrance to see what can be recycled - but biscuit wrappers, toothpaste packaging and coffee pouches are all included.
When shopping, consider purchasing items with minimal packaging or choosing secondhand goods. Supporting local shops that offer eco-friendly products can also contribute to waste reduction.
More information on Waste and Recycling in Bradninch can be found here.
Supporting Local and Sustainable Practices
Buying locally grown, seasonal produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transport.
We have great local growers, dairies and butchers - a full catalogue of local businesses who keep sustainability in mind can be found here. We should support our local farmers, so why not try one of these instead of getting food from supermarkets?
Growing your own food reduces reliance on supermarket produce, lowers your carbon footprint, and promotes food security. Our allotments are a great community asset!
Bradninch residents can support businesses that prioritise sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and offering environmentally conscious products. Look for businesses that align with sustainable values when shopping locally. A full directory can be found here.