Whether it's small steps like a stroll to the dairy instead of a drive, or big thinking and long-term changes, each better choice cuts emissions. Better ways every day from everyone will make all the difference – for our targets, for ourselves and for our whānau.

Our focus is on living and transport options. Here are some great ways you, your whānau and friends can help. Some have extra benefits like being good for health and fitness, for saving money, and for warmer, drier homes.

So, what’s your way for today?

Petrol and diesel road transport are our biggest source of emissions. Walking or going by bike, bus, scooter, ride-share or an electric vehicle (EV) instead are big ways to help, and can save time and money.

Explore your options with free travel advice.

Every better way makes a difference, so even if you start with just one low-emission trip a week it counts.

Discover 60km of cycleways(external link) plus a network of shared paths and cycle lanes for fast, fun, simple and safe ways around the city – great for health and fitness and for saving money.

EV charging stations are located throughout the city. Find out about switching to hybrid or battery electric vehicles with the Government's electric vehicle programme. 

Residents and businesses have access to a car-sharing fleet of zero-exhaust-emission vehicles from Zilch at locations throughout the city.

There are heaps of events and activities run by the community to inspire and teach new ways that will make a difference. Find out What’s On today.

A new dedicated event programme for Climate Action.

Heaps of events and activities run by the community to inspire and teach new ways that will make a difference.

Find out What’s On today.(external link)

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and convert it into sugars that help them grow, so planting trees is one of the most valuable ways to remove emissions from the atmosphere.

You could volunteer to help with tree-planting days and ongoing maintenance to ensure trees grow well. Volunteer days are fun and really rewarding and you’ll working alongside like-minded people. Sound good?
(external link)

Register your interest(external link).

Bin good with your bins? Sorting the right stuff into the right bins reduces waste going to landfill, lowering emissions and saving money. Find out what goes where with the Bin Good app.

There are lots of other ways to reduce waste – take a look at the other recycling schemes run by the community.

Shopping close to home means shorter trips and fewer emissions. It also means showing our small businesses and communities some love – even better if we walk, bike, use an EV or take the bus instead of the car.

Got favourite stores, markets and eateries in your neighbourhood? Buying produce locally and eating seasonally keeps goods transport emissions low and helps support Kiwi growers.

Buying pre-loved items instead of new also reduces emissions considerably.

Living within easy reach of work, school and shops keeps daily travel distances short, meaning fewer emissions every day. Thinking of moving? Think of living closer.

Living in a 15-minute neighbourhood and close to our favourite places is great for getting around easily, for our wellbeing and families and for building community.

Reducing the number of short trips we take by vehicle can make a big difference. If you’re able to, walking or biking instead of driving short trips under two kilometres is excellent for fitness.

Making our homes energy efficient and adopting good habits like switching off lights and appliances when not in use will lower your household’s emissions and reduce your power bill. You can also get free expert advice.

Did you know that LED lightbulbs use up to 85% less power than incandescent ones? Check with your energy provider for lots more tips and ways to save energy.

To talk about ways to improve the health and energy efficiency of your home book a free, no obligation healthy home assessment from Healthier Homes Canterbury.

If you’re thinking of renovating your home or building a new home you can get free advice on ways to have a warm dry, healthy and energy-efficient. Talk with an Eco Design Advisor.

Working from home for one day a week can mean cutting emissions from two trips in a vehicle. Talk to your employer about options that would suit both of you.

For many of us, working remotely now and then or for set days a week is possible, without causing disruption or affecting workplace culture. Getting the balance right can work well for family dynamics too.

Our tamariki and rangatahi are the leaders of tomorrow. 

We’re empowering young people to feel they can be part of the solution to climate change – everyday actions by everyone can make all the difference.

The Learning Through Action programme encourages students to get creative and find innovative ideas for meaningful climate action.

Find out more or book a school programme(external link).

As well as making changes in our everyday lives, encouraging others to cut emissions will help us hit our targets.

Sharing your own story, starting conversations with your whānau and friends, your local community, school, church group, sports team or residents’ association and through social media about what we can all be doing to reduce our emissions has a positive impact.

 You could start by driving awareness and sharing ccc.govt.nz/climateaction

 Working together creates collective action at a community level, which in turn puts pressure on businesses, large organisations and governments to make the large scale changes that need to happen.

Keen to know more?

There are heaps of handy resources online with tips for what you can do to lower your emissions. Visit GenLess (external link)or It's Time Canterbury(external link)  for some ideas to get you started.