Eight Ways To Reduce Your Climate Impact

The United Nations has declared a “climate emergency”, describing climate change as “the defining crisis of our time”. Nowhere on planet Earth is immune and the mountains are no exception. As global temperatures rise, the fragile alpine ecosystems we love are already suffering environmental degradation. It’s time to take action.

Individuals alone cannot make the drastic emissions cuts required to avert a climate crisis, but your actions can make a difference. Here’s how:

1. Speak Up

Use your voice, your choice and your vote as an active citizen, consumer and customer to raise the importance of climate change with policy makers and businesses. Let your elected representatives know that climate change is an important issue if they want your vote (they do). Try to switch to climate friendly products. Talk to your bank to invest your money responsibly and opt out of funds that invest in fossil fuels. Join a social movement (like ours) that wants to get everyone talking about climate change. Share tips to reduce emissions, support and encourage others who feel the same way. Collaboration is better than confrontation.

2. Hustle Less

“Hustle Culture” — a lifestyle that promotes long working hours in pursuit of material riches — isn’t just toxic for you, it’s toxic for the planet too. Not only is success defined by more bling, which usually means more carbon emissions, but the hustle itself is carbon intensive too. Living life on the fly generally relies on single use items, convenience foods and fast fashion, all of which take a toll on the planet and contribute to emissions. Living a little more mindfully can make a big difference to your well-being and reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Move More

Instead of getting in the car, walk, cycle or run. It’ll not only help cut down on carbon emissions but there are physical and mental health benefits that’ll improve your FreeRide too. For longer journeys try to car-share or use public transport. If driving is unavoidable, think about the way you drive. Make sure your tires are pumped up, drive smoothly, in the highest possible gear, and switch off when parked up. Avoid flying when you can and offset when you can’t.

4. Tread Lightly

Just as we only leave tracks in the mountains, tread lightly through life. Consume less energy at home. Turn down the thermostat and pull on a fleece.  Invest in low energy appliances & light bulbs, and switch your supply to a green energy tariff. You’ll reduce your energy bills along with your carbon emissions. Eating less meat & dairy is another great way to reduce your environmental impact and a plant based, high fibre diet will improve your health and your FreeRide. Avoid disposable or single-use products and anything with excess packaging to help reduce waste and emissions. Rather than sending them to the tip, try to find new homes for items you no longer need or want. The idea is not to be perfect but to incrementally reduce your carbon footprint over time. Everything counts.

Rider Power — only leaving tracks on the mountain

5. Be An Outsider

Findings of a study by the University of Plymouth indicate that reconnecting with nature could be key to planetary health. The study discovered that the more time people spent outdoors “the more likely they were to act in ways which protect the health of the planet.” We all instinctively protect what we love. Increased contact with nature builds an emotional connection that results in an increased willingness to take action to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges. As FreeRiders we hardly need an excuse to get outside more. Could this be the year to invest in a season pass? (At a hydro powered resort of course – see Five Ways To Reduce Your FreeRide Impact.)

6. Nurture Nature

As a FreeRider, there’s a good chance you already have a healthy respect for the mountains and other wilderness spaces. Not only are they good for you but they also absorb carbon dioxide — the main greenhouse gas — and reduce air pollution. Take your passion home with you and nurture nature at home. Plant a tree in your garden. If you’re feeling ambitious, volunteer or donate to woodland experts to plant a whole forest! If you don’t have a garden, create a green space with pot plants on a window sill or join a local community association to help protect and conserve green spaces in your area. Avoid paving and artificial grass – they can’t give you that positive vibe or help the planet absorb CO2 the way plants can.

7. Hold Yourself Accountable

Governments and businesses need to act, but don’t forget that your role is important too! While it’s good to collaborate and to make incremental reductions in your carbon footprint over time, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have warned that this alone will not be enough. Hold yourself accountable and keep the planet in mind as you make your choices. Do you really need new gear or can you make it last another season? Do you really need to fly or can you find your FreeRide stoke closer to home? Self evaluation is a  mindset – one we are all still working on – but keep calm and reflect on your day-to-day consumption. There’s always something that can be improved.

8. No fear

Tackling climate change will require huge behavioural changes in our society to decarbonise energy, restore habitats and make food supply sustainable. Research shows that fear can often prevent change so terms like ‘climate crisis’ may actually be counterproductive. Instead share the positive steps you’re taking to reduce your carbon footprint with friends, family, colleagues and fellow FreeRiders. With a little positive persuasion you can inspire others to join in. It’s never too late to get involved.