1. Change Bank
Using an ethical bank that doesn’t support fossil fuels is the single most powerful thing you can do to help the environment. Ethical banks include Triodos, Starling, The Cooperative Bank and Nationwide. The credentials of your bank can be checked at bank.green and there’s a blog here with a list of suggestions: https://wise.com/gb/blog/ethical-banks-uk
2. Change your electricity supplier
Change your electricity supply to one that only provides 100% renewable energy; eg Octopus Energy or Good Energy. Regulations require every energy provider to supply a certain percentage of renewable energy as part of their licence. If you go for a green tariff with an energy provider that also provides fossil-fuelled energy you may well be paying a premium for green energy that the electricity provider is obligated to fulfil anyway.
3. Change your search engine to Ecosia
Search engines are surprisingly energy hungry. Ecosia plants trees for every search and their servers are run on renewable energy, so your quick search won’t be costing the world. At the time of writing (14th March 2026) Ecosia has planted over 248 million trees and donated nearly 100 million euros to climate action.
4. Join a wildlife trust
Joining a wildlife trust is a particularly good option if you don’t have land of your own, as your donation will help them preserve ecology that is accessible to all. We are business members of Cornwall Wildlife Trust; all counties have their own local trust who look after local wildlife reserves. You can look on the umbrella organisation The Wildlife Trusts to find your local one. They also offer opportunities of volunteering, which is a great way to make new friends. Or you could go broader for a national charity like The Woodland Trust, or international with The World Wildlife Fund for Nature. Choose an option (or two) that most closely aligns with your values.
5. Invite a friend or colleague around for a cuppa
Invite a friend or colleague around for a drink and a chat. Tell them about the four actions you’ve already taken and encourage them to follow suit. Building community and friendly face to face dialogue is an essential component of grass roots action. And is a great way to recharge the batteries.
