Project Zero - How you can help

View this page in Welsh / Gweld y tudalen hwn yn Gymraeg

We can all help limit climate change. From the electricity we use, to the food we eat, the way we travel, and the things we buy, we can make a difference. Find out what you can do at home to support Project Zero and share your ideas with us.


Energy

Ask your energy provider to fit a SMART meter to help you understand and manage your energy usage and costs. This will help you see how much energy you are using, and if you could use less by switching appliances off or turning your heating down.

Insulate your home. Make sure your walls, roof and windows are insulated to cut down heat waste. Check out the Nest scheme for free advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements.

Heating water makes up 18% of the average household’s energy costs, so saving water saves on energy bills. To save water, don't leave your tap running when you are brushing your teeth, get a water efficient shower head and take a shorter shower. More tips on saving water.

Turn off lights when you don’t need them and switch to LEDs or other low-energy lights. Put exterior or security lights on timers or make sure they are motion activated so that they are only on when needed.

Keeping warm is vital, particularly for older people at home. Age UK recommends layering up and keeping active at home, and the Vale is supporting the Warm Spaces scheme with a network of inviting warm community spaces bringing people together this winter at no cost.

For more energy saving tips such as turning down your boiler and washing clothes at a lower temperature, go to the Help For Households campaign.




Recycling and waste

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduce the amount you consume, reuse wherever possible and recycle when you no longer need something.

Cut down the amount of single use packaging in your food shop: buy loose fruit and veg, find your local refill shop for dry goods and refillable cleaning products, and bring your own reusable containers and bags when shopping.

Bring your own reusable cup for a takeaway coffee and use a refillable water bottle. Did you know that in the UK we use almost 40 million single use plastic bottles a day, and 2.5 billion disposable cups a year!

Extend the life of your possessions e.g. mending clothes, resoling shoes and having things repaired. Monthly repair cafes run in Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge, and are a great way to have your items fixed for free.

When you need something or are getting rid of something that still has life left, consider charity shops and online forums such as Facebook reuse groups, Freecycle, ebay and Vinted. Why not organise a clothes swap with friends to refresh your wardrobe, or donate unwanted items to those in need.

Before buying an item that you’d use rarely, consider borrowing from Benthyg ‘library of things’, currently in Barry and Penarth. They have a wide variety of items to borrow at low cost, from lawnmowers to slow cookers, and tents to gazebos. Benthyg may even be able to deliver and collect using their cargo bike!

For anything that can’t be repaired or reused, please recycle, using the black bin bag only if something can’t be recycled. There is more information in the Vale of Glamorgan’s Recycling Guide.



Transport

Walk or cycle instead of using a car. You can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car sharing schemes.

If you are trading in your diesel or petrol car, consider an electric or hybrid model. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is rolling out EV charging points across the Vale.

If you have an EV charging point at home, you could rent it to a neighbour to help them switch to electric. Find out more at Co Charger.

Keep up to date with active travel news and case studies from the Vale, including travel routes and where to find bike pump and repair stations. If you know a spot that would benefit from a bike stand, apply for the ‘Secure your cycle scheme’.

Explore the National Cycle Network in Wales, including tips on the best rides in Wales, including great picnic spots!


Green spaces and nature

If you have space in your garden, consider home composting uncooked food, such as vegetable or fruit peelings.

You can create a wildlife friendly garden, even in a tiny space, encouraging birds and insects into your garden and supporting biodiversity.

Join a local group and get outdoors. There’s lots to do, from nature walks to beach cleans, plus opportunities to volunteer with the Council's Countryside Service. Don’t forget to explore the wealth of parks and gardens across the Vale.

Try growing your own fruit and veg in your garden or in pots. Consider an allotment, but please be patient as there is currently a waiting list due to popularity.

View this page in Welsh / Gweld y tudalen hwn yn Gymraeg

We can all help limit climate change. From the electricity we use, to the food we eat, the way we travel, and the things we buy, we can make a difference. Find out what you can do at home to support Project Zero and share your ideas with us.


Energy

Ask your energy provider to fit a SMART meter to help you understand and manage your energy usage and costs. This will help you see how much energy you are using, and if you could use less by switching appliances off or turning your heating down.

Insulate your home. Make sure your walls, roof and windows are insulated to cut down heat waste. Check out the Nest scheme for free advice and, if you are eligible, a package of free home energy efficiency improvements.

Heating water makes up 18% of the average household’s energy costs, so saving water saves on energy bills. To save water, don't leave your tap running when you are brushing your teeth, get a water efficient shower head and take a shorter shower. More tips on saving water.

Turn off lights when you don’t need them and switch to LEDs or other low-energy lights. Put exterior or security lights on timers or make sure they are motion activated so that they are only on when needed.

Keeping warm is vital, particularly for older people at home. Age UK recommends layering up and keeping active at home, and the Vale is supporting the Warm Spaces scheme with a network of inviting warm community spaces bringing people together this winter at no cost.

For more energy saving tips such as turning down your boiler and washing clothes at a lower temperature, go to the Help For Households campaign.




Recycling and waste

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Reduce the amount you consume, reuse wherever possible and recycle when you no longer need something.

Cut down the amount of single use packaging in your food shop: buy loose fruit and veg, find your local refill shop for dry goods and refillable cleaning products, and bring your own reusable containers and bags when shopping.

Bring your own reusable cup for a takeaway coffee and use a refillable water bottle. Did you know that in the UK we use almost 40 million single use plastic bottles a day, and 2.5 billion disposable cups a year!

Extend the life of your possessions e.g. mending clothes, resoling shoes and having things repaired. Monthly repair cafes run in Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge, and are a great way to have your items fixed for free.

When you need something or are getting rid of something that still has life left, consider charity shops and online forums such as Facebook reuse groups, Freecycle, ebay and Vinted. Why not organise a clothes swap with friends to refresh your wardrobe, or donate unwanted items to those in need.

Before buying an item that you’d use rarely, consider borrowing from Benthyg ‘library of things’, currently in Barry and Penarth. They have a wide variety of items to borrow at low cost, from lawnmowers to slow cookers, and tents to gazebos. Benthyg may even be able to deliver and collect using their cargo bike!

For anything that can’t be repaired or reused, please recycle, using the black bin bag only if something can’t be recycled. There is more information in the Vale of Glamorgan’s Recycling Guide.



Transport

Walk or cycle instead of using a car. You can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car sharing schemes.

If you are trading in your diesel or petrol car, consider an electric or hybrid model. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is rolling out EV charging points across the Vale.

If you have an EV charging point at home, you could rent it to a neighbour to help them switch to electric. Find out more at Co Charger.

Keep up to date with active travel news and case studies from the Vale, including travel routes and where to find bike pump and repair stations. If you know a spot that would benefit from a bike stand, apply for the ‘Secure your cycle scheme’.

Explore the National Cycle Network in Wales, including tips on the best rides in Wales, including great picnic spots!


Green spaces and nature

If you have space in your garden, consider home composting uncooked food, such as vegetable or fruit peelings.

You can create a wildlife friendly garden, even in a tiny space, encouraging birds and insects into your garden and supporting biodiversity.

Join a local group and get outdoors. There’s lots to do, from nature walks to beach cleans, plus opportunities to volunteer with the Council's Countryside Service. Don’t forget to explore the wealth of parks and gardens across the Vale.

Try growing your own fruit and veg in your garden or in pots. Consider an allotment, but please be patient as there is currently a waiting list due to popularity.