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Food waste managementCurrent process of utilisation of food waste , leads to increase of CO2 emissions. It would perhaps teach people that they should care about their environment, about the fact that waste is a problem which must be passed on further and it doesn’t end with placing used wastes in the bin. Conscious consumption and shopping8 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Martyna Pawliczek
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Exeter as car-free cityVehicle emissions are one of the main sources of outdoor air pollution, particularly in cities. Most urban areas in the UK, including Exeter, have very high or illegal levels of NO2 pollution. Breathing in air pollution can stunt lung development, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, worsen asthma symptoms, and even result in lung cancer. The effects of toxic air are worse for those most vulnerable individuals (e.g. children and older people). However, up to a 40% reduction in NO2 levels has been reported on car-free days. Transport is also the fastest growing source of fossil-fuel CO2 emissions, the largest contributor to the environment and climate emergency. Furthermore, cars, and the associated infrastructure, congest roads and take up valuable space, and they divert investment and interest from public transport. To ensure a sustainable city that meets government objectives for air quality and moral obligations regarding the climate emergency, we must take steps away from our current over-dependency on private cars. (Obviously there will be exceptions for emergency, electric and delivery vehicles, as well as drivers or passengers with disabilities.) Indeed, many cities worldwide are beginning to shift away from cars, towards more environmentally friendly and citizen-focused means of mobility. Hamburg, Oslo, Helsinki and Madrid have revealed plans to become predominantly private car free cities, and York has also recently announced plans to become a car-free city. We need to invest in cycling infrastructure and pedestrianisation, restricting inner-city parking and increasing public transport provisions, with the aim of reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These adaptations are also likely to significantly benefit public health. Exeter is in an ideal position to implement such changes. It is a relatively small but fast-growing city; indeed, the flow of commuters is estimated to rise by 25–30% over the next 20 years. Many roads in the city centre are already pedestrianised or restricted-access only. There are currently 9 train stations (with more planned) and 32 bus routes, with a bus station in the process of redevelopment, as well as plans for ‘smart ticketing’. Furthermore, we have an established but growing cycling community, with cycle routes and provisions throughout the city. There is also a successful electric bike hire scheme within the city. Moreover, there are a number of Park and Ride services in place, with plans for another having recently been approved. Making Exeter a car-free city – a bold and ambitious but crucial step – would demonstrate that the City of Exeter is at the forefront of attempts to address the environment and climate emergency, leading the way for other cities to follow suit.31 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Louise Venables
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Compostable Cigarette buttsMillions of people globally smoke cigarettes and the impact the filters are having on our environment is awful.12 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Joe Cooper-Gers
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Ban single use cable tiesmillions of cable ties are cut and thrown in the bin every year10 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Mark Perkins
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All Food Sold In The UK To Display Carbon FootprintThe climate crisis requires action from every member of society; food plays a large role in our carbon footprint and choices based on carbon footprint information can empower the british public to make choices that benefit their environment, and help people to do their bit.13 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Elizabeth Heptinstall
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End needless plastic bags in online shoppingIn a period when we’re all supposed to be reducing our plastic consumption, why is this much plastic even an option? Companies should be made to use paper or card for the majority of packaging. If plastic really is required, why so much of it?30 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Sam Thorn
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Sky pollutionMost useful astronomy is done using ground based instruments which rely on uncluttered views of our sky. In places like Chile where, in the mountains, the weather permits a predictably clear view of the sky every night. Many experts are now saying that the latest 'trains' of communication satellites will end useful ground based astronomy for ever. Also, a great deal of useful and pleasurable astronmy is carried out by amateur astronomers all over the globe. In the last few decades much has been done to reduce light pollution of our skies by legislating for and increasing awareness of appropriate lighting of our cities. All that work will be for nothing if these satellites continue to pour into our sky.40 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Simon Poulter
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Leaf Blowers and Vacuums destroy insect life unnecessarilyInsect life is so important as one of the building blocks of the food chain, and the use of leaf blowers destroys insect life in the leaves. We have already lost an enormous percentage of our insect life, and we need to preserve those that are left so they can reproduce and do their job maintaining the balance within the environment. It takes a little longer to rake them, but maybe think about leaving them and stop being so tidy unless the leaves are on paths or roads.13 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Tricia Smith
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Bouquet wrappings should be biodegradableIt is so important not to fill landfill sites when the items could be composted so easily if no plastic based items are included. When I see beautiful bouquets of flowers beside the road, as tributes to a loved one, it makes me so sad to know that all of these will be scooped up and thrown into landfill, as the plastic wrappings make it impossible for them to be composted and re-used in a useful manner.2 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Tricia Smith
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Stop Waitrose selling bottles of water from Fiji 10,000 miles awayTo me it is a no brainer that we stop burning fuel to ship water in a plastic bottle from such far flung places and generating all the unnecessary waste.14 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Marc Mearns
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Green number plates for clean vehicles. Red for dirty ones.To promote awareness of emissions from high polluting vehicles.6 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Geoff Beacon
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Biodegradable and Recyclable PackagingIt is important to have packaged things to be accessible for people either on the go or with disabilities, but it does not mean that the negative environmental impact should be disregarded. Keep these items packaged, just change the packaging.25 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Samirah Yasmin
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