Can we count you in?

It's true that turning the tide of the climate crisis relies on systematic change but that doesn't mean that individuals, each of us, can't do our bit to make a difference.

Whilst the argument often is "you can't place the blame with individuals", it does not absolve us of responsibility. Time spent on making this argument is another moment of inaction. Yes, big organisations, global companies and influential politicians have the power to make visible changes. However, it is our responsibility to raise our voices and demand that these changes be made.

Our Round Britain Climate Challenge is aiming to break two Guinness World Records — to fly the furthest distance in an electric paramotor. The second world record attempt is one that you can help us smash! We are attempting to beat the record for most pledges to an environmental campaign, by encouraging everyone to sign up to Count Us In — a project that calculates how everyone’s different pledges to take part in climate action will significantly reduce their carbon footprint. With your help, we know we can smash this!

We want to make climate action a part of our daily lives. Our actions don't just have a material impact on the climate crisis, but amplify the urgency of the crisis to others. By pledging with Count Us In you are raising your voice and showing those holding the power that you want change. The achievement of a Guinness World Record will magnify our demand for climate action now.

Count Us In offers sixteen easy steps for you to choose from. The steps differ in impact and effort. Choosing to eat seasonally or walk or fly less which are relatively low effort and medium impact. Flying less is slightly higher effort but with much greater impact. According to Count Us In, flying less can reduce your carbon pollution by up to 50% each year. 

Start by reducing the clothes you buy, buying second hand, or buying higher quality items that won’t need replacing often. The fashion industry is a big contributor to carbon and water pollution — from the making to the shipping. When you do need to invest in new clothes, take care to look into its sustainability. For example, a cotton shirt is far better than polyester. Another way to start reducing your carbon imprint is to be less wasteful. Often when something breaks we deem it cheaper and easier to simply buy a new one. Perhaps you could start taking the time to repair or repurposing, instead of binning it. There are many guides and ‘how-to’s online just waiting for you to try! These might seem like small steps now, but they soon become habits that will have a large impact on reducing the world’s carbon emissions.

These steps may seem small, but each person repairing and reusing their household items or clothing is reducing the quick turnover of wasteful industries. Each person pledging to eat a more plant based diet is reducing the demand on the meat industry. Importantly, we can advocate for climate actions in local and political communities. Each action makes an impact whether that be directly or through the voting power of your money and actions.

The next time you need to trade in your car, consider investing in an electric one. With the government’s recent proposal to ban new manufacturing of diesel and petrol cars by 2030, why not get ahead of the game? The carbon impact from an electric car can be up to three times less than a diesel or petrol one — a significant amount! If your old car is working just fine, however, or this is just too big a commitment, you might instead consider finding other sustainable ways to get around. Walking or cycling short journeys will have a huge effect on you and your neighbourhood. You can get healthier, minimise local air pollution and reduce your carbon imprint! Start with cycling to work or a friend's house and you will soon see how much fun it is! 

Each of the climate solutions we are visiting on our Round Britain Climate Challenge started with an individual. Today you are pledging with Count Us In, what can you achieve tomorrow?