Consider how you fly

From a week soaking up the sun in St Barts to a meeting in Dubai, it’s easy to charter a plane to reach your destination. However, research revealed in 2023 alone private flights produced an estimated 15.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide — the equivalent of 3.7 million petrol cars driven over the course of a year. Calling in a helicopter for a short time in the air? They’re still a significant source of pollution, with some emitting 500kg in just a one-hour flight. Instead, fly commercial, opting for business over first — and even economy over business if you really want to give yourself a green pat on the back. Why? The average carbon footprint of a passenger travelling business is three times that of economy – and nine times for first class.

Consider how you drive

Road travel also has an impact when it comes to being more eco-friendly. Ready to call your driver rather than climb behind the wheel yourself? Think of the impact, with that large SUV or limousine having a higher carbon footprint due to weight, size and engine capacity. Electric vehicles are, of course, the way forward: in June 2025 battery electric vehicles accounted for 25% of new car registrations in the UK, a record monthly share. Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have one, and we don’t really need to talk about Elon Musk now, do we? It’s even well-documented that electric cars are now seen as a status symbol among the rich and elite, meaning it’s high time you invested in one, if you’ve yet to.

Consider what you eat

We know you understand the food on your plate has an impact on climate change, yet many are reluctant to alter their habits, with a survey revealing 47% did not see a need to change. It’s hard to hold back on the food and drink you’re used to, but subtle changes make all the difference. Love your steak? Try to limit the amount you feast on it: beef is extremely resource-intensive, with cows producing methane that has a warming potential 27-30 times higher than that of CO2 over a 100-year time period. Foods not in season also affect our world. Let’s talk facts: asparagus grown in Peru and air freighted to the UK emits around 6.3kg CO2 equivalent, whereas if it were grown here, its equivalent would be approximately 378g.

Consider what you wear

No need to compromise — there are many high-end businesses that are eco-conscious when it comes to fashion. Menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt started their journey in 2021, committing to reduce organisational emissions by 5% year on year, as well as giving back via climate-focused and nature-based projects. Think quality over quantity: fast fashion is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions — more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. The watch you wear can also make an impact — Blancpain funds the Blancpain x Sulubaaï Marine Research Center in the Philippines. Here, fishing is banned in around 349 hectares, while the project captures wild fish post-larvae and raises them to the juvenile stage to enhance their survival chances.

Consider how you run your business

Recycling, hybrid working and Zooms are all positives at work, but there are many more areas to reduce climate change. Meetings and conferences often use single-use plastics such as water bottles and catering packaging — vital to eradicate, as by 2050 there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish. What’s more, research shows the average attendee creates 176.67KG of CO2 emissions. You should also ensure IT tasks run off-peak when electricity prices are lower, and replace outdated devices, as new models are more energy-efficient. Sustainable restaurants are a popular choice when it comes to doing business deals, giving you the chance to stand out by showing that you prioritise eco-friendly products and services.

Consider how you manage your home

Most households watch their energy consumption, but those with extra finances can further minimise their environmental impact. Solar panels are an obvious choice, reducing three to four tonnes of C02 each year, as well as pollutants that come from burning fossil fuels. If planning permits, opt for triple glazing to prevent heat escaping: the decreased reliance on heating and cooling systems results in lower greenhouse gas emissions. Invest in a ground-source heat pump, which extracts naturally occurring heat from the ground or water, with sustainable materials also helping to reduce climate change. They even increase your property’s value: homes with eco-friendly features sell for 2-4% more than comparable conventional properties.

The post Get Set to Live the Best Lifestyle While Helping the Planet appeared first on Best of Living.

Powering change from the ground up

Founded in 1995 by environmentalist Dale Vince, Ecotricity began with a single windmill in Gloucestershire and a mission to offer the UK’s first 100% green electricity. Today, the company remains a trailblazer in renewable energy, generating electricity from the wind, sun and sea, and investing profits back into developing new green technologies.

Unlike many suppliers, Ecotricity isn’t content to simply buy green energy on the open market. Instead, it builds its own infrastructure, owning and operating wind and solar parks across the country. This hands-on approach means every customer plays a part in expanding the UK’s renewable capacity. The company’s gas offering is also on a greener path, with a commitment to producing sustainable, carbon-neutral gas from grass — a homegrown alternative that could transform how Britain heats its homes.

Driving a transport revolution

Ecotricity’s commitment to sustainability extends well beyond the energy grid. Recognising that transport is one of the UK’s biggest carbon contributors, the company built the Electric Highway — the first nationwide charging network for electric vehicles. This forward-thinking move has helped make EV travel a practical reality, accelerating the shift away from fossil-fuel-powered transport.

The vision doesn’t stop there. Ecotricity is exploring projects that integrate renewable power generation with EV infrastructure, ensuring clean energy is available for every mile driven. By combining sustainable power with sustainable transport, the company is addressing two of the biggest climate challenges at once.

Ethical, transparent and customer-driven

Ecotricity operates with a clear ethical framework: no shareholders to satisfy, no overseas tax arrangements, and no fossil fuels in its supply mix. Instead, it invests customer bills into building new sources of green energy. This reinvestment model means every pound spent has a tangible environmental impact, from funding wind turbines to supporting nature-positive initiatives.

The business is also accredited by the Vegan Society for ensuring that no part of its energy generation involves animal products, an industry first that reflects its broader environmental ethos. Customers benefit from a simple tariff structure, straightforward switching, and award-winning customer service designed to put people — and the planet — first.

A greener tomorrow

As the UK works towards its net zero targets, Ecotricity’s work demonstrates that the energy sector can be a catalyst for change. Whether you’re looking to reduce your household’s carbon footprint, support ethical business practices, or invest in the renewable energy transition, switching to Ecotricity is a direct way to make a measurable difference.

Discover how your energy choices can power real change at ecotricity.co.uk.

The post Beyond Energy: How Ecotricity is Building Britain’s Sustainable Future appeared first on Best of Living.