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What can I do about climate change?

David Platt • 6 September 2021

What things can I, as an individual, do to help prevent global warming and the impacts of climate change?

What things can I, as an individual, do to help prevent global warming and the impacts of climate change?

For most of us there is a temptation to believe that there is nothing we can do as individuals to make an impact on the changing climate. If China and the USA are creating so much greenhouse gas what can I possibly do to effect the situation? Well of course the world is made up of individuals and whilst your effect may be small it all adds up. And yes there are things you do to change the emissions from China and other polluting countries.

To understand what we can do here at home first it is important to see where the greenhouse gasses are coming from – and take action appropriately. Let’s start with the UK government report on emissions:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957887/2019_Final_greenhouse_gas_emissions_statistical_release.pdf

1. Consider your transport choices

The UK is interesting in that Transport is the largest source of emissions. This was not always the case and indeed, is not true for many countries. However, efforts in the UK to remove coal from electricity generation and replacing with renewables has been a UK success story. This leaves transport producing a quarter of all our emissions. 27% of all UK emissions come from the transport sector (including airlines and road transport) – with road transport being the largest

Looking at transport then the one thing we all can do is examine our cars and car journeys it is here that we can have the largest impact as individuals

Car or bicycle for that short trip?
Car or public transport?
Petrol/diesel car or electric vehicle?

One 2017 study co-authored by Lund University’s Nicholas ranked 148 individual actions on climate change according to their impact. Going car-free was the number-one most effective action an individual could take (except not having kids). Cars are more polluting compared to other means of transportation like walking, biking or using public transport.

The choices we make here will have the largest personal impact on the climate.

Air travel always gets a bad press on emissions because the emission per mile is so high – but generally we do not travel by air very often. If you do go on holiday by air pay to have your emissions off set and don’t always assume that air is the fastest and cheapest way to travel abroad. A study by the Grantham institute: https://granthaminstitute.com/2020/02/03/reducing-demand-for-air-travel-starts-at-work/ came up with some interesting results

2. Your source of energy

The next largest source of UK CO2 emissions is energy supply and in particular the method used to generate our electricity. The move in the UK away from coal to gas and renewables has helped in recent years but we as individuals do have some choices. Closely linked is the residential heating sources including gas and oil heating. Small changes to your behaviour at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills:

·Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two.
·Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them.
·Replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights.
·Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient shower head.
·Make sure your home is energy efficient. Check the building has proper insulation, and consider draught-proofing windows and doors. If you are in rented accommodation, lobby your landlord to make sure the property is energy efficient.

·Switching energy supply to a green tariff is a great way to invest in renewable energy sources – and could save you money on bills too. Further details can be found: https://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/home-energy-efficiency/switching-utilities/buying-green-electricity

3. What you eat

As can be seen by the table above one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases is agriculture. The agriculture sector consists of emissions from livestock, agricultural soils, stationary combustion sources and off-road machinery. It is estimated to have been responsible for 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK in 2019. Emissions of methane (54%) and nitrous oxide (32%) dominate this sector. The most significant sources here are emissions of methane due to enteric fermentation from livestock – and the nitrous oxide which comes from nitrogen based fertilisers.

According to the World Resources Institute https://www.wri.org/insights/sustainable-diets-what-you-need-know-12-charts - if cattle were their own nation, they would be the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gases, after China and the US.

You do not have to become vegetarian but if you were to cut down meat by 50% the impact is huge – reducing the carbon footprint of your diet by 43%.

Or put another way – one cheeseburger has the carbon foot print of 6 portions of fish and chips https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/climate-action/

4. Cut Consumption and Waste

We are all consumers and everything we use as consumers has a carbon footprint.

By avoiding single-use items such as plastic water bottles instead of the re-usable type,and avoiding fast fashion rather than quality products which will last much longer, we can all reduce our carbon footprint. Also minimising waste by choosing products which are naturally biodegradable rather than made from oil based plastics which either add to the landfill or are burnt with the consequent emissions.

Think about where products are made and choose those which are made and grown locally. The UK has done a great job in reducing its emissions but some would argues only by exporting the problem to countries like China by having them make the products with the consequent emissions being exported and not removed.

Pavilion Earth was set up in recognition that we can all do our bit for the environment and indeed our bit adds up to being the solution to the problem. We still believe in marketing and promotional gifts we just see there is another way that does not damage the environment.

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Raster versus Vector - advice for the decoration of branded promotional merchandise

by David Platt • 5 February 2025

Understanding Vector Files vs Raster Files for Eco Promotional Products When it comes to branding on eco promotional products, understanding the different file types is crucial. Whether you’re creating logos for reusable water bottles or designing training manuals, the choice between vector and raster files significantly impacts the quality, scalability, and versatility of your designs. In this blog, we’ll explore the characteristics of these two file types, their applications, and why choosing the right format matters for both print and digital media. --- What Are Vector Files? Vector files are a digital image format based on mathematical formulas that define shapes, lines, and colours. Unlike raster files, which are made up of pixels, vector files use points and paths, allowing them to remain resolution-independent and infinitely scalable. Common vector file formats include **.SVG** (Scalable Vector Graphics), **.AI** (Adobe Illustrator), and **.EPS** (Encapsulated PostScript). Advantages of Vector Files 1. Scalability: Vector files can be scaled up or down without any loss in quality. Whether you’re designing a logo for a promotional pen or a large conference banner, vector graphics remain crisp and clear. This scalability makes them ideal for **printing on eco promotional products**, signage, and manuals. 2. Editability: Vector files are highly editable. Designers can easily adjust individual elements like shapes, colours, and sizes without compromising image quality. This flexibility is particularly useful for **custom branding**, where logos or designs need modifications for various products. 3. Small File Sizes: Vector files are typically smaller than raster files because they store mathematical data rather than individual pixels. This makes them faster to load, ideal for web use, and easier to share across platforms. Applications of Vector Files Vector files are perfect for projects that require sharp, scalable designs. Their primary uses include: - **Eco promotional products**: Logos for reusable bottles, tote bags, and stationery. - **Print materials**: Brochures, business cards, and training manuals. - **Signage**: Pop-up banners and large-scale graphics. - **Web graphics**: Icons, infographics, and logos for websites. --- What Are Raster Files? Raster files, also called bitmap images, consist of individual pixels that make up the image. These files are resolution-dependent, meaning their quality is determined by the **pixels per inch (PPI)** or **dots per inch (DPI)**. Common raster file formats include **JPEG**, **PNG**, and **TIFF**. Advantages of Raster Files 1. Photorealistic Detail: Raster files excel at capturing detailed and complex images, such as photographs or digital paintings. This makes them ideal for **photographic designs** used in digital or print materials. 2. Image Effects: Raster files support various effects, such as shading, filters, and blurring. These capabilities allow designers to enhance photos or create artistic visuals for **social media posts, eBooks**, or website banners. Applications of Raster Files Raster files are better suited for detailed, photorealistic designs. Their primary uses include: - **eBooks and digital materials**: Low-resolution images for screens. - **Web graphics**: Social media posts and website banners. - **Photography**: Printing high-resolution photos for promotional use. - **Complex artwork**: Digital illustrations or detailed graphics. --- Vector vs Raster Files: Key Differences 1. Scalability - **Vector Files:** Infinitely scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and large-format printing. - **Raster Files:** Lose quality and become pixelated when enlarged. 2. Editability - **Vector Files:** Easy to edit individual elements (shapes, colours, etc.), making them versatile for product branding. - **Raster Files:** Difficult to edit without compromising quality. 3. Resolution Dependence - **Vector Files:** Resolution-independent; sharp at any size. - **Raster Files:** Resolution-dependent; quality depends on the original PPI or DPI. 4. File Size - **Vector Files:** Smaller file sizes, suitable for web use and quick loading. - **Raster Files:** Larger file sizes due to pixel data. --- Why File Choice Matters for Eco Promotional Products When creating branded materials for eco promotional products, the right file type ensures your designs are visually appealing and consistent across all platforms. Here’s why: - **For Print:** Vector files are essential. Logos and graphics need to be sharp and scalable for different product sizes, from mugs to banners. Vector files also work best for high-resolution branding on training manuals or reusable promotional items. - **For Digital:** Raster files are better suited for low-resolution displays, such as eBooks, social media posts, and websites. However, remember that even digital logos and icons can benefit from vector files for faster loading and a crisper appearance. --- Partnering with Pavilion Earth for Your Eco Promotional Needs At Pavilion Earth, we understand the importance of getting your branding right, whether it’s for a biodegradable tote bag, a stainless steel water bottle, or digital training materials. Choosing the right file format is just one step in ensuring your promotional products reflect your values and your brand’s quality. Our team can guide you through the process of selecting and preparing the correct file types for your eco promotional products. Need help deciding between vector and raster files? Let us assist you in optimising your designs for maximum impact. Contact Pavilion Earth today to discuss your promotional product needs and branding goals. Together, we’ll make sure your materials stand out while staying eco-conscious.