By making small changes in our everyday lives, we can help reduce carbon emissions, protect nature, and build a healthier, fairer future for everyone in Fife. Here are five pledges you can take today.
Each one comes with clear climate benefits and there are lots of organisations who can help you. You can read more about each pledge below. Complete the form on this webpage when you are ready to take your pledge.
Pledges
I will talk to someone about the climate emergency once a week
Why it matters: Conversations create change. When you speak openly about climate issues, you inspire others to reflect, share ideas and take action. Normalising climate discussions strengthens our collective voice and builds resilience.
how does this help the climate?
- Increase your awareness of practical solutions and local opportunities
- Help spread accurate information and tackle misinformation
- Encourage a culture of caring and responsibility
Where to find help
- Climate Fife – Climate Engagement and Knowhow
- Fife Council – What is a climate emergency?
- Climate Café® network – find your nearest cafe
I will walk, wheel or cycle a local journey once a week
Why it matters: Choosing active travel reduces carbon emissions, improves local air quality and boosts your health. By making it part of your weekly routine, you can also help cut congestion and make Fife’s streets safer.
Climate benefits
- Reduces carbon emissions from short car trips
- Improves local air quality and lowers noise pollution
- Encourages sustainable travel habits in communities
Where to find help
- Travel Fife – route planning and advice
- Greener Kirkcaldy – active travel projects
- Climate Action Fife – Everyday Cycling Fife
I will invest my money in a climate-friendly pension
Why it matters: Where you put your money has a big impact. Many pensions are still invested in fossil fuels. Switching to a greener pension helps shift billions of pounds into renewable energy, sustainable housing and climate solutions.
Climate benefits
- Reduces financial support for polluting industries
- Channels investment into clean, sustainable sectors
- Sends a powerful signal to financial institutions about public priorities
Where to find help
- Make My Money Matter – guides to switching your pension
- Ethical Consumer – information on ethical investments
- Speak to your pension provider or workplace about sustainable options
I will switch to a green energy provider for my electricity
Why it matters: Generating energy from fossil fuels has a big carbon footprint. Choosing a green tariff demonstrates demand for greener electricity. It sends a message to your supplier and the wider industry that you want to avoid electricity generated from fossil fuels and support renewable energy generation.
Climate benefits
- Demonstrates demand for sustainable energy
- Supports investment in wind, solar and hydro generatino
- Strengthens the shift to a low-carbon energy system
Where to find help
- Climate Action Fife – Climate Friendly Homes
- Energy Saving Trust – advice on switching your supplier
- Ethical Consumer – guide to green energy tariffs
I will commit to using peat-free compost in my home and garden
Why it matters: Peatlands are vital carbon stores and Scotland has some of the most important in Europe. Harvesting peat for gardening releases stored carbon and damages fragile ecosystems. Choosing peat-free compost protects biodiversity and keeps carbon locked away. Don’t forget, peat is widely used to grow garden plants and
Climate benefits
- Protects peatlands, vital for storing carbon and preventing floods
- Reduces emissions from peat extraction
- Supports a thriving peat-free gardening industry
Where to find help
- Climate Action Fife – Climate Friendly Gardening guide
- Wildlife Trusts – Hidden Peat campaign
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) – guidance on peat-free gardening
- Ask your local garden centre about peat-free alternatives
