Carbon footprint labelling

We are campaigning for the labelling of all goods and services with their carbon footprint. by persuading the government to introduce legislation to make this compulsory.

By indicating the footprint on packaging etc, with the footprint, we think this will guide people buying or using services.

• your footprint Carbon Trust.
• Carbon Labelling Guide - clever carbon describes the labelling process
• Carbon Labelling Guide - clever carbon describes the labelling process, and we are campaigning to get such labelling implemented.
• Work out your footprint WWF Footprint Calculator.
• My2050 calculator - create your pathway for the UK to be net zero by 2050 (my2050app.london.cloudapps.digital)

Proposal for the labelling of all goods and services with their carbon footprint.

Plan

1. label all goods and services with carbon footprint,
2. certain items may be excluded eg fresh unwrapped carrots
3. cars, services, houses, the purchase of pets, and so on would all be labelled or at least the carbon footprint indicated. Figures would include the item as sold and in its use.

Result

The aim is (as with food labelling of salt etc to encourage healthy eating) is to encourage the purchase and use of items with lower footprints.

Background

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, United Nations panel) has indicated there is crong evidence that each ton of CO2 produces 1.5 trillionths of a degree in global warming for 650 years. One tonne of concrete for instance, produces one ton of CO2 and thereby 1.5 trillionths of a degrees warming.
We need (building) concrete, but can often manage using less, and so knowing the consequences would encourage us to use less concrete or a substitute material with a lower footprint such as wood.

There is strong evidence this ‘nudging’ is effective, if not as large as some would wish.

Support and opposition

1. 95% local support for this particular proposal
2. 90% of local residents want the Government to take more climate action (With others we have carried out surveys of 200+ local residents. These residents were highly critical of the lack of Government action. This particular proposal was similarly supported.)
3. National figures are similar for more Government climate action (Yougov surveys etc).
4. An MP taking action would be supported and appreciated by this 90%.
5. Opposition..industry and service in all forms..Industry wants to sell big expensive cars not small cheaper cars, and so on.