After the hottest summer on record, you may be looking to take actions that minimise your impact on the environment. Whether you already live in North London or are considering moving here, you’ll be pleased to know that the region supports making conscious choices.
Discover ways to make every day a little eco-friendlier with these tips for sustainable living in North London.
Eco-friendly transport
Cycling
North London is ideal for exploring on two wheels. From Trent Country Park to Lee Valley Regional Park, the region’s green spaces offer scenic backdrops for weekend bike rides. Meanwhile, cycle routes make it easy to get from A to B, whether you’re heading to the office or meeting friends for brunch.
Our apartments in Enfield at Cassia Oakwood and Nexus Phase 3 benefit from bike storage onsite, keeping your bike safe without taking up space inside your home.
Public Transport
Using public transport is a greener way to travel around London, as trains and tubes connect you with the city without contributing to road congestion. Plus, TfL has introduced thousands of low- and zero-emission vehicles to its bus network, making sustainable public transport more accessible in North London and across the capital.
Shop Local
Sustainable Food Shopping
Want to give your shopping habits a sustainable overhaul but don’t know where to begin? Start with the contents of your fridge. Stocking up on locally grown, seasonal produce is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. Various locations in North London host regular farmers’ markets, including Alexandra Palace, Stroud Green and Islington, where you can pick up locally sourced fruit and veg, dairy products, meat and cupboard staples.
Vintage Fashion and Homewares
If you want to make your wardrobe more sustainable, check out charity shops and flea markets, which are treasure troves for pre-loved clothing. Additionally, vintage fairs are great places to find unique pieces for decorating your home, whether that’s a mid-century chair or an Art Deco vase.
Read our blog on markets in and around Tottenham to plan your next weekend shopping trip in North London.
Community Initiatives
Events
Are you interested in making an impact in your local community? Get involved in projects like The London Sustainable Community, which operates events and meetups to promote eco-friendly businesses and initiatives across the capital.
Litter Picking
Several community litter-picking groups operate in North London through the nationwide organisation CleanupUK. It has a handful of hubs in the region where groups can borrow equipment and get promotional support to engage their local community.
Volunteering
Help London’s wildlife thrive by volunteering for the London Wildlife Trust. The organisation looks after numerous nature reserves in North London, including Walthamstow Wetlands near Millstream Tower, and offers various ways to get involved, from bird surveying to practical conservation.
Eco-friendliness at Home
Energy Efficiency
Maximising energy efficiency at home is good for the planet and your wallet. Small changes like switching to LED lightbulbs and turning off appliances and electrical items when not in use can reduce your energy consumption. Using less hot water by taking shorter showers and washing clothes at a lower temperature can also contribute to lower energy bills.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Moving towards a more circular economy, which focuses on minimising waste and extending the lifecycle of products, helps to reduce your carbon footprint. You can do this by reducing, reusing and recycling.
North London Waste Authority provides facilities across the region to help you safely and responsibly dispose of everything you no longer need, from electrical items to textiles. The organisation has also established the North London Community Fund, which grants funding to waste prevention initiatives that educate and inspire residents, such as repair cafes and reuse craft workshops.
North London Living
Wherever you live in North London, it’s easy to make sustainable choices that are kind to the planet. Explore our Shared Ownership developments in North London that are compatible with eco-friendly living.
