Want to stop climate change? Here are six things you can do right now

Global warming has never been of more concern. Here’s how you can do your bit to save the planet

By Ernest Richardson

Climate-change activist Greta Thunberg is sailing a yacht to a conference in New York in an effort to minimise her impact on the planet.

    With record temperatures throughout the world, there’s never been more of a focus on climate change.  

The teenager will spend two weeks sailing across the North Atlantic en route to the UN’s Climate Action Summit in September. It’s the latest in a series of high-profile actions that have seen Miss Thunberg become one of the world’s most celebrated spokespeople about the challenge of global warming.

The Swedish protestor made her name as a 15 year old by holding weekly strikes outside her country’s parliament. Her actions inspired an international movement and pricked the conscience of world leaders.

With record temperatures throughout the world, there’s never been more of a focus on climate change. Which means it’s the perfect time to look at our actions and identify ways to save the planet. Here are six suggestions to help channel your inner Greta.

1) Walk and cycle more, drive less

This is obvious, right? According to the RAC Foundation, 76 per cent of journeys between two and three miles and more than a half of all trips over one mile are undertaken by car rather than on foot or bicycle.

That’s a lot of carbon being pumped into the atmosphere that could easily be avoided. If you’re travelling fewer than two miles, it should only take half an hour or so to walk. And if you’re going fu

rther afield, a bike will get you there in no time at all.

Whether it’s the journey to school, work, or simply to post a letter, leave the car at home and make a big difference to the climate.

2) Cut down on your meat consumption

The contribution of livestock to global warming is a controversial issue, and there are arguments on both sides. Studies show that livestock farming creates about 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse emissions, making agriculture the second-highest contributor to global warming.

Set against that, experts from the Sustainable Food Trust point out that grazing animals on grassland can play an important role in carbon sequestration and make a positive contribution to the environment.

Either way, it pays to think about how much meat you consume. Try to have at least one meat-free day per week and you’ll improve your diet as well as helping the planet.

3) Install a smart meter

Smart meters have a strong appeal to consumers: they help you save money as well as cutting down your energy use.

Many energy suppliers install smart meters as part of their routine upgrade programme, but you can request one ahead of time if you wish.

By monitoring your energy consumption in real time, a smart meter enables you to see how much you’re spending, and measure your impact on the environment.

Users find that having up-to-date information about energy consumption displayed in their home encourages them to be more careful. They see the cost of their electricity and gas use, and take steps to minimise it. Good for the wallet, and good for the environment.

    It’s tempting to think of politicians as toothless and lacking in influence.  

4) Write to your MP

It’s tempting to think of politicians as toothless and lacking in influence. But MPs continue to wield huge power, not least by voting on legislation concerning national carbon-reduction targets and the deployment of green technology such as electric cars.

You can monitor how your constituency MP votes on climate change issues and contact them using the UK Parliament website. If you want them to take a stand, or challenge their voting record, the best way is to email or write, or visit their local surgery.

If a mass movement is more your cup of tea, you could sign the Friends of the Earth petition, asking the government to take urgent climate action.  

5) Embrace renewables

Renewable sources are now proven to provide a reliable source of energy with minimal impact on the environment.

The easiest way to harness the power of the wind and sun is to sign up with a green electricity supplier such as Good Energy or Ecotricity. Companies like these often offer competitive tariffs and make a donation per customer to an eco-friendly charity.

If your property is suitable, you could install a wind turbine or solar panels, but that can be expensive and may not meet your energy needs.

6) Get your employer on board

Every brand wants to demonstrate its eco credentials, so your employer shouldn’t need much encouragement to launch an environmental programme.

You could encourage them to apply for B Corporation status, underscoring their commitment to the planet and encouraging best practice. B Corps meet the very highest standards of social and environmental performance. Members benefit from a global network that is committed to doing the right thing.

On a more day-to-day level, small acts like encouraging careful use of energy and adopting a green company car scheme all make a difference.

Employers often need the encouragement of employees to introduce environmentally friendly policies. If you want to make a difference to the planet’s prospects, why not give your employer a nudge in the right direction?

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

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Sales Manager
Sector: Sales
Location: South East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing Sudbury-based business seeking a Sales Manager to join their long-standing team.

Due to continued growth, this newly created role will play a key part within the sales and marketing team — delivering exceptional service to new and existing customers while managing ongoing accounts.

You’ll act as the vital link between customers and the technical teams, ensuring every interaction reinforces the company’s reputation for excellence.

The sales team is expected to know their clients, and therefore, a minimum of 50% of your time will be spent in front of customers.

Key responsibilities include:

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  • Provide outstanding customer service to new and existing clients.
  • Build and nurture relationships to drive customer satisfaction, retention, and repeat business.
  • Understand customer needs and effectively communicate product information, features, and benefits.
  • Support customers throughout the sales cycle, from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
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Skills and qualifications include:

  • Proven experience in prospecting new clients, preparing proposals, negotiating and closing disinfection sales in the water and wastewater industry.
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This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop within a successful team and business.

If you are a hungry and driven salesperson - this role is for you!

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £27,500 per annum
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913734
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established business on the outskirts of Colchester in recruiting a Production Operative to join their existing team. This role also offers an excellent opportunity to progress into a Team Leader position.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met, and that clients receive the required products on time.

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Working days - Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am - 2.30pm and 1.30pm – 10.00pm). Overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer is committed to investing in and developing its people — for every machine you’re trained to operate and for which you meet the required standards, you’ll receive an increase in your salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Marketing Engagement Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC20
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Marketing Engagement Executive to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and client engagement programmes. This role requires a self-motivated team player with a can-do attitude who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing engagement across multiple platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

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Key experience required includes:

  • A minimum of three years' experience in a marketing role.
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  • Advanced knowledge of platforms and applications such as E-mail campaign and automation software (MailChimp), CRM and CMS platforms, as well as creative applications such as Photoshop, PowerPoint, and video editing software.

Hybrid working is available after successful completion of the probationary period (min. of 3 days in the office, up to 2 days at home).
Hours: Monday to Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Trainee Commercial Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Discussed on application
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Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB09
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Just Recruitment is recruiting for an ambitious Trainee Commercial Manager to join our client’s supplier negotiation team.

Based in Colchester, you’ll play a key role in purchasing, pricing, and supplier communications, gaining valuable experience within a rapidly expanding national business.

Working hours 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday - 30 minutes lunch break.
23 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Duties will include:

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You will have a strong interest in business, purchasing or negotiation. Any experience in related fields would be a bonus, but is not considered essential.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
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Contract: Permanent
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Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing organisation based in Ipswich that is looking for a Driver/Warehouse Operative to join their team.

You will be responsible for covering East Anglia and making 10 to 20 drops per day.

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Hours: Monday to Friday, 06.30 - 16.30.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

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Customer Account Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913733
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a growing business on the outskirts of Sudbury to recruit a Customer Account Coordinator to join their established team.

The key purpose of this role is to deliver efficient, commercially focused customer service to both internal and external customers. This includes managing order acceptance and invoice processing in line with business and customer requirements, and working closely with teams across Sales, Production, Accounts, Quality Control, Regulatory, and Distribution to ensure customer expectations are consistently met.

Key duties include:

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Key requirements for this role:

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This is a full-time, site-based role working Monday to Friday.

Free parking is available on-site.

Hours of work: Monday to Thursday, 8:15am–4:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am–2:30pm.
Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, totalling 36.5 hours per week.
Holidays – 26 days plus bank holidays.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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