Your future Solihull - How can I help?

How can I help?

Everyone has their part to play in making Solihull more sustainable, looking after the natural environment and collectively reducing our emissions. Here are some tips, sorted into key themes, to get you started.

  • Consider switching to an electric car. If you’re interested in getting an on-street EV charging point installed in your area complete this survey.
  • Get on your bike! If you’re able to ride, reap the health, environmental and wellbeing benefits of active travel. Did you know we have four community cycling hubs in Solihull? Find out more here.
  • Ditch the car for short journeys and walk down to your local cafe, park or groceries shop more often.
  • Travel by public transport to reduce your personal carbon footprint! Buses and trains carry far more passengers and take up significantly less space than single-occupancy vehicles. Use the TfWM journey planner to check times and plan your journey.
  • Find out your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating. View the government website to get started. This is a crucial first step to understanding how to make your home more energy efficient.
  • Take a look at Simple Energy Advice, endorsed by the Government, for tips on making your home warmer, reducing energy bills and planning home improvements.
  • Get a smart meter and see how much energy you are using and how much it costs in real time. Get in touch with your energy supplier, who can arrange for smart meters to be installed at a time and date that suits you. 
  • Consider investing in your home to make it more energy efficient. This might include adding insulation or solar panels and you could qualify for assistance. Get in touch with Act On Energy by calling 0800 988 2881 or fill out this contact form.
  • Shift to using low carbon and efficient household appliances when replacing old items with new ones. It will help reduce your energy bills and protect the environment. Look out for the energy rating on any potential purchases
  • Planning a clear out? Before you take a trip to the tip - think about what can be reused. Donate your old clothes to clothes banks or charity shops. You’ll often find clothes banks at supermarkets
  • After you’ve sorted out what you can reuse, take a trip to the tip where you can recycle a wide variety of items. Book your slot here.
  • Struggling to recycle certain items? Take a look at the TerraCycle website, an innovative recycling company which specialises in typically hard-to-recycle waste.
  • Donate your old clothes to clothes banks or charity shops. You’ll often find clothes banks at supermarkets.
  • Get composting – we’ve teamed up with getcomposting.com to provide you with exclusive offers on home compost bins, water butts and other green products.
  • Start a conversation with your children about climate change and sustainability. Why not ask them what they’ve been learning about in school on the topic? They might even have some tips for you!
  • Complete your free Carbon Literacy training, offered by the WMCA and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games - find out more here.
  • Get involved with local sustainable themed events happening throughout the year in Solihull, for example the Solihull Fairtrade Trail.
  • We’re regularly seeking feedback on climate change proposals and initiatives. Keep up to date with all future engagement on the Council’s consultation portal.
  • Take a look at the BBC Bitesize Regenerators, which aims to inspire children and teenagers to live a greener life and encourage others to look after the planet.