Climate change unites us all. Our homes and transport
are responsible for about a third of UK and Ireland carbon emissions… But we can all make a difference.
If you are interested in a more eco-friendly way of living,
then make a commitment to cut your carbon outputs. Here are some tips and expert advice, including some from the Energy Saving
Trust, to get you started.
1. Fit energy-efficient light bulbs and
save £9 a year per bulb on your bill. When buying new appliances choose the most energy efficient.
2. Switch to a renewable electricity provider
– check out wind, solar and hydro-electric providers. Remember to turn off your appliances when not in use – you
could save on average £37/€55 a year.Visit www.switchandgive.com/christianaid for advice and to compare deals
3. Insulate your home for a warmer, cheaper
and ‘greener’ winter. Double glaze windows, and consider cavity-wall insulation. Use draft excluders, put silver
foil behind radiators, cover up keyholes and close doors. Turn your heating down (one degree saves ten per cent on your bill)
and use the timer.
4. Save money and provide up to half your
total water consumption by installing a simple rainwater tank. Remember to turn the tap off when brushing your teeth and have
a shower instead of a bath.
5. Save food miles and aeroplane emissions
by buying locally produced food when available. Sign up to an organic delivery scheme which also supports fair trade, such
as Abel and Cole or The Ethical Food Company. Alternatively, plant your own fruit and veg. Make the most of your kitchen waste
by turning it into compost.
6. Where possible, use public transport,
bike or walk. And check out eco-cars – you may be exempt from road tax, some congestion charges and parking fees.
7. Recycle, recycle, recycle! Landfill
sites are a big producer of methane – a greenhouse gas. Visit www.recyclemore.co.uk for information about facilities
in your area.
www.recyclemore.co.uk
8. Visit Grand Designs Live at the ExCel
exhibition centre, London on 8-10 June 2007 to pick up more ideas for making your home more sustainable.
www.granddesignslive.com
9. Rediscover the pleasures of local holidays
or look into responsible tourism – offset your air-miles and choose a holiday that will benefit the community you are
visiting. Check out www.responsibletravel.com
10. Buy a virtual eco-gift this Christmas
from www.presentaid.org. Your gift will help a community in the developing world to build a better, more sustainable future.
www.presentaid.org
11. Enjoy the taste of Divine chocolate!
Divine, who are supporting the global garden and eco-house at Grand Designs show, are not only fair trade but also partly
owned by the farmers that grow the cocoa beans.
12. Finally, update your will and leave a legacy
which can be used to help poor people survive in the face of climate-related disasters, to improve their lives and help save
their planet. Contact ckemp@christian-aid.org for more information.
13. Low flow toilets reduce water usage, as will low
flow showerheads. Ask your water company for a 'water hippo' - a plastic bag that you place inside your water cistern to save
water when you flush.
14. Solar heating can save you loads of money over the years. There are plenty of solar
clubs around the country, who for a small membership fee will provide you with the training and tools to do it yourself. Installing
a solar water heater will save you money, and the government is offering grants of £500 towards buying solar water heating
under their clear skies campaign. For more information phone the 'clear skies' hotline 0870 2430930.
15. Plant on the east and west side of your home to keep the temperature down in summer.
Plant shrubs on the North side to help keep out those nasty winter chills.
