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.
