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REVERSE CLIMATE CHANGE
Sudden climate change in the form of global warming is largely down to our impact on our planet in the form of CO2 emissions.
If we are going to avoid going over the tipping point where global warming will become unstoppable we must act, and act now.
Governments are slowly moving to address the issue but the only hope of achieving the required CO2 reduction is by each of us taking personal responsibility and radically cutting our own carbon footprints.
This site exists to point you in the right direction and help you start making the necessary life changes.
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TWELVE THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
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01) Use Low Energy Light Bulbs
Replace all your light bulbs with low energy equivalents. Not only will this save a lot of CO2 it will save you money as well. There are a wide range of shapes and sizes available now, so there is no excuse for not fitting them everywhere. Turning them off when you leave the room will help as well, the rumour that they use less power if left on is a myth.
02) Monitor Your Use Of Electricity
Installing an Owl Monitor will make you and the rest of your family aware of the impact of leaving lights on and using electrical appliances in general. It displays, cost, units consumed, and impact in terms of carbon emissions. An indispensable tool if you are serious about reducing your homes ongoing carbon footprint.
03) Banish Standby
The government is trying to pass legislation which would mean electrical goods sold in the UK wouldn't have a standby function. If we all had these new appliances it would save millions of tons of wasted CO2 every year. Don't wait, you can fit an Intelligent Mains Panels to your computer and a Powersafer a/v equipment and banish standby from your home right now
04) Super Insulate Your Home
Keeping the heat you put into your home for as long as possible should be a primary aim. Loft and wall insulation is not very expensive and you may qualify for a grant towards it. Current regulations call for 270mm (10.5in) of loft insulation while most houses have just 100mm (4in). Super insulating by adding up to a total of 450mm (18in) will keep you very snug. Also consider insulating under your floors and fitting double glazing.
05) Reduce Your Heating
Turning down your central heating thermostat by 1 degree can save up to 10 percent of your heating bill and related CO2 emissions. Fit thermostatic valves to your radiators and fix them at the appropriate setting for that room. If you don't have a modern gas condensing boiler fitting one could lead to major savings.
06) Heat Your Water With The Sun
Get a solar panel fitted on your roof and benefit from free hot water for much of the year. There are several types to choose from but the evacuated tube panels are almost certainly worth the extra money as they are the most efficient. See the Energy Savings Trust for grant information and details of other ways of producing your own energy.
07) Switch to Green Energy
Changing your energy supplier to one that supplies green energy from renewable sources need not be an expensive option these days. See how it would work out for you at Uswitch or sign up to 100% renewable electricity with Good Energy.
08) Change You Transport Priorities
Cut you car use, walk, cycle and use buses, coaches and trains as much as possible. If you must use your car try to do so efficiently, combine journeys, lift share, etc. Don't fly, you can sign a pledge not to fly for a year at flightpledge.co.uk
09) Shop Locally
Stop driving to out of town supermarkets, try shopping locally, buy seasonal produce, locally produced not flown halfway round the world. Buy organic if you can, it's better for you and the environment. Support your local Farmers Market. If you must go to a supermarket for some items, try to make it no more than once a month and pick up your weekly needs locally.
10) Grow Your Own Food
Grow your own food, being fresh it tastes better and should be carbon neutral. Even if you only have a small garden or just a balcony it is surprising just how much food you can grow with a little thought, there are plenty of good books on the subject. Compost your kitchen green waste and you will always have free fertiliser to keep you growing.
11) Save Water
Save as much water as you can, not only is water in short supply in many areas it costs a lot in terms of embodied energy. All the water that comes out of the tap has been processed to drinking water quality yet only a tiny amount ends up being drunk. You can harvest rainwater to use on your garden or even to flush the loo, and why not share your shower with your garden with a water diverter.
12) Subscribe To Permaculture Magazine
Yes this is a blatant plug, but a subscription to Permaculture Magazine - solutions to sustainable living will keep you informed on sustainable issues internationally. Every issue is packed with informative articles, readers solutions, DIY designs, news, reviews, book, tool and product reviews, letters, classifieds and details of a wide range of related courses. Subscribe today and start living more sustainably.
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