1. REDUCE YOUR ENERGY USE AT HOME

• If every home in the UK replaced one standard light bulb with a low energy one, the energy saving would be the equivalent to the output of two power stations!
• Televisions on stand-by mode still produce up to 47 pounds of CO2 a year so always switch off completely when you’ve finished watching.
• Washing machines produce up to 1544 pounds of CO2 a year when used on hot wash – but only 142 pounds a year on cold wash.
• Tumble driers produce up to 1516 pounds of CO2 a year so dry clothes naturally whenever possible.
• Personal computers can generate up to 186 pounds of CO2 a year: always switch computer and monitor off when finished.
• Switch off lights in rooms that are not being used.
• When boiling the kettle, only put in the amount you actually need.
• Use lids when heating items in saucepans.
• When buying new electrical or gas appliances always check the energy rating label to see which one is the most efficient.

2. SIGN UP TO A GREEN ELECTRICITY SUPPLIER

Electricity suppliers like Ecotricity (www.ecotricity.co.uk) produce all their energy from sustainable sources and are no more expensive than suppliers who use fossil fuels or nuclear power.

3. INSULATE YOUR HOME

• Even small steps can keep your home warmer. Put up thick curtains in winter time (although ensure they don’t cover radiators). Draught-excluding tape around doors and windows will also help.
• Grants are available from South Shropshire Council for measures such as loft and cavity wall insulation. Special grants are also available to help people on low incomes.
• For further information ring the Housing Team on 01584 813 374

4. REDUCE YOUR CAR USE

• Britain has one of the highest car usage rates in Europe – even though car ownership rates are below average.
• Approximately 50% of car use is for journeys of less than three miles.
• Don’t use your car when you can walk.
• Use public transport or car share whenever possible.
• Look out for new Council initiatives – such as the ‘on-demand’ bus service that’s about to be trialled in the area.

5. BUY LOCAL PRODUCE

• Avoid buying flowers and vegetables out-of-season; these items are often flown in from distant parts of the world.
• Imported goods may seem cheaper but there is a huge environmental cost from shipping these items long distances.
• Buying from local producers supports the local economy and keeps transport to a minimum.
• When it comes to food, local produce is much fresher – and, of course, we produce so much great food in this area!

6. AVOID OVER-PACKAGING

• A lot of packaging is used only to sell goods, not protect them. Producing - and subsequently disposing of - this packaging wastes huge amounts of energy and other natural resources.
• Use only the packaging you need and use materials that can be re-used or recycled (for example, paper bags instead of plastic bags)
• Supermarkets give away 17.5 billion plastic bags each year – that’s around 290 for every person in this country! Take your own bags with you every time you go shopping.

7. CONSERVE WATER

• Supplying clean water and disposing of wastewater uses large amounts of energy.
• On average each of us uses 150 litres of water a day – and 50 litres of that is used to flush the toilet.
• Filling a plastic bottle with water and placing it in your cistern will reduce the amount of water wasted down the toilet.
• An average shower uses only 35 litres of water whereas a bath uses 80 or more (but ‘power showers’ can use up to 100).
• Save water by fitting a low-flow showerhead and inserting water aerators into taps. Both are easy to install.

8. REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE

• 77% of the UK’s waste currently goes straight to landfill, with a further 8% incinerated.
• The best way to deal with waste is not to produce it in the first place, so think about what is involved in the production and disposal of something before you buy it.
• Recycling just two bottles saves enough energy to boil five cups of water.

9. CUT DOWN ON AIR TRAVEL

• Government fuel subsidies may make air travel seem cheap but, again, the environmental cost is immense.
• Greenhouse gases churned out by planes are significantly more damaging than those emitted at ground level – yet the government wants to increase air travel by up to five times over the next few years!
• Consider the real cost of air travel and, wherever possible, use alternatives such as rail. Visit www.seat61.com to find out how you can do this.

10. GET INVOLVED!

Every little bit helps so why not get involved with a local or national organisation?

- Local to Ludlow – www.localtoludlow.org.uk
- Shropshire Wildlife Trust – www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
- Friends of the Earth – www.foe.org.uk
- Greenpeace – www.greenpeace.org.uk