How's your carbon fast going?
Posted by Martin in Events | 15 February 2008
Last week I highlighted the link up between the Church of England and Tear Fund, who are promoting a carbon fast for Lent.
O.k, so the CofE have had a lot of bad press this week over what the Archbishop Rowan Williams did or didn't say. (very interesting debate on question time on the beeb if you saw it - which I'm not going to go into here), but I do think the idea of a carbon fast is a great one!
Anyway, if you're having ago at this fast (which I'm trying - first every Lent fast for me!), here are a few things I've tried as a homeworker this week :
1) Changed 2 light bulbs for energy efficient ones
2) Purchased a P.C. adaptor to cut power to peripherals (more on this to follow)
3) Switched off my router at the end of each day (un heard of!)
4) Less plastic has ended up in the bin and is being taken by my better half to school for junk modelling!
5) Tried to reduce the amount of water I place in the kettle, for my numerous coffee excursions!
And here's the official plan for the next week :
Day 10 - Friday - 15th Feb
Give your dishwasher a day off or promote it to a Grade A energy efficient appliance.
Day 11 - Saturday - 16th Feb
Use local shops or farmers' markets instead of driving to out-of-town shopping parks. They will thank you; supermarkets won't notice your absence.
Day 12 - Sunday - 17th Feb
Tell politicians to take action on climate change today. Check out Tearfund's campaign work.
Day 13 - Monday - 18th Feb
Put the heat on your electricity or gas suppliers and ask them if they have a green plan. Make the switch and feel cosy.
Day 14 - Tuesday - 19th Feb
Take a shower instead of a bath: you'll heat less water.
Day 15 - Wednesday - 20th Feb
Snub plastic bags. Get into the habit of taking your rucksack to the supermarket or go retro with a trolley. Ask your supermarket to remove unnecessary packaging.
Day 16 - Thursday - 21st Feb
Switch off lights as you leave the room.
So, whether you're giving the carbon fast ago or not, I'd love to hear your ideas, particularly if like me, you work from home!
Comments
With regards to lowering your carbon footprint by changing to low energy lightbulbs, now they make fully dimmable bulbs, (candles, reflectors, GLS etc) see here - Brilliant Products!
http://www.gbbulbs.co.uk/acatalog/Megaman_Dimmerable_Light_Bulbs.html
