Posted by DavidM in Reduce, re-use, recycle, WinAcc | 21 July 2008
WinACC - the Winchester Action on Climate Change group - have published a set of tips to reduce your carbon footprint. They encourage you to measure your carbon footprint first then follow their suggestions to reduce your environmental impact.
Following the core principles of reducing energy consumption and moving what you do need to more sustainable energy sources, WinACC provide a range of tips on everything from food to driving, flying to appliances.
Each tip includes what to do, the CO2 benefits, financial benefits for you and other benefits.
Many people want to do their part to make a difference but don't know where to start. These tips help give direction.
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Posted by Martin in Reduce, re-use, recycle | 20 July 2008
I don't know about you, but it's not until I get something new, that I consider it time to have a clear out.
Well, my better half just came back home from the shops having bought me some new shirts (I hate shopping with a passion). Having gone through the process of trying them all on, I came to the conclusion it time I had a bit of a clear out and I tend to be pretty ruthless when I do this – though the same can’t be said when it comes to my garage!
Much to my surprise, I've just reduced the number of shirts that hang in my wardrobe by nineteen.
So where are they off too?
As my better half’s a teacher at a local primary school, they're going to be used by her year 2 class next term when they painting their little masterpieces!
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Posted by DavidM in Transport | 9 July 2008
The government has a stated aim to encourage rail travel over road, but figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats show their investment is focused in the opposite direction.
Since 2002 government investment in roads has grown by over 60%, yet in the same period railway funding has grown only 10%.
Admittedly I don't know what the private sector investment in railways has been but even so, we'll never encourage more people to switch from inefficient cars to low-emissions railways if the services continue to operate at capacity, with overcrowding and delays.
The services I use have improved their punctuality over the last few years but are still very crowded. The government needs to focus investment on making our core rail networks world class.
Image source: SXC
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Posted by DavidM in Buying green | 7 July 2008
My wife and I updated our wills recently and I noticed on hers that she'd stipulated what she wanted to happen to her body. I'd never considered this before and after a little thought decided on a woodland burial.
It was only when we were discussing it a few days later that she asked if I actually knew anywhere that did woodland burials or what it was like. I didn't. It hadn't occured to me to check somewhere out.
A simple 'woodland burial' search on Google showed there is plenty of choice across the UK and worldwide. I found a site for the Association of Natural Burial Grounds (ANBG) listing all their member organisatons across the country. There is only one in Hampshire - the South Downs Natural Burial Site at the Sustainability Centre near Petersfield.
So, a couple of weeks ago I took the day off and we had what I called a 'morbid Monday morning' visiting dead people in a wood.
The site wasn't quite what I expected - I had an image of an immaculate, sombre funeral building. In reality it is an active environmental education centre and looks like one. Having said that, while being more practical than beautiful around the buildings, the rooms used for services and refreshments were the right size and perfectly fine.
We walked down to the burial area and once among the trees it was so quiet and peaceful. In the shadows of the branches were low mounds of earth, some with fresh or dried flowers. As a final resting place I couldn't think of anywhere better (given the very low likelihood that they'll allow me to be buried under the pitch at Arsenal).
We also met the burials manager. Again, as far from a funeral director as you can get. He was a very practical woodsman in forester-like gear. But again I liked it. He answered our questions simply, and explained how the burials usually happened.
The funeral directors deliver the coffin. It is then taken down the narrow - and slightly steep - track to the burial site by hand brier, manned by members of the family. He stressed how they like to involve the family rather than let the funeral attendants do the work. Cars are on hand to transport elderly relatives who would struggle with the slope.
He also said the profits from the burials fund some of the work of the sustainabiluty centre, bringing inner city children down to the countryside to learn about the environment and look after animals and plants.
I came away more convinced I'd made the right decision. I won't be a conventional funeral but it will be personal, intimate and appropriate to me.
Image source: SXC
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Posted by DavidM in Buying green, Save energy | 5 July 2008
I've just taken delivery of my latest energy saving device - the Intelliplug for desktop computers.
It looks like an oversized 3-way plug socket apart from lots of branding and instructions on it.
I bought it for the study as not only do my children have a habit of not turning the computer screen off, but I'm fed up looking at the red standby lght on my DAB radio thinking 'I'm paying for that to do nothing'.
I plugged the computer into the master socket, then the screen into one of the two side sockets. I plugged a 4-way adapter into the other side socket and have all the other equipment plugged into that.
Now, when I turn the computer off, all those devices are automatically turned off. When I turn the computer back on, they also get power.
If I desperately want to listen to the radio without putting the PC on, I simply plug the radio directly into the wall.
I've tried it once so far and it all works as expected.
I'm not sure whether for £13.95 plus p&p it will ever cost in, but it's all part of minimising my energy use. Next step, another one for the TV, DVD, Wii and Sky boxes.
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Posted by DavidM in Green websites | 4 July 2008
Green Is Universal has a simple game where you construct your own environmentally friendly home.
Choosing the right construction type, energy generation system and energy-efficient tools, all within a limited budget, allows you to see how efficient your home would be.
It's a simple game that demonstrates the comparative benefits of dfferent technologies.
Hat tip: Hugg and e-Citizen.
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Posted by DavidM in Driving, Transport | 2 July 2008
Honda has started production of the FCX Clarity hydrogen powered car, resulting in only water-vapour emissions from the tailpipe.
It will be produced on the world's first production line dedicated to fuel cell vehicles. Only 200 are planned in the first three years, being sold initially in California where there are existing hydrogen filling stations and in Japan.
The volumes are insignificant, what's important is Honda's obvious commitment to this technology. Alongside Toyota they've been leading the roll-out of hybrid technology in cars and now are making big steps to further lower emissions.
There's some debate about the well-to-wheel emissions reduction of hydrogen cars. The BBC reports that most hydrogen is still produced using fossil fuels and could even result in higher overall emissions.
However, as Green Car Guide says, there are alternative ways to produce hydrogen that result in much lower emissions. My view is that early technologies are always expensive and have limited immediate benefit. However, as the demand rises it encourages investment in cleaner and cheaper solutions.
Well done Honda.
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Posted by DavidM in Save energy | 30 June 2008
Household gas and electricity bills are expected to rise a further 40% by the year end. So now saving energy isn't just important for the environment, it's the only way to keep your costs under control.
There are many ways you can do this, from quick and simple ideas to making major changes.
Turn the temperature down
Turn down your heating thermostat by a couple of degrees. If it feels chilly put a jumper on before turning the temperature back up. A one degree reduction could knock up to 10% off your heating costs. Also reduce the temperature on your water heater. See if you have a summer setting and try to keep on that all year round.
Insulate your home
Make sure you have adequate insulation in your loft and cavities to stop the heat leaving your home. If your home is well insulated, you won't notice the effects of reducing the temperature. Check for drafts around doors and windows and fit draught excluders. Get double glazing or for a cheap alternative put clingfilm over the windows in winter.
Turn it off
According to the Energy Saving Trust the average home could cut their electricity bill by 8% just by turning off all the electrical items that are left on standby. If you aren't using it, turn it off completely. TVs, microwaves, computers and radios are all culprits, as are chargers left plugged in after charging has completed.
Low energy lighting
Low energy light bulbs are much better than they were - I have a house full of them and don't notice the difference. Replace bulbs with low energy versions to reduce their energy consumption by around 80% - especially in the lights that are on the longest. Also, turn lights off when you leave the room.
Low energy appliances
When changing fridge, freezer, washing machine and so on, go for the best energy rating. In the meantime, make sure fridge and freezer coils are dust free and air can cirulate. Try to move them to the coldest areas so they use as little energy as possible maintaining temperature. We recently moved our freezer into the garage.
Use less
Kettles use an amazing amount of energy, even if for a short time. Only put in the water you need and try not to reboil the kettle. Try to use the dishwasher and tumble dryer less. These are big consumers of electricity.
Generate your own energy
Solar water heating and electricity generation are relatively simple nowadays, though still not cheap. For some, wind power or heat pumps are options and if you're close to water how about micro-hydro generation?
Get a home energy survey
Finally, for more advice get a home energy survey. You can do one online at the Energy Saving Trust.
Making simple changes to your energy use can significantly reduce your electricity and gas costs. The biggest barrier I found with many of these is simply getting in the habit, then it has little impact on your lifestyle.
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