Fiona and Ed Miliband support the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan
Ed Miliband said:
"The most important thing that we can do is to ensure that global emissions peak by about 2020. That is what the scientists tell us is the minimum we need to have a fighting chance of ensuring that we don't have temperature rises of more than 2 degrees C. That's the point at which the effects of climate change become most dangerous and most acute, so that is the central objective for the Copenhagen conference."
All of us can help towards a lower-carbon future. Governments can by increasing the use of renewable energy, providing grants for insulation, ensuring that new homes are built to higher environmental standards. All of us can in our day-to-day lives. I'm posting some simple tips her on my website and will do so each month. I've signed the 10:10 pledge - to reduce my carbon emissions by 10% in 2010 - and I encourage you to do so too - go to www.1010uk.org and find out more.
Fiona's Top Green Tips
Like a challenge? Why not join thousands of others in pledging to cut your carbon dioxide emissions by 10 per cent in 2010. For handy ideas on how to do it and the chance to win great green prizes visit the official 10:10 website today: www.1010uk.org
Light bulbs
- Use energy-saving light bulbs; they last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and can save you up to £65 in electricity bills over its lifetime (Source: Energy Saving Trust).
Home Appliances
- Switch off appliances at the mains rather than using standby. 8 % of the UK's domestic electricity is used up by appliances that we are not even using. This is equivalent to the output of more than two power stations. Standby power also increases fire risk in the home.
Cooking
- Put lids on your pans when you are cooking to save energy and cook faster too!
Water
- Only fill the kettle as full as you need to. If everyone boiled just enough water, the energy saved could power three-quarters of the UK's street lights.
- A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fixing leaky taps will save energy. (Source: Energy Saving Trust).
- Wash your clothes at lower temperatures (40 degrees or below) and fill up the dishwasher and washing machine to a full load.
Smart car
- Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water, rather than with a hosepipe. Running a hose for just 30 minutes uses more water than an average family consumes in a whole day.
Heating
- Turn down your central heating thermostat. Lowering the temperature by just one degree can cut 10 % off energy bills and save £55 per year (Source: Energy Saving Trust).
Phones
- Unplug your mobile charger when it's not in use; 95 % of the energy they use is when the phone isn't plugged in.
Roof over your head
Renewable Energy
- Consider switching to renewable energy, or even installing solar panels to heat your hot water - which saves energy and conserves natural resources. It could even help save money in the long term.
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