What is Carbon Footprint?

Carbon Footprint is a scheme designed to show how our every day lives and the way that we live by our reliance to carbon (fuels - energy).  Highlights on how we can dramatically reduce what we use and reduce how our actions effect others and the environment. The Carbon Trust provides households and businesses loads of advice and suggestions on how to reduce our carbon dependency - so lowering our fuel bills.

www.CarbonTrust.co.uk

With the national news agencies releasing news articles that our energy bills could increase as much as 60% - Our usage of energy and waste management really needs to be given a second thought.  We can help.

You only have to switch on the TV to see the number of adverts there are that advise how we can reduce our energy bills. Such as turning off electrical items when not is use and showering rather then bathing. This is a global concern.

But - there are other considerations on how we can reduce our Carbon Footprint (our use and reliance on energy) All of which are very simple to do.

Household waste can be dramatically reduced by not buying foods that we allow to go beyond the "use by date" -  Food waste is a massive problem! Reducing what we throw out, reduces the amount that needs to go to landfill - after first being transported by lorries, machinery and space in landfill. Methane is released by rotting food waste which is 20 times more aggressive to the environment than Carbon - CO2

Wormeries deal with food waste head on. Recycling food waste to rich organic compost reduces methane and CO2 emissions dramatically. We will pay you to use such a system.  See Home-Grow in the left hand banner on this site page.

Simple ways of saving energy and your money

• Resetting your thermostat so heating is not on (or turned down) - when at work or overnight.
• Not using the car for journeys under two miles (using the car for such short distances actually damages your car as engine oil cannot heat up to the right temperature to protect the engine)
• Filling the kettle for the number of drinks that you make rather then to the top.
• Showering rather than bathing
• Closing windows when the heating is on
• Proper loft and wall insulation will save 40% of your fuel bills
• Closing curtains in rooms that are not being used
• If your freezer is empty or very little in, fill it up.  Empty fridges and freezers use a lot of energy to operate - share with your neighbor's or local family works well.
• Halogen uplighters and floor lights use a massive amount of energy.  Even low halogen energy bulbs use a lot! Consider alternative lighting options or at least switch off when not in use.
• Computers being left on during the night accounts for fuel bills increases
• Switch off, at the plug all non essential items before you go to work. Fuel prices are higher during the day.
• Using a washing line rather than the dryer.
• washing machines used at night, when fuel costs are lower - there are now detergents that work as low as 15oc.
• When driving, staying in gear so that 2,000rpm is achieved.  If higher, move into a higher gear.
• Can you work at home rather than the office?  Many businesses are operating such a scheme.  Yours may already have such a scheme.
• Putting on more clothes will reduce the need to switch the heating up.
• Covering pans with lids will reduce energy and speed up cooking times
• Do not leave electrical items on standby - you will be amased on how much energy is used when the TV is on standby.
• Switch off the engine when in a traffic jam
• Turning off air conditioning in the car will save fuel
• Leaving mobile phones and other electrical items on charge when the phone battery is full.  Charging the phone at night will use energy at a lower cost rate.