Archived press release

Green tips to reduce carbon emissions

8 January 2004

The terrifying report highlights the scale and urgency of efforts needed to tackle climate change. This must involve urgent action by governments, industry and individuals to reduce their use of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) which produces carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas. As part of its campaign for action on climate change, Friends of the Earth today published five ways for the public to reduce its carbon emissions (see below).

Friends of the Earth also called for more government action on climate change. Although the UK Government has taken some steps in the right direction, including a modest increase in renewable energy sources, it has done little to clean up the country's highly polluting coal-fired power stations. It has also allowed traffic levels to continue to rise and agreed a huge expansion in air travel - both of these sectors are fast growing sources of carbon dioxide emissions.

Mr Blair can also assist efforts to combat climate change by putting pressure on President Bush to take the issue seriously. The US is the world's largest polluter, but Mr Bush has refused to sign up to the Kyoto climate treaty - the only international agreement to tackle climate change.

Friends of the Earth's Director Tony Juniper said:

"This report highlights the terrifying impacts of global climate change. It is essential that we all take action to reduce the level of greenhouse gases we emit. If we don't, not only will the natural world be threatened, but also the lives and livelihoods of people across the planet. Governments and businesses are still not taking the issue seriously. Householders too have an important role to play. By following Friends of the Earth's green guide everyone can take action to tackle global warming."

www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/carbon_dinosaurs/

Friends of the Earth's top 5 tips for fighting climate change

1. Choose green energy

   Everyone can now choose a green electricity tariff. Buy your electricity from a supplier that supports renewable energy sources, such as wind power and biomass. Earlier this month Friends of the Earth published its guide to green electricity tariffs. The four recommended are Ecotricity 121 (Ecotricity), RSPB Energy (Scottish and Southern Energy, Unit[e] (Unit Energy Ltd and, in Northern Ireland only, Eco Energy (Northern Ireland electricity).

   More information:
   www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/choose_green_energy/

2. Save energy - and cut your fuel bills too.

   Around a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions we produce is from energy to heat and light our homes, and power household appliances. Using this energy more efficiently will reduce emissions and save money on fuel bills too. Here are some simple tips:

   • Fit compact fluorescent (energy efficient) light bulbs. They produce the same light as ordinary bulbs but only use a fifth of the energy and last eight times longer.
   • Stop heat escaping by draught proofing doors and windows. Insulate your loft and lag your boiler and pipes.
   • Switch off appliances when they are not in use, and don't leave the television on standby.
   • If choosing a new appliance, such as a fridge, freezer or washing machine, ask for energy efficient models.

   More information can be found at the Energy Saving Trust website: www.saveenergy.co.uk

3. Cut down on your car journeys

   Road transport accounts for around a quarter of UK green house gas emissions. Car use is growing, but many journeys are unnecessary. Around 22 per cent of all journeys that people make are less than one mile, and 42 per cent less than two miles.

   Walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible.

   If you use a car, investigate the possibility of car-sharing. When buying a new car, choose the most fuel efficient model available or look at cars powered by alternative fuels. Garages that sell biodiesel can be found at:
   www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk/

   See if your work will give you an interest-free loan for a public transport season ticket or to buy a bike. Some firms also pay a cycle mile allowance as well.

   Boycott Esso garages. Esso backed President Bush's decision to tear up the Kyoto Protocol, the only international treaty to combat climate change. See www.stopesso.com

4. Reduce air journeys too

   Aviation is already the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide. And with the Government's recent decision to expand airports to allow a huge increase in air travel, it will grow even more.

   Consider the environmental impacts of cheap air travel. There are numerous holiday destinations close to home. Many short-haul journeys could also be made by train.

5. Reduce waste and recycle more

   The UK has one of the worst recycling records in Europe. We recycle less waste than most of our neighbours. It takes more energy to make products from virgin materials than it does by using recycled materials.

   Reduce the amount of waste you generate by avoiding over-packaged goods, saying no to unwanted plastic bags and re-using materials where possible (such as milk bottles).

   Make use of local recycling facilities, but avoid making special recycling car journeys. Ask your local authority to introduce doorstep recycling if you don't already have it.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust