Archived press release

New Year's resolutions: Go green for a great 2008!

29 December 2007

Save cash and save the planet by taking up some of Friends of the Earth's suggestions for green New Year's resolutions.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the UK government to make the changes we need in 2008 to start cutting the UK's carbon emissions. Many people will be wondering what they can do as individuals to make a difference, so we have the following suggestions for New Year's resolutions to help everyone go green for a great start to 2008!

RESOLUTION: SAVE CASH AND ENERGY

Be kind to the planet and to your purse. It's surprisingly easy to save around £200 a year on your energy bills by making a few small changes at home. Switch to energy saving light bulbs, fit insulation, lower your thermostat by just one degree Centigrade, use a renewable energy supplier, and turn off lights and appliances when you're not using them.

Good house-keeping really does help: almost half of the UK's carbon emissions actually come from things we do everyday, such as leaving the TV on standby. [1]

For further information, `Save Cash and Save the Planet', published by Friends of the Earth and Collins, is packed with ideas on how you can save money and cut your carbon emissions. www.savecashsaveplanet.co.uk

RESOLUTION: HELP CHANGE THE LAW

2008 promises to be a big year for the environment. The world's first Climate Change Bill will become UK law by the end of the year, and the Government is proposing a major upheaval of the UK planning system through the Planning Reform Bill. Both bills are due to be debated in parliament in February.

Friends of the Earth led the campaign for a Climate Change Bill through The Big Ask climate campaign. The environmental charity is now calling for the bill to be amended to ensure UK carbon emissions are reduced by 3% each year and that emissions from aviation and shipping are included. Tell your MP that you want a stronger climate change law by emailing them, or by sending them a video message via www.thebigask.com.

To get more involved in improving the environment, why not join your Friends of the Earth local group? It's a fun and effective way to address environmental issues in your local area, nationally and internationally, as well as meeting likeminded people and making a real difference. There are around 200 active groups of volunteers across the UK so there is bound to be a local group near you. To find out more see community.foe.co.uk.

If you don't feel you have enough time to volunteer, but still want to support Friends of the Earth's work, you could donate to our fund for campaigning on environmental issues which affect everyone, by either becoming a regular donor, or making a one-off gift at www.foe.co.uk/join/donate.

RESOLUTION - GET FIT AND CUT POLLUTION

Change the way you travel to improve your health and cut your carbon footprint. For short journeys ditch your car and try cycling or walking; take the opportunity to save cash and get some exercise. For more information see www.loveyourbike.org, www.walkingworks.co.uk or www.walkit.com.

Road travel is responsible for around a fifth of UK Co2 emissions, so use public transport for journeys that are too long to cycle or walk.

Holiday closer to home: Britain is a green and pleasant land, so why not get to know it better, and help our economy by spending your holiday cash in the UK? The increase in carbon emissions from flying is costing the planet. If you fancy sampling some overseas culture, why not take the train to Europe? It now only takes just over two hours to get to Paris on Eurostar, and the quick check-in process makes for a pain-free travelling experience.

RESOLUTION - REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE

Think before you throw something out - could it be repaired or reused by someone else? Half of the electrical goods left at the tip still work or require only very basic repairs, so think about whether your waste could be reused by someone else before you chuck it out. Try joining your local Freecycle group [2] to find a good home for unwanted furniture or electrical goods. Cut down on food waste and feed your garden or local allotments by composting your leftovers and vegetable peelings.

As well as clearing up the Christmas debris by recycling old wrapping paper and cards, why not recycle unwanted gifts and clothes by having a swapping party? Or take your unwanted clothes and gifts to charity shops to be sold on and raise money for good causes.

RESOLUTION - THINK BEFORE YOU EAT

Think globally, shop locally: buy fruit and vegetables when they are in season in Britain, and buy organic and locally sourced produce where possible. Spend a few pounds in your local shops each week instead of relying on the supermarket and avoid over-packaged ready meals - fresh food has more flavour and you know exactly what you're eating. Always buy good quality locally sourced meat- it's less damaging to the environment and tastes much better.

Notes

[1]: Energy Saving Trust, see www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

[2]: Freecycle, see www.freecycle.org for further information

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