What will you be doing March 29 at 8.30pm? Having a drink with friends? Having dinner? Spending time with your family? Instead of sitting with the lights on, why not spend an hour by candlelight and support WWF’s worldwide event Earth Hour.

Starting in 2007, Earth Hour asks individuals, businesses and governments to switch out their lights for one hour – at 8.30pm local time, whatever your location around the globe. The idea is to allow those who take part to show they are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact, and for many people it is the first step to making more significant, sustainable changes to their lifestyle.

Last year 157 countries took part, with over 10 million people in the UK alone turning off their lights at 8.30pm [1]. This year organisers WWF hope even more people to join in, with “Amazing Spider Man 2” actors Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone each pledging their support to one of the Earth Hour Blue crowdfunding projects [2].

While not every light should be turned off, for example safety lights, traffic lights etc. [3], you can choose to turn off overhead room lights, lamps, computers and other electronic devices such as televisions, and other similar light sources.

An event like Earth Hour raises awareness all over the globe about the importance of conserving energy and becoming a more sustainable society. Making the focus lighting is highly relevant to this, as typically 7% of a household’s energy bill comes from lighting [4].

There are some easy and quick ways to instantly reduce your lighting costs:

• Use natural daylight – when it’s light outside keen curtains and blinds open to let in sunlight, rather than having lamps on.
• Turn off lights when you leave the room – having lights on in empty rooms keeps your bills higher than they need to be.
• Use sensors and timers so lights go off automatically when they aren’t needed.
• Make sure the bulbs you buy are energy efficient – Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are both readily available across the country.
• Shop for Energy Efficient lights at https://www.energysavingwarehouse.co.uk/store/Lights

References

[1] WWF. Earth Hour in 2013. 2014. https://earthhour.wwf.org.uk/about-wwfs-earth-hour/earth-hour-in-2013

[2] Earth Hour. Earth Hour & Spider-Man Join Forces to Save the Planet. 2014. http://www.earthhour.org/be-superhero-planet

[3] Earth Hour. Celebrating Earth Hour. 2014. http://www.earthhour.org/celebrating-earth-hour

[4] Energy Saving Trust. Lighting. 2014. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Electricity/Lighting

With energy bills on the rise, and temperatures dropping, winter can be an expensive time of the year. It can be tricky to balance not spending too much with making sure your residence is warm enough to be comfortable. Below are several ways to cut down on energy use, from bigger projects such as insulating lofts and walls, to making sure your radiators aren’t having to work double to keep your house warm.

Insulation

• Insulation can make a huge difference in both keeping your house warm and keeping your bills down. 25% of heat is lost through lack of proper roof and loft insulation [1], so insulating these areas can make a huge difference to the warmth of your house. Insulation can save families between £45 and £110 a year [2].
• Wall and floor insulation can also help to save energy and money. Depending on when the property was built, solid or cavity wall insulation can be installed – external walls on houses built before 1920 are likely to be solid walls, which allow more heat to pass through than cavity walls, which are usually found in properties built after 1920.

Windows

• Energy-efficient glazing can help to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows during the cold winter months. Double glazing works by having two panes of glass with a gap between them, usually 16mm, which stops heat from escaping. Triple glazed windows have an extra pane of glass.
• By upgrading from single to double glazing windows you could save between £40 and £175 a year, depending on property size, and the energy rating of the windows [3].

Heating systems

• Have a look at the condition of your heating system – is it performing as it should? Does it need fixing or parts replaced to make sure it’s working as best it can? Newer more efficient models require an initial upfront cost, but save both energy and money over time.
• Set timers so that heat is produced only when you need it, rather than being on all day.

Radiators

• Don’t heat empty rooms! Make sure radiators are turned down in rooms used less often – this reduces your energy use and bills.
• Make sure not to cover your radiators. This stops heat spreading to the rest of the room, and also makes the radiators work harder.

Curtains

• Keep curtains open during the day to let sunlight in and close at dusk to stop heating escaping. Make sure only windows are covered, and not radiators.

Extra Layers

• Before central heating existed the best way (and still one of the best ways) to stay warm was to cover yourself with extra layers – blankets, jumpers and thick socks can help you to stay warmer during the cold winter months without having to turn up the heating!

References

[1] National Insulation Association. Insulation: The Facts and Figures. 2011. http://www.nia-uk.org/media-and-information/uploads%5Cnews%5Cid146%5C20110404_Insulation_Facts_and_Figures_final.pdf

[2] National Insulation Association. Loft Insulation. 2014. http://www.nia-uk.org/householder/index.php?page=loft-insulation

[3] Energy saving trust. Windows. 2014. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Insulation/Windows

Aerosols are everywhere around us, ranging in size from the width of a virus up to the diameter of a human hair [1]. And although we cannot see them, these tiny particles can play havoc with both our health and the climate.

Aerosols are tiny particles or droplets found throughout the Earth’s atmosphere, and are often composed of sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, or sea salt. Aerosols are classed in terms of their size, with different terms used by different scientific fields. They range in size from nanometers to micrometers, and are most commonly referred to as particulate matter e.g PM_2.5 or PM₁₀, depending on their size.

The main natural sources of aerosols are volcanic eruptions, the sea, soils, wild animals and desertification. Aerosols are predominantly formed through natural processes, while roughly 10% [2] are produced by anthropogenic sources such as fossil fuel burning, land use changes, biomass burning, fires, aircraft and ship emissions and increasing numbers of domesticated animals.

Natural aerosols are spread over both land and ocean, while man made particles such as sulphate aerosols are often found in regions downwind of industrialised areas in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning that aerosol influence on the climate can be ‘…highly variable in space and time’ [3], due to winds. Particle cover over developed countries has started to decrease in recent years due to cleaner industrial processes, but there has been a steady increase across Asia, especially China, which has lead to worsening air conditions.

Aerosols impact the climate in two ways: (i) directly, by scattering and absorbing radiation in the atmosphere, and (ii) indirectly by acting as cloud condensing nuclei and so changing the microphysical structure of clouds [4]. Aerosols can influence both incoming and outgoing radiation, though they are most effective at scattering incoming radiation [5], meaning less energy will reach and warm the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a global cooling effect. Some aerosols also absorb light rather than just reflecting it, which warms the surrounding atmosphere, but shades and cools the surface below.

Aerosol particles also act as cloud condensing nuclei, which can effect the lifetime and composition of clouds. An increase in cloud cover will lead to more of the incoming radiation being reflected back into space, and therefore not reaching or warming the earth’s surface. A high concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere will lead to brighter, denser clouds. These clouds are less likely to precipitate out, and will reflect more radiation than clouds formed when there are low concentrations of aerosols.

Due to their direct and indirect effect on the Earth’s climate, the negative radiative forcing (a change in the radiation balance due to the instantaneous release of a certain quantity of a radiatively active greenhouse gas – assuming that no other components of the climate system are affected) by aerosols is to create a cooling effect. Much research has been done over the years to try and identify whether or not aerosols mask the effects of global warming. If aerosols particles such as sulphites were reduced in the future, would the decrease in their cooling effects lead to an even more rapid increase in global temperatures than we are seeing at present? Despite decades of research, the potential magnitude of aerosol cooling is hard to quantify at present due to many uncertainties such as future emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have attempted to try and quantify it somewhat, and came to the conclusion that although these microscopic particles do cause a cooling effect, they do not completely offset global warming [6].

While anthropogenic aerosol concentrations have decreased in developed regions, the rapid increase in industrialisation in developing countries such as China has meant that global aerosol concentrations have remained constant. The cooling effect that these particles create may have in some way acted to mask the effects of global warming, but with so many uncertainties in future emissions worldwide, the part that aerosols will play in the future of climate change remains to be seen.

References

[1] Voiland, A. 2010. Aerosols: Tiny Particles, Big Impact. NASA Earth Observatory. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Aerosols/

[2] As above.

[3] Andreae, M.O. 1996. ‘Raising dust in the greenhouse.’ Nature 380: 389-390

[4] Penner, J.E., 2000. ‘Aerosols, Effects on Climate.’ In Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change, edited by M.C. MacCracken and J.S. Perry, 162-167. John Wiley and Sons.

[5] Andreae, M.O. 1996. ‘Raising dust in the greenhouse.’ Nature 380: 389-390

[6] Haywood, J. 2013. Climate Change and Aerosols. The Met Office. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-change/guide/science/explained/aerosols

In hot and dry countries such as Australia, there are strict rules for how much water you can use and when, making people aware of the need to save water. However, in the UK, with our wet weather and being surrounded by water bodies, we often take the water we have for granted. Most of us do not think twice about putting the dishwasher on every night, or having a longer shower when it is cold outside to warm up. But how much does our love of water add onto our energy bills? And what can we do to try and be more water smart?

Household usage

The average person in the UK uses 150 litres of water a day, a figure which is expected to rise steadily, resulting in an expected increase of 800 million litres of water a day by 2020 [1]. Not only is this high level of usage worrying, but it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Water use has become a subconscious action, with many of us leaving the tap running while brushing our teeth, or using a running tap to wash the dishes instead of filling a basin.

Household bills

Only about 8% of people realise that their water use plays an important part in their energy costs – heating water accounts for a whopping 24% of the average household’s heating bills [2]. Boiling kettles for cups of tea, having a hot shower or running the washing machine all help make up this 24%. When boiling kettles, filling the kettle with more water than you need means that more energy is being spent heating unnecessary water. Half empty dishwashers and washing machines also add unnecessary costs to bills. Running an inefficient, faulty or old boiler means more energy is required to heat the same amount than an A rated or energy efficient boiler would use.

How much do you use?

Working out your water consumption by hand would be a nightmare, but luckily there are now numerous calculators online which can do it all for you in a flash!

The Energy Saving Trust provide a Water Energy Calculator, into which you enter details about your household usage of various appliances and habits, such as dishwasher and shower use, and energy ratings of boilers etc. The calculator then generates a report with your results – showing water usage, energy usage, carbon emissions and total costs [3]. You can compare your water usage with the national average, and also get suggestions of how to reduce your consumption.

What you can do

There are numerous ways to save both water and money. From small changes such as turning off taps when not in use to larger investments such as installing a solar hot water heating system, there are solutions to meet every budget and time frame.

 Energy Saving Warehouse has a range of Water saving Products.

Bathrooms

• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
• Invest in a water saving shower head. These work by making the water flow seem much higher than it really is, helping to reduce shower times. For a typical shower length of 8 minutes, up to 60 litres of water can be saved by a low flow shower head fitting [4].
• Dual flush toilets can help you to save – they typically use less than half the amount of water that an older flush system would use.
• If your household has a lot of baths per week, try getting everyone to replace one bath with a short shower instead.

Kitchen

• 8 – 14% of the total water used in a home goes towards the kitchen tap and dishwasher [5], so make sure that when using the dishwasher that it is as full as possible. When buying a machine try and match your household size to the capacity of the machine – if you live alone you do not need a machine with the capacity for a large family!
• Try to also fully load washing machines, and when purchasing a machine ask to see their efficiency and water ratings.
• If you like your drinking water cold, fill a jug or bottle and leave it in the fridge. Then when you feel like a glass of cold water, you only need to reach into the fridge, rather than having to run the tap till you get to your preferred temperature.

Outdoors

• Sprinkler systems are very water intensive – try and use them in the early morning or late evening rather than the middle of the day, to reduce evaporation.
• Apply mulch to your garden – by covering the surface of soil evaporation is further reduced.
• Collect rainwater – not only is it available many months of the year, it is also totally free!

There are numerous ways to try and save water, most of which just involve thinking for a moment about what you are about to do. By reducing the amount of water you heat and use, you could save money and time, and help the environment all in one.

References

[1] Environment Agency. Save Water. 2013. http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/beinggreen/117266.aspx

[2] Energy Saving Trust. Saving Water. 2013. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Heating-and-hot-water/Saving-money-on-hot-water/Saving-water

[3] Energy Saving Trust. Water Energy Calculator. 2013. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Heating-and-hot-water/Saving-money-on-hot-water/Water-Energy-Calculator

[4] Green Your Home. Low Flow Taps and Showers. 2013. http://greenyourhome.co.za/index.php/2012-03-06-13-43-16

[5] Waterwise. Water Saving Advice and Tips.2013. http://www.waterwise.org.uk/pages/water-saving-advice-and-tips.html

In most countries, oil is the main fuel source used for transportation. However, this use has lead to a dependence on imported and expensive oil for many countries around the globe, and with oil supplies in decline the move to more renewable and sustainable resources is essential. Oil prices have been fluctuating for decades, and in recent years have risen steeply with prices expected to continue fluctuating, especially due to the fact that the vast quantity of reserves are in politically volatile areas, such as Iran and Iraq. These future increases will particularly adversely impact low income households ‘for who transport accounts for a higher proportional share of household income.’ [1]. Oil discovery has also decreased, with more oil currently being produced than discovered. Recent oil field discoveries such as in the Gulf of Mexico are only a fraction of the volume of previously found locations in the middle east.

Peak oil, a theory widely popularised by US geologist M.K. Hubbert, is ‘…the point in time when oil production reaches its maximum annual rate, after which the annual production rate declines each year.’ [2]. Many geology and supply experts predict that the worldwide peak in oil has either occurred, or will happen in the next few years. Since oil is a finite resource, a move to renewable or sustainable fuel sources is essential, especially ones with a lower carbon content than oil. However, over time society has become so dependant on oil that many alternatives are in their early stages, and need more research and funding to make them competitive with petroleum products.

One major issue that needs to be addressed in the move from oil to more sustainable fuels is consumer preferences. Information detailing the available and soon to be available alternatives is essential, as a lack of information can lead to market failures, which ‘can be caused by insufficient and incorrect information’ [3]. Confusion and doubt over the reliability and costs of new fuels and technologies can lead to public distrust and unwillingness to convert to them, while many consumers are also unaware that options for more fuel efficient cars exist, or even that different vehicles emit different levels of pollutants. Both education and information are essential to help facilitate a move to new technologies and fuels. Try Energy Saving Warehouse’s Lesto Survey to learn about new technologies

Maturity and reliability of fuel sources and technologies is another issue to be addressed. For instance, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the the universe and can be separated for use in fuel cells from other elements by one of three processes: thermal, electrolytic or photolytic [4]. While photolytic processes are still under development, both thermal and electrolytic processes are available commercially. However, costs are still high, and often fossil fuels are required as the input energy for the separation process. There are also some major barriers to the use of hydrogen fuel cells, such as the storage of hydrogen, transport infrastructure, refuelling facilities and cost [5]. While hydrogen fuel cells will likely be a part of the transport sector in the future, there needs to be currently available bridging technologies or fuels to help facilitate the current move from oil.

Infrastructure must also be considered when looking at alternative fuels or technologies: will current engines need to be modified? Are there appropriate transportation and fuel storage facilities? How will recharging stations work? The market for electric cars is steadily growing, however ‘EV charging both in the home and in the public realm is an area that requires careful consideration with regards to regulation’ [6]. Governments and private investors must be willing to invest in the high capital costs that this change in infrastructure will bring about.

Other major issues include the cost of the technologies or fuels, which would be expected to become competitive with oil, or even cheaper, as oil stocks decline and the price rises. Regulatory issues also need to be examined, specifically governments roles in supporting alternative fuels or technologies, such as through subsidies, tax breaks or a range of other policy options, such as to: ‘Implement mandatory fuel economy standards and/or low and zero emission vehicle requirements’ and to ‘Ensure building codes for new or renovated sites (residential, commercial, industrial) to support EVs by requiring dedicated electrical capacity and parking spaces’ [7].

Finally, one highly divisive point in the debate over biofuels is the use of food crops for transport fuel, especially in developing countries where food shortages are already a very serious problem. While using crops instead of fossil fuels reduces emissions during the driving phase, a careful balance needs to be maintained to ensure that crops grown as biofuels are not diverted from those who need it most. Resource availability can vary widely from location to location, with some geographic regions ideally suited to growing large volumes of crops, while other regions may be unable to sustain the growth needed to produce sufficient quantities of fuel. A large amount of water is required to grow biological feedstock, with present volumes seen as unsustainable to increase production of crops. It has been estimated that growing corn as a biofuel results in the equivalent input of 283 gallons of water per mile driven in a car, compared to 0.17 gallons for grain, and only 0.04 for petroleum [8]. Hot and dry regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia simply do not have the water resources to produce the required volumes of crops to become a viable alternative to oil, though future scientific advances in irrigation and farming practices may help to reduce water requirements.

While there are a range of issues that must be addressed when considering a move from oil, the move is necessary for the long term sustainability of the transport sector, and to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel use on a global level. Many transport alternatives such as biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells have great potential, but require more time, money and research to be competitive with oil

References

[1] + [2] CSIRO. 2008. Fuel for Thought- The future of transport fuels: challenges and opportunities. http://www.csiro.au/files/files/plm4.pdf

[3] Dunstan, C., Usher, J., Ross, K., Christie, L., Paevere, P. (2011). Supporting Electric Vehicle Adoption in Australia: Barriers and Policy Solutions (An Electric Driveway Project Report). Prepared for Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), by the Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS: Sydney. Page 3.

[4] + [5] U.S. Department of Energy. 2005. Hydrogen and Our Energy Future.http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov

[6] + [7] Dunstan, C., Usher, J., Ross, K., Christie, L., Paevere, P. (2011). Supporting Electric Vehicle Adoption in Australia: Barriers and Policy Solutions (An Electric Driveway Project Report). Prepared for Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), by the Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS: Sydney. Pages 20 + 56.

[8] Biofuel.org.uk. Disadvantages of Biofuels – Water. 2010. http://biofuel.org.uk/water.html

We hear about greenhouse gases and the damage to earth that is a consequence of their rapid increase on a regular basis. But which gases are actually to blame for climate change, and what are they caused by? While nitrogen and oxygen make up the majority of the atmosphere’s volume at around 99% [1], greenhouse gases such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone are all found in the atmosphere, and play an important part in regulating the earth’s climate. While the gases have both natural and man made sources, the increase in anthropogenic emissions since pre-industrial times has been rapid enough to change the natural greenhouse effect, which is known now as global warming.

What are the major greenhouse gases?

Water vapour (H₂0) is the most abundant of the greenhouse gases and comes mostly from natural sources, though human contributions (e.g. irrigation, artificial dams and lakes) also play a small part. Water vapour does not directly cause climate change, but rather responds to and amplifies it, so often receives less attention than other gases such as carbon dioxide. More water can be held in a warmer atmosphere, so as global temperatures rise, concentrations of water vapour are also likely to increase, which is turn leads to a rise in global temperatures.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is produced naturally as part of the carbon cycle during processes such as the respiration and decompositions of organisms, as well as from volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Carbon dioxide is the second most abundant greenhouse gas after water vapour, and is stored naturally in carbon sinks such as soil, plants, the ocean surface and the deep ocean. However, carbon dioxide atmospheric concentration has risen from 280ppm in pre-industrial times to 397ppm as of July 2013 [2], with estimates that ‘about 2/3rds of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions have come from fossil fuel burning and about 1/3rd from land use change’ [3].

CO₂ is extremely stable, and so stays in the atmosphere for approximately 100 years, meaning even if CO₂ levels were reduced as of 2013, the gas would still play a part in global warming for decades to come. While emissions from developed countries are now fairly stable, there is a great deal of concern over emissions from developing countries, especially China, which are rising at an alarming rate.

Methane (CH₄) is produced by both natural sources (e.g. oceans, natural wetlands and hydrates) and from anthropogenic sources (e.g. waste treatment, rice cultivation, ruminant livestock and landfill) [4]. Since pre-industrial times methane atmospheric concentrations has more than doubled to 1774ppb in 2005, though there appears to have been a decrease in growth rate since the early 1990s [5]. Methane is composed of carbon and hydrogen, and has a fairly short lifetime (12 years), although atmospheric concentrations of methane are almost five times that of carbon dioxide.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) can be produced by natural sources such as processes in soils and oceans, and the oxidation of ammonia in the atmosphere, as well as from man made sources such as biomass burning, management of livestock manure, nitrogenous fertiliser use and fossil fuel combustion [6]. Concentrations in the atmosphere have increased since pre-industrial times to 319ppb, roughly 18%, with this increase thought to be primarily due to human activities [7].

As part of the nitrogen cycle nitrogen is a stable molecule, however when in the form of nitrous oxide, it plays a part in the formation of acid rain and photochemical smog, as well as causing the destruction of stratospheric ozone. Nitrous oxide has an average lifetime of 114 years, and has a short term (20 year) global warming potential 289 times that of carbon dioxide. However over a much longer time period (500 years), the global warming potential decreases to 153 times that of carbon dioxide [8].

Finally, ozone (O₃) is mostly found in the stratosphere (90%), while the troposphere contains the a smaller amount (10%) [9]. Stratospheric ozone is referred to as the ‘ozone layer’, and is formed by chemical reactions that involve the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation breaking down an oxygen molecule into two separate oxygen atoms (O), which then combine with an oxygen molecule (O₂). Ozone depletion in the stratosphere may lead to global warming, due to more ultraviolet radiation entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

References

[1] National Environmental Education Foundation. Earth Gauge – Climate. 2013. http://www.earthgauge.net/climate/climate-q-a/climate-q-a-3

[2] CO₂ Now. Earth’s CO₂ Homepage. 2013. http://co2now.org/

[3] & [5] Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z.Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds). IPCC 2007a. Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

[4] & [6] Garnaut, R. 2008. The Garnaut Climate Change Review. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press IPCC.

[7] & [8] Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z.Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M. Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds). IPCC 2007a. Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

[9] NOAA. Science – Ozone Basics. 2008. http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm

Carbon footprints exist to show us the true impact of our actions on global warming. It can be hard to know how to be more energy smart when you do not know how much emissions you produce, or which part of your day to day life contributes the most. One of the most important results of understanding your impact on the environment, is taking that knowledge and using it to reduce your impact by focussing on the parts of your life that produce the highest emissions.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is the sum total of the amount of carbon dioxide that is released due to a specific person, organisation or larger group’s activities. Our everyday actions, from driving to work to turning on the heating on a cold day, have an effect on the environment, and the term ‘carbon footprint’ is an easy way to express the sum of these emissions over a period of time. Carbon footprints can be used to measure emissions not only for individuals, but for manufactured items, countries and even animals.

A carbon footprint mainly comprises of energy used for heating your home, electronics and appliance use, day to day transport, and frequency of flying [1]. However, a variety of other variables should also be taken into account, such as pets, recycling habits and diet.

What about other greenhouse gases?

Carbon dioxide is not the only gas that contributes to global warming, but for most individuals it is the most important gas. However, other greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide and ozone can be taken into account and measured in the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that would have the same impact in terms of global warming. Expressing other gases in terms of CO₂e makes calculations far less confusing, and allows more potent gases such as methane to be included in emissions totals.

Direct or indirect emissions?

Most of our individual emissions are indirect. When we turn on our heating, or leave the television on, electricity or gas comes from a power station, and this is where the fuel is burnt and released into the atmosphere. At present, the majority of electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels, which release a variety of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

How do I calculate my carbon footprint?

For most of us, the thought of sitting down and calculating our yearly emissions is impossible. While working out direct emissions such as petrol consumption is more straight forward, indirect emissions are more tricky. However, there are now online tools which allow you to input a range of information, and work out your approximate carbon footprint.

• Act on CO₂ is a DirectGov calculator, which asks questions about your home, appliance use and travel habits, before providing you with your result and allowing you to compare with other people [2].
• Cool the World provide a fun and informative online calculator for kids, and provides tips to reduce emissions in an easy to understand way [3].
• WWF provide a calculator which also takes food into account, and other factors such as pets and recycling. Your result is displayed as both carbon emissions per annum, and the total number of planets that would be needed to support your lifestyle [4].

What do I do now?

Working out your carbon footprint is one thing, but knowing what to do with your results is another. Most online calculators will break down your emissions into sections, such as home, travel and diet. By looking at where you are most emissions-heavy, you can then start to plan ways to reduce your emissions. If travel is your worst area, consider your mode of transportation: could you be walking or taking public transport instead of driving? If your home produces the most emissions, a move to more energy efficient appliances could be a simple way to cut your carbon footprint.

The first step in reducing your carbon footprint is knowing where your emissions come from, and once you have that information, there are a wealth of websites, books, films and other media which provide tips and tricks to be more energy and resource smart. Whatever your budget or situation, being more environmentally friendly has never been easier.

With Energy Saving Warehouse we have all the tools you need to become more environmentally friendly and hopefully take a small step in reducing your carbon footprint.

References

[1] Energy Saving Trust. Reduce your carbon footprint. 2013. http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Reduce-your-carbon-footprint

[2] DirectGov. Carbon Calculator. 2013. http://carboncalculator.direct.gov.uk/index.html

[3] Cool the World. Kids Carbon Footprint Calculator. 2013. http://www.cooltheworld.com/kidscarboncalculator.php

[4] WWF. WWF Footprint Calculator. 2013. http://footprint.wwf.org.uk

Cycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint, your transport bills and your waistline all at the same time. With ever increasing petrol prices, obesity levels and carbon emissions, there has never been a better time to consider leaving your car at home and hopping on a bike.

Save Money

There are a wide range of bikes for whatever you plan to do: road bikes for dedicated riders, mountain bikes for those keen on an adrenaline rush, or hybrid bikes for a more casual cycle around town. The cost of a bike can range from under £100 for a basic model, to over £2,500 for the latest model of road bike. Other upfront costs can include puncture kits, helmets and a chain to ensure your bike stays safe. However, even including other similar purchases, the cost of a bike is far less than that of a car. And while your car needs regular checks, services and repairs, the only continuing costs of a bike are repairs on potential tyre punctures, and the cost of food to keep its user going! By cycling instead of driving, you cut out your need to purchase petrol, pay road tax, or pay congestion charges around town.

Get Healthy

Adults are recommended to do at least 2.5 hours moderate activity per week, however in the UK only 40% of men and 28% of women reach even this minimum level of weekly activity [1]. Cycling regularly can help to improve your fitness, and reduce your waist size, with studies showing that physical activity can also help your mood by exposing cyclists to more daylight every day. The average commute to work by bike burns approximately 235 calories, which is the equivalent to a bar of Cadburys Dairy Milk. Regular exercise can also help to reduce the likelihood of suffering from diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Cut Your Emissions

The most important thing about riding a bike is that it creates zero pollution. Transport is one of the major contributors to CO₂ emissions worldwide, currently making up almost a quarter of total emissions in the UK and causing 70% of air pollution in UK towns and cities [2]. If vehicle use continues to rise at the current rate, then emissions are expected to have risen by 35% from 1990 levels by 2030 [3]. Bike manufacture consumes a fraction of the energy that car manufacture requires, and does not require a constant input of fossil fuels such as petrol. Increasing concentrations of air pollution in cities and towns has lead to a rise in the number of asthma cases, especially in children, so by cutting your emissions you can help to put a stop to the increase in cases each year.

What Businesses Can Do

Businesses can get involved to encourage workers who live within cycling distance to leave their cars at home and make the trip by bike instead. Reduced vehicles at work can help save businesses money by reducing the need for parking spaces, and by creating happier, fitter, and more productive employees. A Dutch company, Waterschap Veluwe, gave free bikes to all employees who lived within 10k of the office [4] which allowed these employees to make the switch to a more eco-friendly form of transport without having to pay an upfront cost themselves. If your office does not have a shower and change facilities, speak to your supervisor or manager about where the nearest facilities may be, or the options for providing one in your building.

London’s Cycle Hire Scheme

Living in London is one of the best places in the UK to take full advantage of reduced cost bike use. The City of London Barclays Cycle Hire scheme has been a great success since it was set up in July 2010 by the then Mayor Boris Johnson, which lead to the bikes being commonly referred to as ‘Boris Bikes’. Bikes were available to members from the launch month of July 2010, and to the general public from the 3^rd December 2010, since which there has been over 22,600,000 cycle hires [5]. Bikes are also a great way for tourists to see the city: on the final day of the Olympics there were a record breaking 47,105 hires on a single day [6].

The process is easy and affordable: hire one of the scheme’s 8,000 bikes from a docking station by following the simple on-screen instructions, ride your chosen bike to your destination, then return in to the nearest docking station, 570 of which are found around the city. Your only upfront cost is a £2 bike access charge, or £10 for 7 days. Journeys under 30 minutes are free, with journey lengths longer than this accruing charges starting from £1 [7]. If your workplace is within the 30 minute free zone, then the 7 day bike access charge could be significantly less than driving daily, or even taking public transport.

Energy Saving Warehouse has a great range of energy efficient cycling products that help you stay safe and seen whilst on the road.

References

[1] Sustrans. Health benefits of changing your travel. 2013. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/change-your-travel/reducing-your-car-use/health-benefits-changing-your-travel

[2] Cycling Plus. 2011. ‘Five reasons to cycle to work.’ Bike Radar, April 25. http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/five-reasons-to-cycle-to-work-29878/#null

[3] Sustrans. Change your travel for the environment. 2013. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/change-your-travel/reducing-your-car-use/change-your-travel-environment

[4] Dee, J., 2010. Small Business, Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth. 1^st ed. Melbourne: Sensis.

[5] Transport for London. Barclays Cycle Hire/Key Facts. 2013. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/20389.aspx

[6] Barclays Cycle Hire Twitter Account. 13 August 2012. https://twitter.com/BarclaysCycle/status/234952827921903616. Retrieved 25 July 2013.

[7] Transport for London. Barclays Cycle Hire/What you pay. 2013. http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/14811.aspx

Most of us do not stop and think twice when the supermarket cashier asks if we would like a bag for our shopping. How else would we get our shopping home? But behind the growing pile of plastic bags that exists in many kitchens around the country, there is a growing environmental concern for the damage that these bags are causing. There are now numerous types of reusable bags available, each with a different up front cost and advantages. Most importantly, these bags offer an alternative to the conventional single use bags that often end up landfill sites or in oceans, where they cause numerous animal deaths each year.

Over the past decade there has been a significant effort to reduce the use of single use bags, and increase the use of more durable reuseable bags. Since 2006, there has been a 35% decrease across the UK in the distribution of single use plastic bags, from 12.2 million in 2006 down to 7.9 million in 2011 [1]. Some retailers around the UK already have a small charge for single use bags in place, but many parts of the UK are now looking to make this a countrywide act, with bag charges existing in Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Most recently, the Scottish Government has announced a 5p charge on all plastic bags as of October 2014, to try to encourage more reuse of bags. Scotland currently uses more carrier bags per head than the rest of the UK, and the government’s move aims to make carrier bag use in Scotland more sustainable [2].

Types of commonly used bags

• Plastic bags are made from high-density polyethylene, and are the most commonly found type of bags in supermarkets. They primarily end up in landfill sites rather than being recycled, where they can take up to several hundred years to degrade fully. Their environmental impact is large, especially when left as litter on the streets, digested by marine animals, or contaminating soil and water.
• Degradable plastic bags are conventional plastic bags in shape and size, but have a prodegradant additive that helps to accelerate degradation. It can take approximately 18 months to four years for the bags to biodegrade back into water, CO₂, biomass and trace elements [3].
• Bags for Life are made of low-density polyethylene and are available from most supermarkets. These types of bags are usually larger and are sturdier than a conventional plastic bag, and can be reused many times. The number of bags for life distributed each year has risen steadily since 2006 – from 245 million to 416 million in 2011 [4].
• Cotton bags are available from supermarkets, online and from a variety of other retailers, and are designed to be reused multiple times. The production phase of cotton bags is much higher than that of a plastic bag as growing the cotton requires a great deal of water. However, cotton bags can be used hundreds of times throughout their lifetime, reducing the need to pick up new plastic bags whenever shopping is bought, and can often be reprocessed when no longer in use, which helps to cut down on the number ending up in landfill.
• Paper bags were the bag of choice up until the 1970′s, when they were replaced by plastic bags. While not used in supermarkets anymore, paper bags are still commonly used by other retailers. Paper bags are less likely to be reused, and require more energy during the production and transportation phases, but they are made from more sustainable sources, and can be fully recycled, therefore significantly reducing the amount likely to end up in landfill.

Environmental issues

The production of any item uses energy, and while conventional plastic bags use less energy for production and transport than other bag types, the majority of these bags end up in landfill sites, where they break down into toxic materials, which can enter the food chain and cause harm to the animals that ingest them. Plastic bags also enter the oceans and other water bodies, where animals mistake them for food and eat them, which leads to the annual deaths of over 100,000 sea turtles and other marine animals [5].

Littering of plastic bags has become a major issue, and while plastic bags can now be recycled, most bags end up on the streets or in landfill sites. Methane release from degrading bags in landfill sites is of great environmental concern, as methane is a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

A simple and easy change to make, find out below how you can reduce your usage of plastic bags. There are loads of other ways you can help the environment too with Energy Saving Warehouse.

What you can do

• Pack plastic bags until they are full, but don’t overfill so that they rip! This will reduce the number of bags you pick up each time you shop.
• Reuse plastic bags by taking them shopping with you. You can also use these bags as bin liners, which helps to reduce your carbon footprint as you no longer need to buy as many bin bags.
• Many supermarkets have plastic bag recycling points, so if you have a growing collection in your kitchen, get rid of a few this way. Bags are then recycled by specialists to ensure they are not deposited in landfill sites.
• If you order shopping online, you can unpack your shopping directly into your kitchen and give the bags straight back to be reused.
• Pick up a bag for life or a cotton bag and take these shopping with you each time you go. While they have a require more energy to produce and may cost you to buy, they can be reused over and over again, and significantly reduce the amount of plastic bags that you would otherwise pick up and likely throw away.

If you don’t fancy reusing your plastic bags in your bin, you can make more environmentally friendly purchases on these other types of bags used around the home, such as rubbish bags. Take a look at Energy Saving Warehouse’s range of green bin bags.

References

[1] Zero Waste Scotland. Carrier bags – more information. 2013. http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/carrier-bags-more-information

[2] BBC News Scotland. Scottish government plans charge for plastic bags. 28 June 2013. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-23096931

[3] ConservingNow. Plastic Bag Environmental Impact Facts. 2013. http://www.conservingnow.com/plastic-bag-environmental-impact

[4] Zero Waste Scotland. Carrier bags – material matters. 2013. http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/carrier-bags-material-matters-1

[5] Zero Waste Scotland. Carrier bags – more information. 2013. http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/carrier-bags-more-information

Food makes up a large part of our everyday lives, whether it’s dropping by the shops on the way home from work, searching for new recipes online or preparing a home cooked family meal. However, many of us are happy to sit down to a meal without thinking of the impact our food has on the environment, and whether our diet is sustainable. A recent report by WWF found that the growing, producing and importing of food in the UK is responsible for a staggering 30% of our CO₂ emissions [1]. The UK’s climate makes it necessary to import certain foods from around the world, which is causing one of the largest environmental impacts: the clearing of huge tracts of land and rainforest for cattle grazing, and for the production of commodities such as soy and palm oil. Not only does this clearing release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, it also has devastating consequences for the animals whose habitats are destroyed.

There are a number of ways that you can make your diet more sustainable, while also reducing your shopping bills, and getting to experience fresher, tastier produce, without having to make any major changes to your lifestyle:

Buy Food in Bulk

Food packaging contributes heavily to the life cycle emissions of food items, with individually packaged items also requiring more space for transportation. Buying food in bulk reduces the amount of packaging that is produced and that ends up in your shopping trolley, which in turn reduces the amount of direct packaging that ends up in landfill sites. Bulk food can also be packed more densely for transportation, reducing the amount of vehicles on our roads.

Check out some fair trade products on Energy Saving Warehouses’ shopping portal which you can buy in bulk.

Eat Seasonally

Growing fruit and vegetables out of season can require high levels of fertilisers, heating and other artificial inputs, which can be vastly reduced by eating food that is in season. As well as the environmental benefits, fresh seasonal produce tastes better and is often cheaper than buying the same produce out of season [2]. Try blackberries, courgettes and runner beans in September, or potatoes and red cabbage in November when they are at their freshest and tastiest. Buying produce in season reduces the need for importing and its accompanying environmental impacts. Websites such as Eat Seasonably provide in depth information about what to grow and buy when, in an easy to understand format, such as the Eat Seasonably Calendar [3].

Shop at Farmer’s Markets

Instead of buying all your produce at supermarkets, try visiting your local farmer’s market to see what is available there. Not only are you buying local, seasonal produce, you also cut down considerably, if not completely, on packaging. Produce will not have been transported far, and many sellers are now organic, so you don’t have to worry about the effects that pesticides and fertilisers are having on the quality of your food, and also on the ecosystem. You can often find added extras, such as cooking demonstrations and a wider variety of produce than many supermarkets have to offer.

Most farmer’s markets are held at weekends, and may be fortnightly rather than every week, so make sure to check when your local one will be there.

Pick Your Fish and Cuts of Meat Carefully

Meat is one of the most inefficiently produced food types – raising cattle and other animals requires large amount of land, water and grain. On average it takes 6kg of plant protein to produce only 1kg of meat protein [4]. Cutting down the amount of meat in your diet is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and can also help to improve your health. Try replacing fattier cuts of meat with leaner cuts or fish, or even with vegetarian alternatives, such as Quorn or vegetables themselves. Websites such as Part-Time Carnivore provide forums for those wishing to reduce their meat intake to find like-minded people who live in the same area, and gives you statistics of how much CO₂ and land you have saved, even by having just one meat free day a week [5].

When buying fish, try to make your choice a sustainable one, by looking for Marine Stewardship Council certified seafood. The council has conducted extensive research into the the impacts on fish stocks and the environment of fishing, and aims to promote sustainability through all stages of the process.

Plan Your Portions

Food waste is a major issue in the UK – over 7.2 million tonnes of food and drink are thrown away each year. Not only does food waste have an environmental impact, it also costs households on average £680 a year [6]. By reducing the amount of food you throw away, you reduce your carbon footprint and also your shopping bills.

One way to reduce your waste is by planning your portions. By knowing what and how much you will eat over a certain time period, you can make sure that you buy enough food to create your meals without having platefuls left over. Simple tricks like keeping a shopping list in the kitchen to plan for meals or freezing leftovers can help to make your food last longer. Try using an online portion calculator such as Love Food Hate Waste to help work out how much of each food type you need for a range of different meals [7].

References

[1] WWF. Food. 2013. http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/food/

[2] Eat Seasonably. What is it about? 2013. http://eatseasonably.co.uk/what-to-eat-now/what-is-this-about/

[3] Eat Seasonably. Seasonal fruit and vegetable calendar. 2013. http://eatseasonably.co.uk/what-to-eat-now/calendar/

[4] WWF. Food. 2013. http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/food/

[5] Part-Time Carnivore. Part-Time Carnivore. 2013. http://www.parttimecarnivore.org/

[6] Love Food Hate Waste Scotland. Shopping List Tips. 2013. http://scotland.lovefoodhatewaste.com/content/can-i-have-writing

[7] Love Food Hate Waste Scotland. Food Portion Size – Portion Calculator. 2013. http://scotland.lovefoodhatewaste.com/portions/everyday