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We all have an impact on our local environment and are
responsible for the raw materials, energy and water we consume and
the waste we create.
By
volunteering you can get involved and make a positive impact on
your environment.
Saving energy in your home
There are a variety of ways in which you can save energy in your
home, from choosing more energy efficient appliances or insulating
your loft to installing solar panels.
Saving energy not only benefits the environment by cutting down
on carbon dioxide emissions but saves you money too.
For more information on saving energy in your home visit the
National
Energy Foundation website (link opens in a new window).
It also contains information on alternative energy sources for
your home including renewable and green energy sources (link opens
in a new window).
For energy saving tips and links to funding and grants available
to help you implement energy saving measures in your home visit the
Energy Saving Trust website (link opens in a
new window).
Travel
There are many ways in which you can reduce your impact on the
environment through your choice of transport.
Driving is stressful and inactive, and car users breathe the
most polluted air. Air pollution inside a car is at least twice as
high as pedestrians and cyclists experience at the roadside.
Use public
transport more. Ask yourself whether you need to make a
journey. Can you combine trips? Could you walk or cycle
instead?
We all need to
walk and
cycle more, which not only benefits the environment, but can
also improve health and save you money at the same time.
Of course for some journeys the car is the only option but by
maintaining your vehicle and through careful driving you can reduce
fuel consumption and therefore reduce pollution.
If it is necessary to drive then consider
car
sharing (link opens in a new window) or having your car
converted to use
alternative fuels.
Recycling
Every day we are using up the earth's limited natural resources
which are mined, harvested and refined to make everyday items like
newspapers, cans and glass bottles.
Too many of these products are discarded as waste when they
could be re-used or recycled to protect our environment.
Find out more about
recycling
in your area, and what the council is doing to provide and
promote these services. |