Here at Martin-Baker, you already have a massive impact on recycling and while this issue of ‘Escape to the Environment’ has focused on Denham activities, Chalgrove staff have also been recycling for some considerable time and it is planned to increase support for their efforts over the coming year.
At home you are always making choices about what to do, or what to buy, and this has a massive impact on many things, including the environment. If you don’t believe this is true then why is anything done by a major retailer that proves to be popular with the consumer then copied by others?
No doubt, as good citizens, you have taken heed of the governments advice to save energy and fit energy efficient light bulbs and decent loft insulation etc. So in the centre pages of this magazine are some other things that deserve your consideration.
In many ways, almost everything listed below will contribute in some way to cutting your carbon footprint but it is worth filling out a ‘footprint calculator’.
Thinking of buying a new car? What about dual fuel options? LPG is about 50p/litre and many major retailers have or will fit pumps, especially if it’s what the consumer (you) demand.
Ethical banks don’t invest in companies with interests which contribute to harming the environment. Advice on ethical investment can be obtained from independent financial advisers and at least one major UK bank.
Organic foods—No conventional pesticides, No artificial fertilizers (Chemicals and Energy) and processed without ionizing radiation (Energy) or food additives (Chemicals and Energy) and in most countries, produce must not be genetically modified.
Choose organic pesticides. For aphids, spray infested stems, leaves and buds with a very dilute soapy water, then clear water. Use your own compost fertilization, make your own compost and start a wormery.
...and goods with a minimum of packaging. Don’t forget products which carry the Fair-trade label are people friendly and buy them from the suppliers who care about environment and energy consumption.
Growing up we were told “turn the light off” to save money and now its to save the planet! As long as you don’t use bleach, bath and washing up water is fine to use when watering the garden.
Bear in mind that reducing waste is far more efficient than recycling and saves money as well as the environment! Re-use envelopes, bottles, jars; buy recycled products; refill your own durable drinking bottles. Did you know it is actually unlawful to throw a dirty nappy away in a bin? Send a large SAE to the Real Nappy Association at PO Box 3704, SE26 for a free information pack plus a list of services in your area.
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Turn that thermostat UP! The comfort zone for most people is between 22 and 26 degrees C. Do you have your car air-con gassed up (maximum efficiency) and use it carefully - affects fuel consumption!
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Plant a Tree Why are trees so good for the environment? Two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four. One tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen per year. One acre of trees removes up to 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
Less energy is spent in getting it to you and it’s fresher, particularly “seasonal” foods.
An A rated domestic appliance uses energy in the most efficient way. Although the initial cost maybe slightly more, in the long term you will save money and the environment.