Try our tips to green your lifestyle and reduce your carbon emission

Re:Cycle Your Mobile
Next time you change your mobile phone, don’t throw the handset away, recycle it. If you donate your old handset to ‘Re:Cycle Your Mobile’ you will save energy and protect the environment by diverting harmful waste from landfill. The WI Carbon Challenge is working with Re:Cycle your Mobile to support the Challenge, visit the website for more information.

It's time to put your best foot forward...

Reducing your use of disposable products can make a big difference. Because you only use them once, items such as plastic razors, throwaway cameras and plastic cutlery need more energy in the production process on a per use basis than reusable ones.
_{(The Low Carbon Diet)}

Run your fridge between 3 and 5 degrees and don’t leave the door open.
_{(WWF) (Energy-Green Book Guides)}

Buying higher quality products can also make an impact. They’ll last longer and may include a warranty, which in the long term reduces waste and the carbon emissions that go into production.
_(WWF)

Wash your clothes at 30 degrees to save money and to make an average energy saving of 40%. M&S is currently putting labels which read ‘Think Climate, Wash at 30 degrees’ on approximately 70% of its clothing. If we all moved to washing at 30°C, we could save enough electricity to reduce emissions by 850,000 tonnes of CO2 per year –the equivalent of lighting every street lamp in the UK for 10 months.

While you're at work, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and save energy. Make sure photocopiers, office lighting, computers, computer screens and printers are switched off overnight and not left on standby when not in use. Turning off all non-essential equipment in an office for one night will save 22kg of CO2 per year.
_{(The Carbon Trust)}

Try to reduce your paper consumption by thinking before you print. When you have to print, make sure you print on both sides of the paper. This halves the amount of paper used and reduces energy consumption by an estimated 25 per cent. And if you can send something electronically - do!
_{(The Independent)}

Also try to look out for recycled paper or paper made from well-managed forests. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved logo is the one to look out for!

For more tips and advice, download the WI Carbon leaflets now...

March 2007

June 2007

September 2007