Some easy ways to be more environmentally conscious
Here is an essay on the subject of a Biblical response to Ethical Consumerism.
Habits to get into:
- Switch off your TV instead of leaving it on stand-by. This is the no.1 power wastage in this country! It will save you £20 per year by doing this and if everyone in the country did it, you could shut down THREE power stations! (Also, stereos, DVDs, videos, monitors etc.)
- Unplug your mobile phone charger when it is not charging. This is the second biggest power wastage in this country.
- Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need – don’t fill it up every time. This will save you the equivalent every week of leaving a light bulb on constantly!
- Switch off lights when you are not in the room or not at home.
- Only drive when you need to. Walk, cycle, take the bus, take the train etc.
- Reuse plastic bags, paper, anything you can
- Recycle anything you can recycle. Glass, paper etc. Contact the council for a list of recycling sites 023 8033 2788
Things to buy
Environmentally friendly nappies.
Environmentally friendly disposable nappies:
- www.naturalbabycompany.com – 01983 810925. Mail order.
- Nature Boy & Girl is available in many supermarkets.
Reusable nappies
- Try your local “Lollypop” agent. They sell most reusables, will come to your home to run a “nappy party” and you can compare the various types.
Lower power light bulbs.
- These are widely available online and in shops. LEDs are the best option.
Energy efficient fridges.
Fridges are on 24hours a day and so is probably uses more power than any other single item in your house. If you change to an A-grade fridge you could save as much as £50 a year in electricity. It could pay for itself in five years. That could account for as much as 10% of the electricity use in your home!
Environmentally friendly products.
Ecover products are widely available in most supermarkets – washing-up liquid, washing powder, dishwasher powder etc. They are made from plant extracts.
Boycotts
Since May 8th 2001 various environmental groups have called for a boycott on Esso (Exxon Mobil Corp). These are some of the reasons:
“Esso denies the reality of Gobal warming. Unlike other oil companies, Esso has refused to invest one dollar…in clean, renewable energy… It’s largely because of Esso [who “donated more to get Bush into power than any other oil company”] that President Bush has washed his hands of the [Kyoto] treaty [the only international treaty to stop global warming]” (Ethical Consumer magazine)
Remember, boycotting is not trying to punish a company, but trying to get them to change their ways.