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“We calculate that Peterborough currently generates 8.2 tonnes of CO2
per person per year but most people cannot visualise what that means
in practical terms. So, we estimated that an average balloon holds
10 grammes of CO2 and one tonne of CO2 represents 100,000 balloons.
“Using this measurement unit makes
it easier for people to visualise how their activities generate
carbon dioxide. For example, running a standard washing machine for
an hour generates 22 balloons of CO2, while an average petrol-driven
car produces 34 balloons of CO2 for each mile it travels.
“People can then appreciate how much
difference they can make to climate change with some minor
adjustments to their daily routine. They could cycle to work, use
energy efficient lighting, recycle and compost household and garden
materials and be more efficient in using water.”
During a series of summer roadshows
hundreds of local residents made a commitment to change their
behaviour and help cut their carbon dioxide emissions.
Based on this success, Miss Hiley
presented details of Peterborough’s campaign at a ‘Small Change, Big
Difference’ seminar organised by the Local Government Association in
London. She has been invited to contribute case studies to the
websites of the Energy Saving Trust and the Nottingham Declaration,
which encourage local authorities to reduce their production of
climate change emissions.
For more tips on how small changes
can make a difference to reducing carbon dioxide emissions visit
www.peterborough.gov.uk/climatechange or
pick up a copy of a leaflet from main offices of Peterborough City
Council.
To calculate your carbon footprint
visit
www.actonco2.direct.gov.uk.
October 2008 -
Peterborough UK Community Website
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