ST  MARY'S PARISH CHURCH

smeg projects

Green Burials

 Most of us at some stage of our lives have to cope with the death of a loved one. The choice of finding a resting place can be an important decision and a number of people prefer the harmony of the environment.

 The Natural Burial Company has two sites in Prestwold and Scraptoft which are both situated in Leicestershire. Further details of the natural burial grounds and cemeteries including the service they offer can be found on their

website

 www.naturalburial.co.uk

or Tel: 0116 222 0247.

Flying - a few facts

 How far do we have to go in our efforts to go green? The number of people giving up flying or at least cutting back is growing.The argument is compelling. One return flight to Florida produces the equivalent carbon dioxide to a year’s motoring. A return flight to Australia produces the equivalent emissions to 3 average cars a year.

The pollution is also released at an altitude where its effect on climate change is double that on the ground.  

The boom in low cost airlines is frightening. In 1970 British airports were used by 32 million people. In 2004 it was 216 million. 

So what can we do?

Ø      Think before we fly. Could we get there any other way?

Ø      Is it an essential trip? We all need a holiday, but do we need all those weekends away?

Ø      Stay for longer and go less frequently, seems to be the answer.

 There is now carbon offsetting available. This is where you can pay a small fee per flight, which goes towards tree planting or energy schemes. But realistically these may ease guilt, but the only ways to really reduce carbon in the environment is to fly less. 

Further information available from:

www.flightpledge.org.uk

www.wen.org.uk/waste/reports/greenholidays

www.sustainabletransport.org.uk

White Goods: Washing machines, Fridge’s/Freezers, Dishwashers and Tumble Dryers

           Firstly, do you really need to buy a new one? Newer machines are far more energy efficient, but still take some years to earn a real difference. Given the environmental impact of disposal of bulky white goods, repair is usually a better option unless the product is very old. 

          Secondly, how you use the item can either negate or greatly enhance any environmental benefit of more efficient technology so:

Ø      Fridge’s and freezers work dramatically better when full - this may effect the size of appliance you choose - a large fridge/freezer that is mostly empty can never be efficient.

Ø      Washing machines, likewise are most efficient with full loads, and lower temperature washes save most money.

Ø      Dishwashers too need to be filled for maximum efficiency.

Ø      The “greenest” way to dry clothes is to use a washing line if you can! 

          Choosing the greenest appliance has been made very easy - all white goods have labels rating them from “A” downwards - simply choose “A” rated appliances - sometimes they cost more to buy - but not always, and they always save you money and carbon emissions. Some items, like washer-dryers will have different ratings for each thing they do - e.g. wash, spin and dry. 

More information is plentiful on the web - try 

www.greenconsumerguide.com

www.est.org.uk/myhome

www.nef.org.uk

Renewable energy

Renewable energy is generation of energy from sources that do not burn fossil fuels, hence introducing more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than usual.  Carbon dioxide gas is the main contributor greenhouse effect.

 The government offers grants to aid renewable energy:

• There are grants to subsidise the capital cost of renewable energy systems.  These have been via the Clear Skies programme (www.clear-skies.org) which is currently coming to a close, but a new scheme will be launched by the DTI in this spring, with details and links to be published on this website.
• Also any electricity generated from renewable sources gets a government payment called ROC. Worth around £60 per mega watt.

 There are many forms of renewable energy generation:

Solar Thermal  - Heat from the sun to heat water

Solar Photovoltaic - Sunlight to generate electricity

Wind Generation  - Wind to generate electricity

Ground source heat pumps  - Heat from the ground to heat water

Hydro-electric  -  Water movement to generate electricity

Biomass  - Burning of plants (including wood) to generate  electricity.

 More details on the first 3 schemes are below (incl details of 2 turbines):

Water saving

 Last year was one of the driest on record … again!  As a result hosepipe bans are due to be commonplace this year, due to lack of water reserves.  One is already in place in the South East.  This prompts the need to be look for ways of saving water.  There are some free and easy ways of doing this, and many low cost options also.

1 – Don’t use a hosepipe.  The use of hosepipes and sprinklers can use up to 1000 litres and hour.  1 hour of use is the equivalent of up to 2 days household total use.  This is why the water authorities issues hosepipe bans!

 2- Toilet usage – toilet use comprises a third of total water usage for the average household.  There are many ways of reducing this water use:

 Use a ‘Hippo’ or other water saving device.  Placing a water saving device in the cistern of any older toilets (toilets before mid 90s tended to use 9 L of water. Reduces the water use per flush to an amount closer to 6L of newer toilets), by reducing the space in the toilet cistern.  These will be available from your local water company

Severn Trent will send a ‘Hog’ bag.  (Fill in details from the link below) http://www.stwater.co.uk/server.php?show=nav.5795

Alternatively you can put a brick in your cistern!

 Fit a water saving flushing mechanism, such as a dual flow cistern or an ‘eco flush’. 

Flush the toilet less  - ‘If its yellow let it mellow!’ 

3 - Install a water meter This costs nothing and may save pennies. The average water bill last year for homes with a meter was £248, compared with £280 for those with flat-rate bills.  It will also make you more aware of water wastage. 

4- Collect rainwater – Get a water butt.  Hinckley and Bosworth Council are offering a 200 litre butt including all connections half price at £30. 

For info phone 0870 849 4861. 

5- Use showers instead of baths.  A shower tends to use around a quarter of the amount of a bath, depending on time. Periodically gauge how much water you are using by leaving the plug in, when showering. Note a 5 min power shower uses as much water as a bath.

6- Teeth Brushing / Shaving – Don’t leave the tap running when doing these activities.  The recommend 2 minute tooth brush will use 25 litres of water if the tap is left running full blast.  With a cup, it uses 0.25 litres.  Again, leave the plug in, if you leave the tap running, to see how much you use. (Make sure the overflow works first!)

7 – Don’t use a dishwasher, or if you do, fill it before turning it on.

Energy Saving 

Energy costs at home for heating, lighting and other general electrically uses are a major household expenditure, and have significantly increased with rising energy prices.  There are many things that you can do to reduce your energy use at home that will have huge savings to you in cost and help reduce your impact on the environment.  A selection of the main ones are listed below.

 Energy Loss at home:

 Where is heat lost from a house?

 *Cavity wall insulation cost around £100 with grants. This pays for itself in roughly a year from energy savings.  It is a ‘no brainer’, if you have non insulated cavity walls.  (Any houses built in the late 70s to early 90s are likely to be in this category)

 Things that can improve energy efficiency within a home:

 The costs for a lot of energy saving measures are significantly reduced by government grants.  The government has made a commitment (in the Kyoto agreement) to reduce carbon emission over the next few years, and hence they are willing to help with the costs to you and me of implementing energy saving measures.  Most notable is the cavity wall insulation costs which typically cost around £500, and the grants pay £400 of this so you and I only have to pay out about £100.

 See Energy Saving Trust for more information about energy savings and advice on current grants: 

http://www.est.org.uk/

 Phone: Energy Saving Trust on 0845 727 7200 for homeowners Energy Efficiency advice.  They are very good, and give realistic practical advice