We can all make small changes to the way we live for the sake of the environment, and using less energy around the home is a good start.
Gwynedd Environmental Partnership has launched a new pilot project in Blaenau Ffestiniog to lend energy meters to the local community so that families can monitor and reduce how much energy they use.
The partnership will be working with Ysgol Manod and Ysgol Maenofferen, and will be giving pupils and their families the opportunity to borrow energy meters to take home. Both schools have already received energy meters so that teachers and pupils can monitor and reduce electricity use.
By cutting back on how much energy we use we can reduce our carbon emissions. Carbon is recognised as a contributing factor to global warming and is a cause of concern for many people. Reducing energy use can also result in saving money on electricity bills.
As part of the scheme pupils will be asked to note how much energy they are using on a daily basis, and will be encouraged to be energy champions by reminding their family to save energy. Every pupil will receive a special certificate at the end of the scheme.
Carys Jones, head teacher at Ysgol Manod, said: “We are very pleased to take part in this scheme especially as we are looking at ways of saving energy in order to win the Green Schools Gold Award.”
Meri Jones, head teacher at Ysgol Maenofferen, added: “The project will be an effective way of raising awareness among children and their families of the importance of saving energy, for the sake of the environment and future generations.”
The meters work by measuring the flow of electricity to the home when electrical appliances are turned on. The data is shown on the monitor in terms of cost, CO2 emissions and the electricity used. Statistics show that, by monitoring the use of electricity on the meters, it is possible to save £125 a year on bills, and save three quarters of a tonne of CO2.
Simple changes can lead to energy savings around the home – resulting in cheaper fuel bills and less CO2 released into the atmosphere. Here are some examples of what everyone can do today:
· Turn off the lights as you leave the room every time
· Change your lightbulbs to energy efficient lightbulbs – they use 25% less energy than normal bulbs and last 12 times longer.
· Fill your washing machine or dishwasher – one full load uses less energy than two half loads
· Remember to also set your washing machine cycle at 30⁰C
· Line dry your clothes instead of using the tumbledryer – remember that one load can cost between 30p and 70p to dry in a tumbledryer
· Don’t leave electrical appliances on standby – turn them off completely at the wall
· Don’t overfill the kettle – only boil what is needed
For more information on how you can protect the environment go to www.pagwynedd.org; phone: 01286 679652 or e-mail [email protected]
