Local MP makes green promise on World Environment Day

4.39.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Jun 2007

MP for Hazel Grove, Andrew Stunell, is encouraging people in Stockport to join him in making a promise to the environment to mark World Environment Day 2007.

Speaking today on World Environment Day (5th June), Mr Stunell said:

"Climate change is a global issue, but tackling it starts at home.

"Over a quarter of the UK's carbon emissions come from heating, lighting and running power supplies in our homes.

"Ideally the government would listen to our suggestions and improve home energy efficiency, produce greener electricity and switch taxes from income to pollution and energy use.

"But there is action we can take ourselves, as I promise to do. Small actions, such as saving water and switching off the lights can, when taken together, make a big difference.

"I hope other local people will join me in making a green promise to mark World Environment Day 2007." END

Notes to Editors

1. For more information on the Liberal Democrat Climate Change Starts at Home plan see http://www.libdems.org.uk/news/climate-change-starts-at-home-campaign.12418.html

2. For more information on the Liberal Democrat Green Tax Switch see http://www.libdems.org.uk/media/documents/parliament/green_switch_180506.pdf

3. For more information on Liberal Democrat plans for green energy see http://www.libdems.org.uk/media/documents/parliament/Energy_MRV_Paper_Final%20Final1.doc

4. 15 ways in which people can save energy and reduce their 'carbon footprint'

1. Use energy-saving light bulbs

2. Turn down the thermostat by one degree

3. Take a shower instead of a bath

4. Put a water saving device in your toilet

5. Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth

6. Use rechargeable batteries instead of disposable ones

7. Use a reusable bag, rather than plastic carriers

8. Dry washing by hanging it, rather than tumble drying

9. Wash clothes at lower temperatures

10. Draught-proof windows and doors

11. Boil only the water you need, rather than filling the kettle every time

12. Switch off TVs and other electrical applicances at the mains rather than leaving them on stand-by, and unplug mobile phone chargers when they are not in use

13. Increase the amount you recycle - check with your council what they have recycling facilities for, it might be more than you think!

14. Share car journeys to work with a colleague, cycle or replace those car journeys with public transport at least once a week

15. Switch to a more environmentally friendly electricity supplier. E.g. Lib Dem HQ in Westminster gets its electricity from Good Energy, who supply only 100% renewable electricity from the natural energy of wind, sun, or running water.