H.E.A.T.

Almost every week we hear in the news of scientists finding new evidence of "Global Warming" affecting our planet and occasionally we hear of people suffering from the consequences of climate change. Changes in global patterns of weather and disturbances in the behaviour of animals and plants testify to our environment altering in ways that will affect everyone. Added to this is the gradual depletion of natural fuels, metals and minerals and the shortages of water in many parts of the world. It is very clear our lives in the next few decades will be altered considerably. It is obvious we must take action now to reduce and reverse some of these difficulties that could eventually threaten our existence. We must all become aware of a growing major environmental problem.

Members of the Hammerwich Environment Group (HEG) believe the village should take on some responsibility for meeting the demands of climate change and resource depletion. The pamphlet produced by Staffordshire County Council, entitled "Climate change and Staffordshire", states people feel powerless, but together they can really make a difference. The village of Ashton Hayes in Cheshire is aiming to be the first carbon-neutral village in England by reducing their dependency on fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil) and supplying all its energy from renewable resources, such as wind and water power schemes. They are also recycling as much as possible and planting trees around their village to absorb the climate-warming carbon dioxide gas in a move towards carbon neutrality. Elsewhere there are a small number of communities and some very large companies that are actively reducing their "greenhouse-gas emissions" as their contribution to meeting targets set by many of the world's governments. The Mothers Union has asked its members to follow ten ways to fight poverty and climate change.

Is now the time for the villagers of Hammerwich to work together towards achieving a sustainable environment in which there is a reduced release of climate-changing gases and little wastage of precious materials? Indeed, a start has already been made:

Household waste is separated into four different containers so that some plastic, paper and garden waste is recycled.
A small wood has been established in the village and there are more trees still to be planted.
A village bus avoids some use of motor vehicles.
Most houses have good heat insulation, including double-glazing of windows.
Some villagers buy food produced locally that has not needed fuel to transport it to the shop.

So what can WE do together now to:

avoid an average increase of temperature in Britain of 2C by the end of the century that will bring increased frequencies of floods, storms and
avoid a high cost of fuel and materials and give, generally, a poorer quality of life.
make a sustainable world.

Here are ten recommended ways YOU can help achieve these aims:

Turn the heating down on your house. Have thermostats on your radiators.
Use low-energy light bulbs where it is possible.
Never leave electrical appliances on "stand-by mode".
Buy only energy-efficient appliances and use them only when really necessary.
Install a water butt to collect water for your garden.
Wash clothes using a water temperature of 40°c.
Ensure the insulation in your roof loft is adequate.
Consider car-sharing, public transport, cycling or walking for when you take short journeys.
Consider changing to a "green" energy supplier.

H.E.A.T.

Diary 2008

Downloads