| Save fuel. Drive less and more slowly. Accelerate more slowly. You'll find it can make a dramatic improvement on fuel consumption and on your stress levels. The Energy Trust has eco-driving advice as does the Department of Transport. What you can use with a very clear conscience is biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil that would otherwise be discarded and at worst, poured down the drain. Check that your car can take it and stick to 20% in mid-winter; only use 100% in the summer. It is cheaper than fossil diesel and available in Banbury from the Silver Group. |
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On yer bike or try walking. If you're fit and healthy, try to walk or cycle when you are within the village. It keeps the old bod moving and lessens our parking problems. We even have our own bike shop, the Cyclogical Shop in Hudson Street. If you want to take it more seriously, try the UK's National Cyclists' Organisation.
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| Walking your children to school helps them develop a basic life skill, preparing them for the future and allowing them to learn by experience. It's healthy for kids and reduces traffic congestion in the village especially in Earl's Lane. |
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To fly or not to fly, that is the question. Friends of the Earth say that "Flying is one of the most polluting activities an individual can choose". While we wait for more efficient aero-engines and eco-friendly fuel, you may decide to cut down on the number of flights you make. If so, go to LowFlyZone. You can also make your flights carbon neutral – or just ease your conscience – by helping to fund eco projects. Climatecare is an Oxford based organisation that helps you do just this by offsetting your CO2 emissions in a variety of ways. A similar, DEFRA approved, site is EquiClimate.
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| Do you have the sort of job where you could work at home, say for one day a week? If you commute for an hour each way, that's ten hours a week, equivalent to more than a day's work. Some jobs, particularly those involving the regular use of a computer, are especially suitable for homeworking. There are websites tackling the few problems and loads more offering homeworking jobs. |
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Otherwise, or in any case, consider car sharing. It saves you money and stress and reduces traffic, congestion, pollution and parking problems.
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| Websites like isanyonegoingto.com help you find appropriate drivers and passengers going to work, festivals, gigs and sporting events, with peace of mind. Some charge a fee, some are free. |
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| Do you travel daily to Banbury or Oxford, London or Milton Keynes? You could post your needs on the Deddingon OnLine Forum ... or take the train, the bus ... or a push-bike (only joking!). |
| Your carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted through your use of fossil fuels – gas, car or aircraft fuel, coal and so on – as part of your daily life. Calculate your own carbon footprint and see how you compare with the national average. |
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 | Plant a tree. The theory is that trees suck in carbon dioxide as part of their natural process and so offset the CO2 we produce for instance by travelling. We have our local Daeda's Wood which parishioners helped to fund and plant, but very much more is needed. What suitable sites might we have for more native hardwood trees in the parish? Or a fire-wood coppice for that matter? |
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Have your say. Go to:
Deddington OnLine Forum | Other Green Matters pages: Energy |
