30/03/2005 - Climate change
is happening now and 64 per cent of people
in Kent say that they are feeling the effects
already. A recent Environment Agency survey
questioned people in the South on their environmental
habits and opinions.
The survey results are being released just
as the Environment Agency launches its annual
World Environment Day (WED) campaign. The
campaign encourages everyone in the south
to make small changes to their lifestyle to
help reduce the amount of energy and water
being used and waste being produced.
The survey also revealed that more people
in Kent are concerned about climate change
than any other environmental issue. In fact
53 per cent of people questioned put climate
change ahead of water pollution (five per
cent), deforestation (eleven per cent), urbanisation
(six per cent) or insufficient use of renewable
energy (one per cent).
One thing the survey did show up was that
most people in Kent could be doing more to
reduce their environmental impact. While some
96 per cent of people questioned re-use plastic
carrier bags and 86 per cent do some recycling,
only 48 per cent compost biodegradable waste.
And only 29 per cent have a water saving device
in their toilet cistern to reduce the amount
of water used in every flush.
To make it easier for people to do their
bit, the Environment Agency has put together
12 pledges for World Environment Day:
I will boil only the water I need, rather
than filling the kettle every time.
I will replace two light bulbs in my house
with energy saving versions
I will turn my biodegradable waste into compost
for my garden
I will insulate my loft and hot water tank
I will reuse plastic bags for my shopping
I will share my car journeys to work with
a colleague, or replace those car journeys
with public transport.
I will switch off my television/ computer
screen, rather than leave it on stand-by.
I will take showers instead of baths.
I will replace one return flight with travel
by train.
I will turn the tap of when I brush my teeth.
I will switch my household to energy generated
from renewable sources.
I will volunteer for a green project in my
local community.
Binny Buckley, Area Manager for the Environment
Agency in Kent, said:
"World Environment Day is a wonderful
opportunity for everyone to think about their
environmental behaviour and do something very
simple to improve it. Although people may
feel that their contribution won’t have an
effect in the great scheme of things we should
remember that together, we can make a difference."
Everyone can get involved by making one or
more pledges on the Environment Agency website:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/WED. Events
will be taking place throughout the spring
until World Environment Day itself on 5 June.
Look out for what’s going on in your area.
Notes to Editors:
Water saving devices for in toilet cisterns
are available free of charge from your water
supplier.
