Reducing Your Impact

Trailer for the film "End of the line" about overfishing in the World's oceans. Are you careful about the fish that you eat and the other resources you use?

There is an overwhelming amount of information available about having a more sustainable lifestyle and terms like carbon footprint (why not calculate yours?) can often be a bit daunting. Don't worry, there are easy things everyone can do to reduce their impact on the planet and North Devon's Biosphere Reserve. We should use our resources like energy and water wisely, not just in our homes but also in what we buy and how we get around. We can also reduce the amount waste we produce.

County Council guide to reducing your household's climate change impact.

Direct.gov advice on greener living and green issues

TAGS - Torridge Action Group for Sustainability - Funded by Torridge District Council and supported by a network of volunteers, TAGS develops projects that contribute to sustainable development and offers information and support.

As well as reducing , we should also be increasing things like the usefulness of our homes and garden for wildlife. We can all do something.

Energy - reducing your costs and consumption

Turning your heating thermostat down by 1°C, making sure your hot water thermostat is set to no more than 60°C/140°F, turning off lights and not leaving TVs, DVDs etc on standby are easy things that can really save money. Insulating your home and installing an alternative energy source such as a solar hot water system can save much more over time. You could also switch your energy supplier to one that uses renewable sources. See what help is available to help you do these larger scale things.

Find out what Winkleigh Parish are doing to reduce their energy use, reduce their carbon footprint and save money. More

Devon Warmzones -  Supporting householders across Devon to access grants and discounts for insulation and heating. County Council supported.

Energy Saving Trust - how to make the most of your energy. A one stop shop for advice.

Low carbon buildings programme  - A governement scheme providing grants for microgeneration to householders, community organisations, schools, the public and not for profit sector and private businesses.

Microgeneration - Governments Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) site providing information on microgeneration technologies and schemes to support their uptake.

RE4D - Free and independent renewable energy advice for Devon supported by Devon County Council and the Southwest Regional Development Agency.

Water - reducing your consumption

Demand for water for our homes, industry and agriculture is increasing and with recent water shortages and the uncertain climate of the future the need to conserve and use water wisely is increasing. In the 70's the average water consumption was 110 litres (24 gallons) per person per day. Today that figure has risen to around 157 litres (34 gallons) per person per day.

South West Water - advice on things we can all do to reduce the amount we use

Transport - cutting congestion, keeping fit and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

There are plenty of ways to reduce the impact of how you travel arounf the Biosphere Reserve. It sometimes isn't easy but it is effective. Why not try;

Cycling or walking to explore the Biosphere reserve. Good for the environment and for health. Did you know that cycling at a medium pace for 30 minutes burns 280 calories?

Using public transport where possible. Its not always easy but it is effective. Did you know that travelling by train to Exeter to Barnstaple reduces CO2 emissions by more than half compared to doing thee same journey by car? (2008 Environmental Impact Study by Envision for the North devon Rail Users Group). North Devon Council - public transport pages

Car share if you can - there is a scheme running in Devon. More

Eco-driving can reduce your carbon footprint. More

Food - Where does it come from and where do you get it?

Northern Devon is blessed with some stunning local produce. Buying and sourcing local food, and buying food in season, isn't just good for the environment (it reduces food miles and depending on the production regime, may be kinder to the environment) but it also contributes more to the local economy. A study in Cornwall discovered that every £10 spent with a local vegetable delivery scheme generated £25 for local people. It was only £14 when the same was spent in a supermarket.

Devon foodlinks - information on where to buy local food and drink from Devon since 1998

A model school food policy - a practical guide

Local Food Works - fosters sustainable local food by providing information for schools, hospitals and other groups to help you source local and organic produce direct from local farmers.
Recycling

Waste

You can make a real difference if you recycle. In Devon we throw away more than 300,000 tonnes of rubbish every year, most of which goes into massive landfill sites. As well as recycling, try to reduce the amount of waste you produce and re-use as much as possible. To reduce waste, buy things which are unpackaged or goods with small amounts of packaging. Buy things in refillable containers e.g. washing powders. Stop junk mail and cancel any unwanted free newspapers.

Re-use envelopes and carrier bags, buy re-chargeable batteries and compost your kitchen waste.
Buy recycled products where possible. More information.

Devon County Council  - details of local recyling information and composting, with some simple tips for recycling

The Devon Community Recycling Network - information and ideas on community recycling and sustainable resource management

Recycle-more - one stop recycling information centre

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) - Kill your junk mail: free service for consumers to have their names and home addresses in the UK removed from or added to lists used by the direct mailing industry.

Directory of recycled products  - a UK directory of recycled products

WRAP  - works in partnership, helping businesses and the general public to reduce waste, to use more recycled material, and recycle more things more often.