Ipswich Borough Council is giving away low-energy light bulbs to mark World Environment Day on 5th June.
Residents who visit local council offices between Thursday 5th June and Thursday 12th June, will be asked to sign a personal carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction pledge and in return will receive a low-energy light bulb and a voucher entitling them to 5% off their first order of light bulbs. Pledges will be entered in a free prize draw for the chance to win a wind-up, solar powered radio.
Residents can pick up their light bulb and make their pledge at the Tourist Information Centre or from the Customer Services Centre at the Town Hall between 10am and 3pm. They are subject to availability so don't delay!
The initiative has been organised by CRed Suffolk. CRed stands for Carbon Reduction and this partnership provides information and advice to help identify easy, everyday energy savings, as well as how to adapt to a changing climate. Use the CRed Suffolk Climate and Energy helpline 0800 0288938 or the CRed Suffolk website www.cred-uk.org/suffolk (opens in a new window) to find out more.
World Environment Day is a United Nations' campaign to generate worldwide awareness of the environment. The slogan for 2008 is "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy".
Councillor Louise Gooch, the Borough's Environment portfolio-holder, said: "We are doing everything we can to raise awareness of climate change and the need for carbon reduction and I urge everyone to join us. Every little helps and we hope this special campaign will encourage more Ipswich people to play their part."
FACTFILE
A one metre diameter balloon holds the equivalent of 1 kilo of carbon dioxide. Each one of us is responsible for 9000 kilos of the gas every year through the way we live. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas linked to climate change. Accepting the 60% Challenge means saving 5,500 kilos.
- Switching from a conventional light bulb to a low energy light bulb will save around 29 kilos of carbon dioxide each year
- A TV left on standby will be responsible for 30 kilos of CO2 a year
- Every time you use a dishwasher you use enough electricity to release nearly one kilo of CO2
- Every time you use a tumble dryer use enough electricity to emit 1.5 kg of CO2