Hundred signed up already

Jul 3 2009 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Friday

THE Going Carbon Neutral Stirling (GCNS) team had much to celebrate recently as we have now engaged with more than 100 groups within the community.

In the latest of our Observer columns, we thought this would be a good time to look at some of those who were among the first to get involved in trying to reduce their carbon footprints.

The Streetscapes Team at Stirling Council were our very first carbon cutters and the team is now about to move onto its next set of actions. Such is its commitment to the GCNS project, carbon-saving behaviour changes and energy-saving measures have now become a regular part of its operations.

Elsewhere within the community, Hillview Children and Family Centre in Cultenhove also recently completed its first 10 weeks on a carbon cutter plan. The staff agreed to do actions both at home and at work, while also involving the children in recycling, growing fruit and vegetables and raising awareness of the importance of turning off lights and computers.

The first nursery on the programme is now preparing for its second plan which will also be rolled out to parents next term.

Another pioneer is St Ninians Old Parish Church. The church has agreed to do one carbon-cutting action a month and is encouraging its congregation to participate throughout their daily lives.

We are also immensely proud of our multicultural ground-breakers. The Arabic Friends Groups in Cambusbarron, for example, do actions on a fortnightly basis. The 30-strong group, led by Khalid al Jaloud, has so far focused on ways to maximise energy usage in kitchen appliances.

And the St Ninians-based Central Scotland Chinese Association was also quick to get on board.

Kin Wa Li, activator and translator, said: “Despite the fact that not everyone can speak English, our whole group was very interested in ways we can reduce fuel bills and save money. We are looking forward to getting started with our first batch of low energy light bulbs.”

One aspect of the programme which has delighted GCNS was discovering just how many groups were already enacting many of the ideas in our plans.

Cornton Over-50’s Club already had a culture of producing food at home, using re-usable cutlery and sharing lifts. And the committee at Ochil Community Centre had a wealth of expertise in composting, gardening and controlling the heating and water systems for their ever-popular bingo nights. Proof, if any was needed, that having low-carbon fun is easy.

Here are a few more tips on how you can get involved in carbon-cutting straight away.

LAUNDRY: Drying clothes on an outside clothes line causes no carbon emissions. By contrast, a tumble dryer can emit up to 650kg of CO2 a year and increase your electricity bill by up to £70.

PICNICS: If you’re planning a picnic, pack re-usable cutlery, cups and plates. A nice summer should mean lots of picnics so why buy new sets every time?

TRANSPORT: Leave the car at home. Most car journeys are for no more than 4km. If it’s a nice day, cycle or walk instead. This saves money and is better for you too.