28-10-04
Local MP joins Big Turn Off!
John Barrett, Liberal Democrat
MP for Edinburgh West, has signed up for this week’s
Big Turn Off, which marks the 8th annual Energy Efficiency
Week and organised by the
Energy Saving Trust.
Mr Barrett is one of over 30 MPs who have added their names
to a Parliamentary motion calling for electrical appliances
not in use during the period from2-3pm on Friday 29 October
to be switched off.
The motion is in support of a nationwide campaign by the
Energy Saving Trust (EST), which advises the public on
ways to save money by using energy more efficiently. The
aim is
to persuade people simultaneously to turn off any electrical
appliances that are not in use and to encourage individuals
to think about the consequences of their everyday use of
energy.
The energy we waste in our homes produces carbon dioxide
emissions, one of the main contributors to climate change.
Energy Saving Trust has devised the Big Turn Off as a way
of highlighting both the economic and environmental reasons
for not wasting electricity.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr Barrett said:
“Energy Efficiency Week has involved into an important
yearly event. It is now making a big contribution in
terms of raising awareness about the practical things people
can
do to save the environment and save money at the same time.
“Many people simply do not realise how much energy
it takes to leave a television or computer on standby.
Such appliances actually use as much energy in this state as
when they are being used. Although this initiative
will only last an hour, it will hopefully start a habit
amongst
people in turning off electrical devices when they are
not needed. It makes sense, environmentally and financially.”
John Barrett has instructed both his parliamentary and
constituency offices to join the Big Turn Off this Friday
and is inviting
local people inEdinburghto follow his example.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust,
added: "I really hope that as many people as possible in
Edinburgh will take part in the Big Turn Off. If we can
get used to
thinking
about the way we use and so often waste energy, we can
start to make real progress towards tackling climate change – and
save on fuel bills at the same time.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
· For more information on Energy
Efficiency Week or the Energy Saving Trust, please call 020 7221 0101.