The
world is yours
Mark Edmundson reports on the latest measures to encourage Scots to get into good environmental habits.
t‘s the hot topic of our times.
The fate of the planet and what
we could and should be doing to preserve our environment is an issue that is taking ever-greater prominence in our lives and making almost daily news. Last fortnight alone brought us linergy lifticiency Week. the Sustainable Scotland Network conference. ‘Planning Solutions for a Sustainable Scotland‘ and the launch of the Scottish Executive‘s ‘lt‘s Our Future’ campaign to encourage positive thought and action on sustainability in Scotland.
The campaign puts special emphasis on parents and children. acknowledging that it is the latter that are whatever action we can take now to better live within our environmental means. and is accompanied by a competition to reward our most environmentally active primary schools.
“Another way of looking at sustainable development is as common sense. thinking about the economic. social and environmental aspects of any action together.‘ says Maf Smith. the new Scottish Director for the Sustainable Development Commission.
‘lt‘s about ‘ helping people have a good quality of life but being able to pass on that same
the beneficiaries of
quality of life to future generations.‘ As an example of the small. common sense actions we should be taking. Smith turns to our undying habit of boiling wantonly for a single cup of tea. ‘When you boil a kettle. a lot of people still fill the kettle most of the way and boil it without thinking. “I only need a cup full. 1’“ just boil a cup full".‘ One area for which Scotland can
‘PEOPLE NEED TO BE ASKING WHAT THEIR COMPANIES ARE DOING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT'
be commended is in our planet- friendly schools. boasting as we do a higher proportion of eco- schools than anywhere else in liurope. But while the next
generation leads the way. many of
the measures that keep
our educational establishments
green can easily
be transferred
to our own workplaces.
‘New statistics
from the linergy
Saving Trust
have noted that
people are getting
these messages.
they‘re starting to
act on them. thinking about how small actions at home can make a difference. but at work we tend to view it as someone else‘s problem.‘ says Smith. ‘People need to be thinking of what they can do. but also need to be asking what their companies are doing. In larger organisations. people tend to assume someone else is looking
after this kind of stuff. but even if
there is such a designated person. employees still need to do their bit in the office.‘
As for our schools. the Scottish lixecutive is not sitting on its laurels. inviting schools across Scotland to submit details of their energy saving. recycling and wildlife conservation projects for a share of the £20,000 prize pot. Supported by Scottish Power. the competition will assess schools‘ initiatives across energy. waste. transport. biodiversity and food.
‘Sustainable development in some respects is the ability to ask stupid questions. the obvious questions that get to the heart of the matter.‘ Smith argues. ‘(‘hildrcn are great at asking such questions because they don‘t believe the answer. "Well we‘ve always done it like this". Kids will ask “why‘.’“. And they are the ones who will have to take responsibility for these things.‘
Now we need to follow the next generation’s lead. After all. their future is in our hands.
For more information on the ‘It’s Our Future’ campaign visit www.infoscotland.comlourfuture The deadline for entries to the school competition is 22 Dec, applications and further information can be found at www.ltscotland.org.uk/ sustainabledevelopment
Many of the measures we take at home can be applied to the workplace, and, although most of us work for others, we can still lessen our environmental impact as individuals. Here are a few reminders.
I Energy Switching off lights in rooms and corridors that aren't currently in use can save up to 15% in lighting costs for your business. Taking care not to strain your eyes. it may be worth considering it a whole room need be lit or just one area.
Leaving your computer on overnight can instigate quite staggering levels of 002 pollution.
A radiator obstructed by furniture asks more of the boiler in heating a room. Similarly try to avoid placing hot equipment near cooling vents.
Prevent energy wastage by keeping doors and windows closed and draft free. Heating costs rise by 8% for each degree over 19"C. The same consideration should be given to air conditioning. I Waste Cut down on paper wastage by reading documents onscreen where possible, printing and photocopying on both sides and re-using one-sided prints in the fax machine. Try to re-use envelopes where applicable.
By going back to using mugs. glasses. milk jugs and sugar pots, packaging waste can be greatly reduced in the workplace.
Office recycling schemes can take care of paper, cans. food waste and furniture. You can do your bit by stocking recycled stationary and paper. and refilling printer cartridges. www.wasteawarebusiness.com. I Travel Look for alternatives to single-occupancy car use such as car-share schemes, public transport. cycling or walking.
When travelling on business. trains allow you to work or relax en route. Try to book accommodation that limits its impact on the environment. Check out www.green- business.co.uk for details.
12-16 Nov 2006 THE LIST 105