Action Briefing Feb 2006 - Mar 2006
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

The Big Ask: Update January 2006

Friends of the Earth's climate change campaign, The Big Ask, is already off to a great start in 2006. Early Day Motion (EDM) 178 is currently topping the parliamentary petition chart with the most signatures!

A whopping 323 MPs have now supported the Climate Change Bill (315 have signed EDM 178 and another 8 have supported in other ways) since May last year. That's precisely half of the 646 MPs we should have in Parliament [minus those on Big Brother, etc. - Ed]. Thank you to all of you that have written to your MP so far.

The Big Ask campaign asks MPs to support year-on-year reductions in the polluting greenhouse gases to address the urgent threat of climate change. All areas of Government need to do their bit. Yet current plans mean large numbers of new energy inefficient homes could be built. Illogical? You bet.

The Government is currently consulting on two documents: the Code for Sustainable Homes, and Planning Policy Statement 3 (Housing). Whilst the titles are enough to send anyone to sleep, the content is a rude awakening. The two documents mean local communities will face not only huge housing growth built to only minimum environmental building standards, but land being built on without proper community consultation.

Friends of the Earth is not 'anti-development', but we are 'anti' policies that will derail effective action on climate change, and erode your rights. Policies like the proposed housing plans and standards will directly undermine efforts to fight climate change.

Maud Grainger

Take Action
If you fancy an afternoon grilling politicians about climate change, then come along to the Stop Climate Chaos 'Carbon Dating' event on Wednesday Wednesday 1st March 2006, 12pm-5pm, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. Under the banner of Stop Climate Chaos, Friends of the Earth supporters will have the opportunity to join with other environmental and development groups to ask for action on climate change. A cross between speed dating and lobbying, 'Carbon Dating' will let you meet a variety of MPs and ask for action on climate change. A chance not to be missed! And, don’t worry, no experience needed! If you would like to book your place (or just find out more about it), please contact Alex Phillips in the Climate team before 20th February 2006.

Can you help to build support for the Big Ask by asking friends and family to send postcards to their MP? If so, please contact Birmingham FoE (Tel: 0121 632 6909 or e-mail info@birminghamfoe.org.uk) and we’ll send you some!

Birmingham Friends of the Earth Home Energy Tips

Heat
Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree C. This can cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent. Create warm and cool zones, keep the areas you use less at a lower temperature. Insulate your hot water boiler and the hot water pipes between the boiler and cylinder. Insulate your walls, loft, roof and even floors. Close your curtains at dusk.

Lighting
Make best use of natural light and minimise your use of artificial lighting during the day. Turn your lights off when you leave a room. Next time a bulb blows, replace it with an energy efficient one.

Water
Always put the plug in your basin or sink. For large sinks use a washing up bowl. Take a shorter shower rather than a bath (it uses less than half the hot water). Set the hot water cylinder thermostat to no more that 60 degrees C (140 degrees F).

Appliances
Avoid leaving appliances on standby. Keep the fridge door closed as much as possible and defrost it regularly. Always try to wash full loads. Use the low temperature program. If you have the space, dry your clothes naturally in the air. If you have time wash your dishes by hand. Consider running costs and product lifetime when buying new appliances. (It is worth paying a little more for a more efficient or longer lasting appliance).

To find out more about energy, why not come by our Resource Room and find out!