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Families pull the plug on energy wasting
Posted on 14/10/2009
Community Services
Families are competing to be the greenest households in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland after pulling the plug on energy wasting habits.
The week-long Big Switch Off campaign kicked off on Monday to encourage people to do their bit to help the environment and save money at the same time.
Schools, individuals, families and community groups have all pledged to make an effort to take extra measures to save energy this week such as switching off standby buttons on computers and TVs and turning off chargers that aren’t being used.
As part of the campaign 18 families have signed up to a year-long challenge in a bid to cut their energy use by up to 20 per cent and win a prize. They have been provided with a free energy monitor and guidance and tips on how to save energy – and money.
Hinckley mum Ann-Marie Moore and her husband Wayne have three children living at home and were keen to cut their amount of energy their household wastes.
Mrs Moore said: "We were leaving computers turned on when we weren’t using them. Just by turning them off, we noticed a difference,
"Since the start of the Big Switch Off we have been making an extra effort to switch things off we are not using, from hair straighteners to lamps.
"We are quite a big family and it would be nice to see our energy use reduced."
The Villarico family, from Measham, has also signed up to the challenge.
Dad of two young daughters Rommel said: "We try and teach our children to be energy efficient.
"We decided to take part in the Big Switch Off so we could check and manage our energy consumption.
"We also wanted to save some money as well as doing our bit for the environment."
Ian Lewis, who also has two young children, said he was inspired to take part in the Big Switch Off after becoming a member of the Ullesthorpe Environment Group.
He said: "We are trying to do our small bit for the planet.
"We have been doing simple things such as unplugging mobile phone chargers that are not being used and switching off the clock on the microwave when we don’t need it."
Prof Mike Preston, Chairman of ENABLE (Environmental Action for a Better Leicestershire), said: "I am delighted there are families out there who are so keen to do their bit for the environment.
"I wish them the best of luck in the Family Challenge contest and hopefully they will see a real difference in their energy use – and their pockets!"
The family that saves the most energy over the 12 months will be rewarded with a hamper packed with green goodies.
Last year Julian and Kathy Bird, from Tilton on the Hill, saved around 32 per cent of their electrical energy after taking part in the Family Challenge competition.
The Big Switch Off is a partnership lead by ENABLE and local authorities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, together with the Rural Community Council, Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire and Central Networks.
www.leics.gov.uk/BigSwitchOff
ENDS
To interview any of the families / arrange photographs, please contact the Press Office on 0116 3055712.
A photograph of the Villarico family is available on request