The 10:10 Challenge – Cut 10% in 2010

‘Global warming, my eye! I’ve just been for a walk on the frozen Shannon’, said my friend. But while we freeze here, temperatures in the Arctic are up to 7 degC higher than normal this winter, say scientists. Local weather is naturally variable, but climate is about long timescales and the planet as a whole. Don’t be misled; global warming is continuing and real.

World leaders failed to agree in Copenhagen last December what to do about it. Let’s hope and pray they do agree effective and just action soon, before it is too late. But their failure to agree now shows it’s time for ordinary people to step in to defend our children’s futures. We now know for certain that unless we act quickly to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases, they will face terrible problems in years to come.

The first step is to take personal responsibility – if we don’t, no one else will. Just suppose each one of us made a pledge to cut 10% of our greenhouse gas emissions in 2010? What if we got everyone we know to do the same? And what if all this made governments sit up and take notice? That could be the first step towards a brighter future for us all.

Cutting 10% in one year is a bold target, but for most of us it’s achievable – and saves us money too! Here are some ideas for what you and your family can do. Future monthly articles will look at each in more detail.

1 Save 10% on heating – and bills
Turn down your thermostat, turn off radiators in hallways, more jumpers and warm underwear all round. Fix those draughts. Then apply for a grant to insulate your loft and walls. You’ll be warm & cosy!

2 Drive less – be healthier
Think before you make that short drive. Walk, cycle or take public transport when you can. Leave your car at home one day a week. Join a car-club rather than owning your own, or share a ride to work with a colleague or two. You’ll feel healthier too!

3 Save 10% on electricity
Save big cash by changing light bulbs, replacing old fridges and freezers and always turning stuff off. Be intelligent – be bright!

4 Fly less, holiday more
Swap plane for boat and train, holiday nearer to home and take fewer but longer trips – same tanning time, dramatically less carbon emissions!

5 Eat better
In-season fruit & veg produce the least emissions – and the less processed the better. Buy locally produced food when you can, to support your neighbour and save food miles. Grow your own – nothing tastes like it!

6 Buy good stuff
Less stuff made = less emissions = less climate change. So buy high-quality things that last, repair if possible rather than chucking, buy and sell second hand. And borrow your neighbour’s mower!

7 Dump less
Avoid excess packaging and buying pointless stuff that goes straight in the bin, recycle everything possible. Compost your scraps – the garden will love you!

8 Don’t waste food…
The average Irish family throws away loads of food every month. So don’t buy or cook more than you need. And eat up those tasty leftovers with a smile on your face!

9 …or water
Your tap water uses lots of energy – and heating it uses loads more – so take showers rather than baths, and only run full dishwashers & washing machines. Harvest rainwater in a butt to water garden plants – they prefer it!

10 Pass on the word
Tell family and friends you plan to save 10% in 2010 – persuade them to join you. Suggest your employer might too. Sign up for the 10:10 pledge – governments will act if they see voters mean business!

For more information and to take the 10:10 pledge see www.1010.ie or contact Nenagh Carbon Watchers (nenaghcarbonwatchers@gmail.com, or phone Joc on 087 699 6775).