Small ways to go green

SIMPLE ways to make small changes which could make a big difference to climate change will be outlined in Oldham next week.

The council is taking part in the national Small Change, Big Difference campaign, which aims to ensure action to combat climate change is the most important long-term priority for authorities.

A range of information and advice will be on offer all week in Access Oldham in the Civic Centre reception between 11.30am and 2pm.

Monday: Groundwork will be highlighting that Oldham now has 15 Eco Schools with the top level green flag, where staff and school children tackle issues such as energy and water efficiency, waste and recycling, transport, biodiversity, the global perspective and litter.

Tuesday: The Energy Saving Trust will advise on how to save energy in the home, and what discounts people can get. It will also give away energy-saving plugs for desktop computers on completion of a home energy questionnaire.

Wednesday: First Choice Homes will be showing what it is doing to improve energy efficiency in properties, such as installing heat meters in communally-heated properties which has saved tenants an average of £5 per week and reduced carbon emissions by 40 per cent.

Thursday: There will be information on cycling and walking and the launch of the Walkit Website that allows people to get a route map and directions between two points, outlining the journey time, calorie burn, step count and carbon saving.

Friday: The council’s waste and recycling team will promote the Love Food, Hate Waste campaign, giving away recipe cards for leftovers and answering queries about recycling collections.

Councillor Jackie Stanton, deputy council leader, said: “Everyone has a part to play in tackling climate change and the council is committed to helping people do what they can.”