Think Globally, Act Locally!
Climate Change can seem like an alien concept when people talk about rising sea levels, melting ice caps and shifts in weather patterns, but we can see evidence of it right here in Britain. Flooding, water shortages and droughts, forest and moorland fires, crop failures: all of these seem like problems faced in far flung corners of the world, but they are actually problems we have faced in this country, and in some cases, in the North East Derbyshire area, within the last few years.
And while the odd spot of 'funny weather' may be a bit of a problem for humans, it could have a devastating impact on wildlife, not just across the globe but here in the British Isles too. Rising temperatures and changing habitats are already taking their toll on the planet's natural balance.
This may seem like a bleak outlook, but it doesn't have to be: We can all make a difference - starting today. If you have made the choice to do as much as you can to reduce your carbon footprint, you are already on your way to reducing the effects of climate change!
What is a Carbon Footprint?
The term "carbon footprint" has been used a lot recently and, we hear so often about how we need to reduce it – but what is a carbon footprint? The "footprint" is the impact that we have as an individual on our environment. It is usually measured by the amount of carbon dioxide - the gas that is one of the major causes of climate change - we each produce through our day-to-day activities, from obvious things like the transport we use, but also through things that we may not think of, such as how much water we use, what we buy, and how we use it. All of these things will have generated carbon emissions at some point in their production.
Everyone has a carbon footprint, and everyone's is different. Act on CO2 have a Carbon Calculator which lets you to work out the size of your individual footprint before you start to reduce it.
As well as making a difference to the planet as a whole, there are a number of things you can look at to reduce your footprint which will make a big difference to the North East Derbyshire area too. The following pages contain information and links on the how small changes we make can have a big impact on our area!
Transport
We all know that using cars is bad for the environment, but do we really need to rely on them so much? Our Green Transport page has facts and information on how it is possible to rethink your travel plans through car sharing, public transport, walking routes and cycling, and why reducing your car use will not only be better for the planet, it could be better for your health too!
Water
Over the last few years our District has witnessed water extremes, from our rivers being reduced to trickles in Summer 2006 through to the floods of 2007. Despite the floods making people think there is no water shortage, this is not the case. Water is a precious resource and we need to conserve it. Our Saving Water page has lots of tips on how to save water and reduce the amount you use, which could also help to reduce your water bills!
Biodiversity
Unfamiliar weather across the UK has brought about many irregularities, even in our local area. Flowers are coming into bloom much earlier than usual, such as daffodils in full display from Ashover to Eckington as early as Christmas 2007 (many weeks ahead of normal). Those that suffer from pollen allergies will have noted that flowers and trees were flowering early too...And it looks like the pattern is likely to be the same in the coming years!
The warmer weather we have been getting over the last few years has also confused native animal species. Animals are unsure when to go in and out of hibernation - our cold months now tend to also have mild periods that can disturb and confuse their hibernation patterns. Hedgehogs in the area have been recorded having more than one litter of pups, but many of the second litter don’t survive due to food shortages and cold snaps.
Our Biodiversity page has lots of ideas for how you can give nature a helping hand, right on your doorstep.
Food
Food is an everyday staple of our lives, but our changing lives and the availability of all types of food in supermarkets all year round mean we've lost touch with the seasons so we're missing out on fantastic food when it's at its best. Tempting supermarket offers also mean we can often end up wasting a third of our weekly shopping as food goes past its use by dates. To find out more about local, seasonal food and how to get the most out of it with delicious recipes and money saving advice visit the food page.
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