Peterborough parish council urges residents to reduce red meat and ditch the dryer in climate emergency plan

A Peterborough parish council has set out a climate emergency plan to help residents do their bit for the environment.
Residents are asked to swap the car for greener transportResidents are asked to swap the car for greener transport
Residents are asked to swap the car for greener transport

Orton Longueville Parish Council has adopted a Climate Change Action Plan, encouraging residents to make little changes to their lives which could make a big difference to the environment.

The Council is responsible for green areas including Orton Park Cricket Club ground and can increase the space left for wildlife and even plant more hedges, trees and introduce bug hotels.

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Orton Longueville Parish Council declared a climate emergency on September 3, is placing Climate Action as a standing monthly agenda item and has already thought about some quick ways on how to reduce the area’s carbon footprint.

A spokesman for the council said: “We have already been thinking about some ways to immediately reduce our carbon footprint including advising our residents to try:

“Eating less red meat or stop eating red meat. It is the single most effective action anyone can take to combat climate change as beef cattle consume 11 times more water and produce 5 times more emissions than poultry.

“To unplug all electrical devices. All electronics suck energy when they are plugged in , even if they are powered down. Anytime a cord is plugged into a socket its drawing energy – so although your device is not charging you are still contributing to your carbon footprint – so leave your electronics unplugged at all times when not using them.

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“To drive less where possible. We have seen with the current pandemic that there’s been a reduction in carbon emission especially so during the lockdown. Post lockdown people have decided to walk, bike or take the bus which has had immediate results on their carbon footprint. Our local authority (CPCA & PCC) is trying to increase walkability, with planners/architects incorporating more outdoor and green spaces, plus new builds focussing on green infrastructure and community engagement.

“Not to buy so much fast-fashion. The bulk of the major clothing retailors practice “fast fashion” – selling an endless cycle of must have trends at extremely low prices. It’s still largely propped up by child labour. Fast-fashion is toxic to the environment, detrimental to human rights. Why not try alternatives like re-purposing old clothing, choosing locally produced handmade garments, buying vintage or participating in clothing swaps with family & friends.

“To consider planting a garden (includes window boxes). We all know plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) so whether you live in a house or an apartment, planting some greens is a quick and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.

“To think about eating local and organic produce. Where possible try to eat local in-season produce. Sticking to foods that are grown locally in our surrounding area helps to reduce the carbon footprint created by shipping foods from outside the neighbourhood, city, or country.

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“Where possible line-dry laundry. One Dryer load uses five times more electricity than the washing machine. By drying your clothes outside when the weather permits you can safe ⅓ of your carbon footprint.

“Orton Longueville Parish Councillors firmly believe that our individual actions and choices can make a real difference and everyone needs to share the responsibility to do whatever they can to address climate change – no matter how big or small. Anyone can make these simple changes – they are easy to implement, have immediate effect in reducing our individual carbon footprint. We would be foolish not to start some of the above good measures.”

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