Volunteers sign up to go green

The campaign, working with Lewes District Council's sustainability and energy team, will follow various householders over the year as they strive to reduce their carbon emissions and go green. The volunteers will be supplied with energy monitoring equipment so they can see for themselves how much energy they are using and how much money they can save by cutting down.

Volunteers are being invited to a meeting at Lewes District Council's recycling centre in North Street, on Tuesday, May 1 at 6.30pm. They will be shown how to use the monitors and given some tips on going green .

And as sustainability and energy officer Matthew Bird explains: saving energy can be fun, as well as reducing household bills.

The Sussex Express will follow the progress of our volunteer households over the coming months. But as a start, the Express gives the following tips for going green:

'¢ improve the insulation in your home (Grants are available)

'¢ Switch to energy-saving light bulbs

'¢ Turn off appliances, instead of leaving them on standby

'¢ When shopping, try to buy fruit and vegetables in season, locally grown where possible

'¢ If you have a garden, grow your own vegetables

'¢ Save water by buying a rainwater butt

'¢ Think about sharing DIY equipment with friends

'¢ Is your journey really necessary? Think about travelling less, or use public transport more.

'¢ If you have to drive, do so in a way that will reduce fuel consumption - drive smoothly, keeping within the speed limit and ensure your tyres are properly inflated.

Anyone wanting to sign up as a volunteer should contact [email protected].