Burt leaves a big footprint (From Malvern Gazette)

Burt leaves a big footprint

11:43am Friday 22nd June 2007 in News

RICHARD Burt, West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, has taken up the WWF challenge to measure his own carbon footprint.

The online footprint calculator is easy to use and only takes five minutes to complete.

Mr Burt said: "I found it would take 2.88 planets to support my lifestyle across the world and that was below average for the UK. By living the way I do, I am emitting 12.81 tonnes of carbon per year.

"My top tips for cutting down on carbon emissions were to reduce car use for short journeys, especially under two miles, to cut down on meat and dairy consumption, to turn down heating in rooms not being used and to avoid over-packaged products.

Take the test at http://footprint.wwf. org.uk/ before midnight tonight (Friday) and you can also enter a free competition for one year's green electricity from Ecotricity.

Another online calculator has been launched by the Government on www.direct.gov.uk/actonCO2.