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EXCLUSIVE: a green lifestyle is vital for us all, says
Scottish Environment Minister Mike Russell MSP
I
N Scotland we have landscapes
some simple steps towards being
that take our breath away – and
energy efficient. If everyone boiled
which provide wonderful habitats
only the water they needed to make a
for an amazing variety of wildlife and
cup of tea instead of filling the kettle
plants.
every time, they could save enough
They are part of our rich and
electricity in a year to run the UK’s
varied environment, and it is that
street lighting for seven months. And
environment which is at the heart of
around 8% of an electricity bill is
our clean and green reputation –
down to leaving appliances on
world wide. Moreover, that
standby power! Switch off and save
environment also gives us huge
has never been more true!
potential for the development of
Growing awareness of the
renewable energy as well as
consequences of our actions has
providing our magnificent – and
already made many of us change our
profit-making - food and drink.
ways. As a nation we are now
As a country, we seem to have it all.
recycling more, using more energy-
But – and here’s the catch – unless
efficient light bulbs and buying
we take the right actions now to
seasonal and unpackaged produce.
protect that environment and our
By making these small changes to
precious advantages then what we
the way we lead our everyday lives
have may well be permanently
we are helping – bit by bit.
damaged. Instead of handing on our
Yet we can, and must, do more. The
wonderful heritage, we will have to
Scottish Government, for example, is
explain to our children why we
promoting more sustainable business
ruined it.
travel by staff. Our Travel Campaign
Helping our environment – by is underpinned by initiatives to
becoming more green – is not encourage more cycling, walking and
difficult. In fact it can benefit our car sharing. And Scottish Ministers
wallets as well as our world. For are also committed to promoting
example, the average household greener methods of business travel,
could save £340 a year just by taking reducing air travel over the past year
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