Wednesday 9 May 2007 Oh my goodness...what have I let myself in for? I only said I was concerned about global warming and the next thing I know Gary and Howard, from the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York, have been round to the house, seen the wasted energy created by my family and I have committed myself to IMPROVEMENT! You might say my carbon footprint isn’t that bad. It’s only two elephants (11 something tonnes). After all – that’s not too bad compared with quite a few, people my ageÌý ... people in America ... people my age ... people in America! Maybe I could just rest on my laurels and wait until everyone else is better than me!! BUT compared to what it should be it’s dreadful. I do worry about global warming and the effect of carbon emissions on the ecosystem that is our world. Whatever the politicians say, I have to start somewhere. It was a bit embarrassing to have to own up to: two fridges; two freezers; eleven light bulbs - only two of which are energy efficient; a tumble drier that is always on even though the back door is right next to it and the washing line is a few steps away; three vehicles; bikes that hardly anyone ever uses (I do, but no-one else in the family does!); no compost heap; a multitude of electrical items and a whole host of other things that are destroying the environment. At least my husband will be pleased, the gas and electricity bills will go down! But if I have to economise on heating and lighting I’m going to make sure he economises on transport. He really does not need to take the car round to the golf club only quarter of a mile away! He walks 12 times that distance whilst he’s playing golf! The kids will be more of a problem. I can just hear the uproar when I say we are going to sell the little car! We will all be fitter won’t we? Or maybe I should just start with the light bulbs! Well I’m going to rise to the challenge!! (I think I can start next week!!) I’m going to talk to Elly on Radio York first – she’s doing it too. I wonder if she can foresee as many problems as me? Will let you know how I get on! Louise | 
