Foster Joins the Big Turn Off

3.42.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 25th Oct 2004

Bath's MP, Don Foster, has signed up for this week's Big Turn Off, which marks the eighth annual Energy Efficiency Week, organised by the Energy Saving Trust.

Don has added his name to a Parliamentary motion calling on fellow MPs to join him in switching off any electrical appliances not in use during the period from 2-3pm on Friday 29th October.

The motion is in support of a nationwide campaign by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), which advises the public on ways to save money by using energy more efficiently. The aim is to persuade people simultaneously to turn off any electrical appliances that are not in use, and to encourage individuals to think about the consequences of their everyday use of energy.

The energy we waste in our homes produces carbon dioxide emissions, one of the main contributors to climate change. EST has devised the Big Turn Off as a way of highlighting both the economic and environmental reasons for not wasting electricity.

Commenting, Don said,

"People simply don't realise how much energy it takes to leave their TV or PC on standby. The truth is that such appliances will use almost as much energy in this state as when they are in full use. Many people are throwing money away, and damaging the environment in the process - it's just common sense to turn off."

Don has instructed his office to join the Big Turn Off this Friday and is inviting people in Bath to follow his example.

Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, added, "I really hope that as many people as possible in Bath take part in the Big Turn Off. If we can get used to thinking about the way we use, and often waste, energy, we can start making real progress towards tackling climate change - and save on fuel bills at the same time."

ENDS

For further information on Energy Efficiency Week or the Energy Saving Trust, please call the Energy Efficiency hotline on 0845 727 7200.