SOLIHULL MP TAKES THE WWF FOOTPRINT CALCULATOR TEST

3.50.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Jun 2007

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt has taken up the WWF challenge to measure her own carbon footprint and is encouraging Solihull residents to do the same.

The footprint calculator, launched by WWF as part of its work to achieve One Planet Living in the UK, is easy to use and only takes five minutes to complete.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"The calculator provides an easy way for every one of us to work out how much carbon is produced to support our lifestyle, and then makes some simple suggestions tailored to helping reduce our environmental impact.

"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 and 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.

"The calculator is a great way of showing how individuals can contribute alongside government and business towards sustainability."

Take the test at http://footprint.wwf.org.uk/ before midnight on Friday 22nd and you can also enter a free competition for one year's green electricity from Ecotricity.