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Britain tops energy waste league Britain tops energy waste league
(about 2 hours later)
British people are Europe's worst energy wasters, with bad habits such as leaving appliances on stand-by likely to waste £11bn by 2010, a study claims.British people are Europe's worst energy wasters, with bad habits such as leaving appliances on stand-by likely to waste £11bn by 2010, a study claims.
If current levels of wastage continue, an extra 43m tonnes of carbon dioxide will be pumped into the atmosphere in that time, it added.If current levels of wastage continue, an extra 43m tonnes of carbon dioxide will be pumped into the atmosphere in that time, it added.
Leaving mobile phone chargers plugged in and lights on were among the most common energy-wasting habits.Leaving mobile phone chargers plugged in and lights on were among the most common energy-wasting habits.
The Energy Saving Trust surveyed 5,000 people in five countries for the study.The Energy Saving Trust surveyed 5,000 people in five countries for the study.
Figures in the Habits of a Lifetime report, commissioned to mark the start of Energy Saving Week, said 71% of UK consumers admit to leaving stand-by buttons on once a week.Figures in the Habits of a Lifetime report, commissioned to mark the start of Energy Saving Week, said 71% of UK consumers admit to leaving stand-by buttons on once a week.
Meanwhile, 65% of UK consumers leave chargers on once a week and 63% forget to switch the lights off when leaving the room.Meanwhile, 65% of UK consumers leave chargers on once a week and 63% forget to switch the lights off when leaving the room.
ENERGY WASTERS LEAGUE 1. UK2. Italy3. France4. Spain5. Germany Source: Energy Saving Trust Send us your comments How you can save energyENERGY WASTERS LEAGUE 1. UK2. Italy3. France4. Spain5. Germany Source: Energy Saving Trust Send us your comments How you can save energy
The comparison with German consumers, who top the energy efficiency league, reveals major differences.The comparison with German consumers, who top the energy efficiency league, reveals major differences.
Britons leave chargers on three times as much as Germans, they leave stand-by buttons on twice as much and forget to switch off lights four times as much.Britons leave chargers on three times as much as Germans, they leave stand-by buttons on twice as much and forget to switch off lights four times as much.
Almost half (48%) of Britons admit to using the car for short journeys rather than public transport, walking or cycling.Almost half (48%) of Britons admit to using the car for short journeys rather than public transport, walking or cycling.
The Spanish were said to be the next most efficient users of energy after Germany, followed by France and Italy.The Spanish were said to be the next most efficient users of energy after Germany, followed by France and Italy.
Gender gapGender gap
Philip Sellwood, EST chief executive, said: "As a result of this research, we are calling on the nation to undertake a series of daily habit-changing actions during energy saving week.Philip Sellwood, EST chief executive, said: "As a result of this research, we are calling on the nation to undertake a series of daily habit-changing actions during energy saving week.
As a result of this research, we are calling on the nation to undertake a series of daily habit-changing actions during Energy Saving Week Philip Sellwood, EST chief executive TV 'sleep' button accused Send us your commentsAs a result of this research, we are calling on the nation to undertake a series of daily habit-changing actions during Energy Saving Week Philip Sellwood, EST chief executive TV 'sleep' button accused Send us your comments
"It is clear from the study we can't band everyone as 'a consumer'. The aim will be to galvanise the nation into breaking their energy habits one by one.""It is clear from the study we can't band everyone as 'a consumer'. The aim will be to galvanise the nation into breaking their energy habits one by one."
Within the UK, a number of interesting statistics emerged concerning age and gender.Within the UK, a number of interesting statistics emerged concerning age and gender.
Both men and women admitted around 32 energy wasting actions per week although 20% of males felt no guilt compared with 9% of the opposite sex.Both men and women admitted around 32 energy wasting actions per week although 20% of males felt no guilt compared with 9% of the opposite sex.
Mild guiltMild guilt
The survey found 27% of those aged 65 and over felt no guilt about the energy they use and its impact on the local environment.The survey found 27% of those aged 65 and over felt no guilt about the energy they use and its impact on the local environment.
WASTEFUL HABITS Leaving devices on standbyLeaving chargers plugged inForgetting to turn off lightsWASTEFUL HABITS Leaving devices on standbyLeaving chargers plugged inForgetting to turn off lights
According to interviews with their parents, 72% of children aged 16 and under regularly leave the lights on and almost two-thirds always leave computers, TVs and stereos on standby.According to interviews with their parents, 72% of children aged 16 and under regularly leave the lights on and almost two-thirds always leave computers, TVs and stereos on standby.
However, about a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds do feel moderately guilty about the impact their energy use has on the environment.However, about a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds do feel moderately guilty about the impact their energy use has on the environment.
More than half of those surveyed (57%) said they would support the government introducing "environmental health" warnings on products which are not energy efficient while 49% believe more advice on energy efficiency should be available.More than half of those surveyed (57%) said they would support the government introducing "environmental health" warnings on products which are not energy efficient while 49% believe more advice on energy efficiency should be available.
'Rising emissions'
Friends of the Earth, meanwhile, has called on more action from the government on climate change.
"We're not going to save the world by turning our TVs off standby," said the lobby group's parliamentary campaigner Martyn Williams.
According to FoE analysis of official data, UK carbon dioxide emissions rose in the first half of the year and are higher than when Labour came to power in 1997.
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the UK has one of the best records of any country in tackling emissions.
"We are on target to cut CO2 emissions by 16% by 2010, but accept we need to do more to meet our 20% domestic target by 2010," a spokesman said.
"That is why we introduced new policies and measures. These will take time to kick in but by 2010 they will be delivering reductions."