Easter eggs are not cracking good news for the environment
Latest research on the chocolate industry will make many choke on their Easter eggs this holiday weekend.
A study by scientists at Manchester University has discovered that the ingredients and processes of the industry generates almost the same amount of greenhouse gases in 12 months as the total emitted by Malta in a year.
“The figures are quite shocking and will surprise many chocoholics as they tuck into their presents,” said green energy expert Ron Fox.
The results published in the Food Research International journal show that the confectionery businesses produce 2.1 million tons of greenhouse gases with their packaging, processes and growing of ingredients per annum compared to the Mediterranean island’s almost 2.3 million tons.
“It raises the question of what we eat so as to minimise our carbon footprint,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd in Keele, Staffordshire.
Already one of the big players, Mars, which makes Maltesers and M&Ms, said they were aiming to use 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025 or earlier, as “sharing bags” were found to be one of the main problems.
“Until the whole confectionery industry cuts back on its carbon-making production processes,” said Ron, “there are other ways of protecting the environment for chocolate lovers.
“Householders could obviously buy only Easter eggs with minimum packaging, but more importantly they could reduce their carbon footprint in a much bigger way by switching from harmful and old fashioned fossil fuels to environmentally friendly green energy.”
He said one way is by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which capture energy from the sun and then convert it into energy for the home.
The advantages are that being self-sufficient gives householders the freedom from the prospect of continuing rising energy prices in the future.
Even better people will save up to thousands on their energy bills plus there’s a double bonus.
First is through the Government-backed Feed-in-Tariff which is tax free over 20 years thanks to State guaranteed payments.
Second is that that any unused electricity can be sold back to the Grid.
“Also with the cost of solar panels coming down recently and easy installation and low maintenance residents can easily become energy self-sufficient,” Ron added.
Householders could also insulate and draught-proof their home. Around seven million properties in the UK with solid walls have little or no insulation.
Yet spray foaming the loft, inside walls and the outside walls can also cut bills by up to 45 per cent and reduce the energy needed for heating.
As well as creating a warm and cosy draught-proof home it also adds a protective barrier against the cold, noise and air pollutants.
“Although there is an initial outlay it is a good long-term investment as it not only reduces bills, it also cuts the energy needed for heating so you don’t need to keep the thermostat on high throughout the winter months,” he said.
For more advice on solar panels, insulation and other green energy matters contact Ron on 01782 756995 or go to www.noreus.co.uk