Resources
Did you know?
- Effects of global warming such as sea level rise and more extreme weather conditions will occur within the lifetime of our children.
- Increased flood risk will cause loss of water side facilities, damage to existing facilities and raise insurance prices.
- The 2012 Olympic Games will be the first with ‘zero-waste’ and low carbon policies.
- Reducing energy consumption, reusing and recycling waste waste will very often produce cost savings.
Advice
- Be prepared for climate change and safeguard local boating facilities by getting involved in shoreline and coastal management planning. See the RYA guidance note for more information.
- There are a mass of alternatives available to those who look - electric or biodiesel engines, water lubricated stern glands, even alternative fuels like vegetable oils
- When buying a new craft, or new products for your craft, purchase with resource efficiency, emission and ability to be recycle in mind. You can even request the environmental policies of boating businesses or manufacturers prior to making purchasing decisions.
- Consider VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions – particularly from hull materials and paints.
- Make certain wood is sources from responsibly managed forests e.g. accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle – what is waste to you may be useful to someone else – boat jumbles are good ways to pass on second hand goods.
- Keep your hull clean, engine running efficiently and learn to trim the engine to minimise fuel consumption.
Useful information
If you are organizing an event, follow the ‘Greener Events’ advice at: http://www.oursouthwest.com/SusBus/greener-events.pdf
For more information on climate change see www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange
Forest Stewardship Council accredits responsible forest management: www.fsc.org
The Carbon Trust makes business sense of climate change www.thecarbontrust.co.uk
Join the celebrities and become carbon neutral www.futureforests.com
Find out where you can fill up on biodiesel: www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk
Promote the Environmental Code of Practice at your club or business www.ecop.org.uk
Month by month tips throughout 2007 for using resources more efficiently - select a month below for more information
January ‘Take some time to search for grants and funding available to install alternative energy sources –there are more around than you may think!’
February 'Consider installing LED light bulbs on board. These are energy efficient, produce very little heat and last up to 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs'
March 'Waxing your hull keeps you fuel efficient and reduces the need for cleaning products over the season'
