Sustainability Solutions:
  • We want to persuade fellow Rotarians to reduce the carbon emissions their life-style creates. Ideas are listed below.

  • But we also recognise that funds can be raised for Rotary Club projects if you are willing to offset your unavoidable CO2 emissions.

  • Take control of your own carbon footprint. Use the facilities on this website to donate to offset your own unavoidable emissions and reduce your carbon footprint in the process.
Most of the energy we use is derived from fossil fuel, which has been stored in the Earth for many millions of years. Burning it releases gases, which are causing our planet to heat up. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is the largest single cause of global warming, leading to climate change, so we all need to think how we can make small incremental changes in the way we live to lower our carbon footprint.

These will reduce our demand for carbon-derived energy such as:
  • Coal (which provides most of our electricity, but is the biggest cause of global warming),

  • Oil (which powers our cars, trucks and aeroplanes)

  • Natural gas – which is cleaner than coal or oil, but still produces climate-changing gases.
Individuals can adopt best practice in their own lives.
  • They can minimise travel and offset it when it is unavoidable – for example, offset their car and plane journeys through this website. These donations will fund Rotary projects across the world that reduce or absorb CO2 emissions

  • They can ensure their homes are efficient in the use of energy. Examples include the provision of adequate insulation to keep heat in/or out, cfl light bulbs, reducing standby consumption, switching off computers and games when not in use and reducing central heating by a degree or two.

  • Such actions have the benefit of saving the householder money.

  • Individuals can also encourage best practice amongst their friends and at work. Many work places now encourage green initiatives.

  • Minimise our energy use by learning how to measure and control our home energy, driving and flying costs. Save money at the same time!

  • Ensure your home makes minimal demands upon the energy supplies to it. Two years ago the UK estimated that £680m was spent on unnecessary “standby power” (TVs and related electrical appliances). Was your house one of those wasting energy … and paying for it?

  • Ask about your employer’s approach to the environment? Could you or Rotary District Environment representatives give advice as to how members could reduce energy consumption? Does your Club have a panel of energy experts it can call upon for advice and ideas?

  • Become active in your club. Can you work in Environment at District level? Is there an energy reduction. or carbon offset project, that your club could adopt?

  • Is the climate change message clear within Rotary at the national and international level? Can you influence the agenda?