Credit crunch blues? Try going green!
Posted on 11 March 2009
Researchers from the University of York will be in the city centre inviting people to do the "Big Green Quiz" to find out how environmentally-friendly they are, as well as discovering easy, money-saving ways to live a greener life.
The Big Green Quiz is all about giving people the information they need to start making a difference.
Sarah Hards
York MP Hugh Bayley is expected to visit the event, to receive suggestions from constituents about what the Government can do to help.
It is easy to join in – people first take a simple quiz, to find out which of four groups they fall into, from "Green Beginners" through to "Super-greens". They can then take away a set of tips specially designed for their group, as well as a free eco-friendly cloth bag or organic treat. People will also have the chance to write messages to the Government, which will be passed on to local MPs.
Sarah Hards, the postgraduate student in the University’s Department of Social Policy and Social Work, who is organising the event, explained: "We’d all like to live a greener life, and save a bit of money at the same time, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. The Big Green Quiz is all about giving people the information they need to start making a difference."
Sam Royston, who helped design the quiz, added: "Reducing our impact on the environment doesn’t have to be inconvenient and expensive – in fact, it could save us money. For instance, swapping your light bulbs for energy saving ones could save you around £45 every year. Even better, insulating your loft could save you £205 a year. The Big Green Quiz is a fun way of finding out more about cheaper, greener living."
The event is part of the Festival of Social Science, a week-long programme of events organised by the Economic and Social Research Council to celebrate social science research, and to show everyone what the UK’s social scientists are doing and how their work makes a difference to people’ lives.
Sarah Hards, who is currently researching ways that individuals can help tackle climate change, explained the theory behind the event: "The latest social science research tells us that it’s easier to help people change their behaviour if you recognise that everyone’s different, and look at where each person is starting from. That’s why we’re inviting people to take the quiz, and then giving them a set of tips that’s tailored to their needs. So it doesn’t matter whether you’re already a committed eco-warrior, or whether you don’t know your solar cells from your seasonal celery – we’ve got ideas for everyone!"
The event will be held on Parliament Street from 11am to 4pm and is free and open to all.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- The event will take place on Saturday 14 March 2009, from 11am to 4pm, and will be held on Parliament Street in York city centre (outside Marks and Spencer).
- Full sets of tips for each of the four groups, and copies of the quiz, are available for publication - contact Sarah Hards, as above.
- Photographers and reporters are welcome throughout the day. The time of Hugh Bayley MP’s visit is provisionally 3.30pm – for confirmation, contact his office as above.
- Photographs will also be available after the event – contact Sarah Hards, as above.
- The Festival of Social Science is run by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to celebrate some of the country’s leading social science research, giving an exciting opportunity to show everyone what the UK’s social scientists are doing and demonstrating how their work makes a difference to all our lives. The Festival of Social Science runs from 6th to 15th March 2009. A programme of events can be found at: www.esrcfestival.ac.uk.
- The event is being organised, with funding from the ESRC, by postgraduate students in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of York.
- More information on The Energy Saving Trust: at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
Who to contact
- Sarah Hards (event organiser) 07969 906684 or skh500@york.ac.uk