Resources

** Monthly resource use cartoons and energy saving tips!**

 

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

Some great ideas for water saving, loads of kids activities at www.thameswater.co.uk

 

Month by month tips 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'

 

 

» April ‘By making the change to bio diesel you could reduce your emissions by up to 50%. Most engines are easily converted but check your guarantee first.’

 

» May ‘Wind generators can provide an effective alternative for charging boat batteries. Modern turbines are quiet, efficient and can considerably reduce the hours you spend with your engine running.’

 

» June ‘Another way to charge your battery while cruising is by a towed water generator. These devices are easy to use and are powered through a rotor towed on the end of a 33 metre line. An example showed that 3 Amps/hour was produced at 4 knots and 5 Amps/hour at 5 knots.’

 

» July "A running hose pipe uses 540 Litres of water an hour. Consider adding a stop cock to your hose and gathering everything you need to wash before you turn the tap on. Remember to turn off the tap when you have finished."

 

» August "Solar panels, when combined with a battery, can provide a reliable source of power... If you are worried about the cost/benefit of installing panels in the UK, there are specific panels produced for northern and temperate locations that are more suited to poor light conditions."

 

» September ‘Keep your engine tuned to minimize emissions and cut fuel bills’

» October ‘£80 of electricity = 1 tonne of CO2. Keep your windows and hatches clean and clear to make the most of natural light’

»November ‘Next time you change outboards, chose 4 stroke. 
They are up to 50% more fuel efficient than a traditional 2 stroke.’

 

»December Instead of wasting electricity leaving a dehumidifier plugged into keep the damp out of your boat, buy a natural dehumidifier that requires no power and can last for months.