Press Release
28th December 2006
A petition, asking the UK Government to support a ban on inefficient domestic electrical products by 2008, is today being handed over to number 10 Downing Street after a successful campaign by a UK environment organisation.
Created by Carbon-info.org, the on-line petition, which attracted over 300 signatures in just under three months, landed on the Government’s doorstep just as record sales of electrical goods was reported in the run up to Christmas.
A sharp increase in flat screen television sales combined with a range of other ‘must have’ electrical items is expected to increase energy wastage in 2007 as many electrical products are likely to be left in stand-by mode.
Established in October 2006, the petition urges the Government to support a tough approach to domestic energy wastage by:
- Banning all inefficient electrical products incl. conventional light bulbs and products with stand-by mode by 2008.
- Expanding use of 'energy saving recommended' labelling to include all consumer electronics incl. MP3 players, laptops and mobile phones.
- Expanding use of European Energy Symbol
- Providing more information on energy efficient electrical products.
A Labour spokeswoman commented that the petition was welcome and that the Government already was working hard to promote the usage of the European Energy Symbol and reduce energy waste from equipment on stand-by.
A 2005 Government study found that electrical appliances on standby alone emits more than 1 million tons of carbon dioxide each year.
Carbon-info.org’s Chairman Flemming Bermann said: “The response has taken us by surprise. But clearly shows that people are ready for change and that they want the Government to take a strong lead.”
