Mr Campbell singled out changing the light bulbs that people use as an example of the sort of personal choice consumers should be making. But then he admitted up that every light fitting at his home in Scotland uses the standard filament bulb designed over a century ago, that emits 20 times as much heat as light.
He promised that in future he will substitute energy-saving bulbs. His admission came six weeks after the International Energy Agency drew the world's attention to the polluting effects of standard light bulbs, in a report highlighted in The Independent. Last month, the Government tried to push the issue on to the agenda of the G8 world summit in Russia.
Tony Blair has set an example by installing low-energy bulbs in No 10 Downing Street. Sir Menzies told BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat programme: "We've all got responsibility, for example, to use public transport instead of using our motor cars, to use cars which are much more energy efficient which have less impact upon the environment even to use those light bulbs which are more energy efficient. Each of us by changing our own individual behaviour can make a contribution."
On being asked how many energy-saving light bulbs he used at home, Mr Campbell confessed: "I don't have any ... but I will be making sure when we replace them we replace them with energy-saving bulbs. But I tell you what I do, I make sure there's no unnecessary lights on in my house."
Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat leader, dropped another gaffe yesterday when he warned that everyone had a personal responsibility to contribute to the fight against global warming, and then had to own up that he has not been practising what he preached. Mr Campbell singled out changing the light bulbs that people use as an example of the sort of personal choice consumers should be making. But then he admitted up that every light fitting at his home in Scotland uses the standard filament bulb designed over a century ago, that emits 20 times as much heat as light. He promised that in future he will substitute energy-saving bulbs. His admission came six weeks after the International Energy Agency drew the world's attention to the polluting effects of standard light bulbs, in a report highlighted in The Independent.
Last month, the Government tried to push the issue on to the agenda of the G8 world summit in Russia. Tony Blair has set an example by installing low-energy bulbs in No 10 Downing Street. Sir Menzies told BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat programme: "We've all got responsibility, for example, to use public transport instead of using our motor cars, to use cars which are much more energy efficient which have less impact upon the environment even to use those light bulbs which are more energy efficient. Each of us by changing our own individual behaviour can make a contribution."
On being asked how many energy-saving light bulbs he used at home, Mr Campbell confessed: "I don't have any ... but I will be making sure when we replace them we replace them with energy-saving bulbs. But I tell you what I do, I make sure there's no unnecessary lights on in my house."
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 10th August 2006
Latest Posts
-
IEMA focus on skills, adaptation and nature-based solutions in CCC report
- 18th July 2024 -
Labour's plan for economic growth must mean green growth – but there is a green skills gap looming
- 5th July 2024 -
As Labour plans to “slash red tape” for economic growth, YouGov poll finds 3 in 5 people want to increase public involvement in planning system
- 28th June 2024 -
Medtronic agrees partnership with IEMA to accelerate skills and standards in sustainability
- 21st June 2024 -
Landmark climate impact ruling for fossil fuel projects, cites IEMA guidance
- 20th June 2024 -
IEMA sets out 18 policy asks for the next Government
- 3rd June 2024