Carl is thinking of the future

Jul 26 2007 By Catherine Hendrick, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM historian Carl Chinn is calling on people to support local businesses to help fight global warming.

He is the latest hi-profile figure to throw his weight behind the Birmingham Cutting CO2 campaign which calls on everyone to make small changes to their lifestyles to reduce the city's carbon footprint.

Professor Chinn, who lives in Kings Heath, said he and his wife Kate try to do their bit by recycling and buying local produce.

He explained: "Not only is buying local better for the environment, because it cuts down on things like the amount of miles food has travelled, but it supports local businesses too.

"I always try and spend my money locally. I buy organic food from places like the Kitchen Garden Cafe in Kings Heath, a lot of my veg from Carl Spiegel at the Bullring Markets and my meat from butchers who use regional farmers."

The Birmingham University academic admits, like most people, he's not perfect.

"There's still more I can do. I need to improve my home's insulation before winter and I've got to stop leaving appliances on standby.

"I also want to look at getting my energy from renewable sources too. But that's something a bit more long-term."

To support the Birmingham Cutting CO2 campaign go online at www.birminghamcuttingco2.org. and pledge to make a small change to your lifestyle.

Or visit the Climate Change exhibition at the Bullring in front of Selfridges on the lower level before July 29 where you can pick up a free energy-saving kit by making a pledge.