8,000 sign up to save the planet

Jul 30 2007 By Catherine Hendrick, Birmingham Mail

BRUMMIES have every reason to boast they're not full of hot air after 8,000 people pledged to help the city reduce its carbon footprint.

That's the equivalent of 1,111 hot air balloons filled with CO2.

They have all signed up to a campaign called Birmingham Cutting CO2, which launched two weeks ago. It asks people to help the city reduce its carbon footprint by agreeing to up to ten online pledges.

Each involves a small lifestyle change, such as switching to energy-saving light bulbs.

Supporters have also made their pledges in person at a Birmingham Cutting CO2 stand in the Bullring, where thousands of free energy-saving kits have been given away.

As well as the Birmingham Mail, other high-profile names to throw their weight behind the campaign include broadcaster Adrian Goldberg, Blues boss Karren Brady and Heart FM DJ Ed James.

An online 'carbon calculator' works out how much CO2, the gas leading scientists believe is responsible for global warming, has been saved by everyone's pledges. So far it totals 2,000 tonnes.

Keith Budden is head of sustainability at the Birmingham Strategic Partnership, which set up the campaign. He said: "The pledge programme has got off to a fantastic start and will help Birmingham take its place as a world leader in cutting CO2.

"Birmingham's residents have shown that not only do they care about the planet but they are prepared to take action too."

Visit www.birminghamcuttingco2.org for more details.