EDF ENERGY birmingham
half marathon
HOME ENERGY ADVICE
For many of those taking part in the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon it is also about making a commitment against climate change. Just like your run training plan, you may find a training plan for energy efficiency helpful as well, to make sure you are fit for the climate challenge, whilst reducing your energy bills at the same time. Training plans are available here and they are for energy savers of all levels – beginners, intermediate and advanced.
Top tips for all energy savers
Here are some general tips which you might find useful too. These tips have been provided by Toby Radcliffe from Athletes for a Fit Planet, a sustainability expert concerned with greening athletic events and promoting a healthy planet. Toby is also a professional long distance triathlete for Timex Multisport Team.
Toby’s top tips are as follows:
Save money
Home energy efficiency can be achieved through small, simple changes in behaviour as well as through more extravagant investment in new technology. Be realistic about your ambitions; if you are cash-strapped, then aim for the low cost or free solutions which save you money immediately. However, if you are enthusiastic about reducing your carbon footprint and have some money to invest in your home, there are other solutions which can reap rewards longer term and reduce your energy consumption by a larger amount.
Keeping Track
Check your most recent energy bills from the last year (realising that your winter bills may be higher due to increased heating). Use these as a baseline for your future reductions, so that you can track your reduction in energy use in absolute terms (kwh) and in terms of cost.
Feel good about yourself
Remember that what you are doing is not just about reducing your energy bills. You are also helping contribute to the wellbeing of the environment, and the next generation’s environment. Everyone has their part to play, and long-lasting change starts now with small behavioural and lifestyle choices.
Live Well
Making additional demands on your body through training for the EDF Energy Birmingham Half Marathon means that you need to make sure you are eating and sleeping well to get the best out of your training and on race day:
1) Drink more water – but use a refillable bottle rather than buying bottled water from the shops. Not only will you save money by drinking tap water or water from a home filter, but you’ll also be using far fewer resources and don’t have to worry about recycling the bottle on the go.
2) Eat right – One way is to buy organic and local produce. Organic produce uses no artificial pesticides and fertilizers, and tries to minimise harm to the environment. Local, fresh produce means fewer ‘food miles’ and so less carbon through transportation of the food you eat.
3) Wake up at a similar time everyday and try to keep a regular bedtime; if you do this in a similar rhythm to sunrise and sunset then you will save energy on lighting in the evenings too. Your body will also appreciate the regular rhythm and you’ll feel more energised.
