Action not Talk on Energy Saving by Local AM

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 26th Oct 2007

A green future requires a smarter use of energy

Instead of preaching local Liberal Democrat AM Michael German has committed to action by aiming to cut his energy use by 20%.

"I am aiming to save 20% of the energy I use everyday in order help reduce my eco footprint and play my part in the joint effort to ease climate change. With almost half of the UK's CO2 emissions emanating from day-to-day activities such as leaving appliances on standby to quick car trips to the shop around the corner we can make a real dent in the UK CO2 emissions by all making small changes to our daily lifestyle."

"I shall be:

• only putting in as much water as I need when boiling the kettle for hot drinks

• switching off appliances and not leaving them on standby

• washing my laundry at 30?C

• use my bicycle more often instead of the car

"I have already:

• turning my thermostat down by 1?C

• replaced all my light bulbs with Energy saving ones at home and in my office

"I have signed a statement of opinion supporting the energy saving trust with its campaign to encourage us all to take responsibility for our actions.

"The Liberal Democrats want to see 100% of our electricity coming from renewable sources by 2050 - creating new jobs, exporting technology and a secure source of energy. We say no to new nuclear power, an unsafe toxic treasure trove for the future. We also want all new buildings to be carbon-neutral by 2015, with public buildings having to generate more of their own energy and our homes being properly insulated meaning cheaper bills for everyone. We want to take united action across the board for Wales to make the 'green-switch'"