Small changes make huge difference

This month marks the first anniversary of the Hull floods.
It's a grim message but scientists say there could be more floods in the future because of global warming.
The good news however is that just by each of us making very small changes in our lifestyles we can collectively help prevent global warming.
One such change is by walking and cycling, or using public transport, instead of driving.
This helps prevent the build up of carbon gases in the air which form a layer around the atmosphere - and trap in too much heat – hence the name 'greenhouse gases.'
Another change we can all make is by reducing the amount of household waste we throw away.
That means re-using things like plastic bags, and buying re-usable products instead of disposable ones (for example razors and batteries).
We can also make sure too that the waste we throw out is recycled, where possible, using our black boxes, blue bins and home composters, or any of the household waste recycling centres across the city.
In this way we are cutting the amount of waste we put in landfill – which is another cause of global warming because the rotting waste also gives off carbon gases.
Even such tiny changes in our habits like not leaving our computers and televisions in standby mode, and only filling the kettle with the water we need, can help cut carbon emissions by saving energy.
These may seem like small things to individuals but if we all do it on a city-wide scale it makes a huge difference.
In the meantime, it's up to Hull City Council to make the big policy changes.
And, in fact, the council is leading the way in its efforts to tackle climate change not just among other large employers in the region but among other councils across the country.
You can read more about our efforts on pages 13-17.
Our goal is simple: It's about protecting this wonderful planet of ours for generations to come.

Cllr Dave Woods
Portfolio holder for the environment
Hull City Council