Switching off for Easter

Easter is a fantastic opportunity to begin some sustainable traditions, from switching off your electronics before you leave work on 28 March for your long weekend, to purchasing Fairtade chocolate eggs for your friends and family.

The Christmas shutdown in 2012 saw a 27 per cent saving on our energy consumption, compared with business as usual. This was a excellent result, attributed mainly to our staff and students switching off their lights, computers, printers and kitchen equipment before leaving for the weekend.

Departments should devise a simple switch-off plan for their workplace this Easter. The easiest idea is for everyone to switch off their own lights and equipment, with responsibility for common equipment such as kitchen equipment and meeting room lights divided among the group. More information can be found at the Environmental Sustainability campaign page.

Easter is also a great time to purchase chocolate sustainably.  Fairtrade Easter treats ensure that cocoa farmers have better standards of living, and provide a better future for their families and communities. The Fairtrade organisation has provided a comprehensive list of chocolate goodies that can be found at supermarkets. 

Most of all, remember to switch off yourself and have a great break.