Food Waste

In Ireland, we generate 220,000 tonnes of food waste in our households alone! This is not only a waste of money, but it contributes to approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Stopfoodwaste.ie has plenty of free resources available if you want to learn more on how to reduce your food waste.

Electricity

Reducing your electricity usage not only lowers your energy bills, but is also a positive climate action!

Check out this guide to home energy savings: https://www.codema.ie/images/uploads/docs/TE_100_Ways_to_Save_Energy_at_Home.pdf

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Home Energy Saving Kits

Home Energy Savings Kits are free to borrow from Mullingar Library and Athlone Library. The kit includes:

• a fridge/freezer thermometer
• a temperature& humidity meter
• a radiator key
• a thermal leak detector
• a plug-in energy monitor
• a worksheet to help use these tools.

Instructional videos are available to view at this link: https://www.codema.ie/think-energy-home-hub/the-home-energy-saving-kit/videos-and-tutorials/

The kit can be borrowed for a period of 3 weeks and will help you take the first step in becoming more energy efficient by identifying problem areas in your home and helping you make sense of the energy you consume daily.

This initiative is brought to you by Westmeath County Council Climate Action Group, Westmeath Libraries and Codema. For more information contact:

• Mullingar Library on 044 9332161
• Athlone Library on 090 6442157

Water Usage

Even though water covers 75% of the Earth's surface, fresh water is very scarce. Less than 1% of the total water available on Earth is suitable for human use! We all have a part to play in water conservation. This is important for the environment which includes the quality of our rivers and lakes!

Take a look at tips for saving water at this link: https://www.water.ie/conservation/home

Calculate how much water you use by clicking here.