Horizons

Energy saving tips: Did you know that by turning down your heating thermostat by one degree, you could save up to 10 per cent on your heating bill?

Other energy saving tips, such as generating hot water only when you require it (sounds obvious, doesn't it?), draught-proofing windows and doors, insulating attics and installing thermostatic radiator valves to control heat output, will be highlighted next week during Energy Awareness Week. This year, Sustainable Energy Ireland, which is promoting countrywide activities, is also encouraging employees to carry out energy awareness campaigns at work. An exhibition of energy saving runs in ENFO, Andrews St, Dublin from September 21st - October 29th. See www.sei.ie for more details.

Driving out the car: European Car Free Day, which falls next Wednesday, is principally a symbolic gesture towards sparing our cities and towns of fuel pollution and congestion for just one day. The aim is to spur people into considering longer-term alternatives - walking the children to school, cycling or taking public transport to work. After the initial effort, some of these options can work better than relying on a car, but many people aren't prepared to give it a try. If you live in or near one of the 19 towns and cities taking partin European Car Free Day this year, go along and enjoy the activities on streets and roads closed to traffic, take free public transport and be open to change. Participating towns include Balbriggan, Blanchardstown and Portrane in Dublin; Clonakilty, Co Cork; Portlaoise, Co Laois; Dungarvan, Co Waterford; Tralee, Co Kerry; Tullamore, Co Offaly and Westport, Co Mayo. Participating cities include Kilkenny, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Dublin. For leaflets and posters, email info@sei.ie

Join the Georgians: In their continuing bid to attract new, younger members (you've got to be under 40!), The Irish Georgian Society's founder, Desmond Guinness, is giving a tour of Castletown House, followed by refreshments at his home, Leixlip Castle, next Saturday. Contact Donough Cahill on dcahill@igs.ie to book a place. €25 members, €28.50 non-members and €15 full-time students.

Scenic feast with Feasta: Interested in finding out how a sustainable society would work while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the South west? If so, consider joining Feasta (which means in the future) members on their annual weekend in Dingle, Co Kerry next weekend. The main thrust of the weekend will be updates from work groups on education, land and housing, climate, food, health and democracy - all grounded in sustainable principles. Tel: 01 4912773 for booking details. See also www.feasta.org

Green days in North west: Finally, a reminder that the 10-day Green Festival in the North west started yesterday. The programme includes alternative architecture and energy, natural health therapies, heritage walks and talks and much more. See www.thegreenfestival.com for full programme.