Horizons

Energy Awareness WeekEncouraging everyone to switch off appliances rather than leave them on standby and to buy the most energy efficient domestic appliances when shopping for new white goods are two of the key messages of this year's Energy Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow.

Research has found that standby power consumption amounts to approximately 5 per cent of all residential electricity consumption. The main "standby offenders" are televisions, video recorders, video games, Hi-Fis, PCs and microwave ovens.

Energy labelling (rated A-G with A being the most efficient) allows consumers to choose washers, driers, fridges, dishwashers and electric ovens which will save them money on their energy bills and also be less harmful to the environment. The annual promotion of energy efficiency and sustainable energy also aims to raise awareness of the introduction of a carbon tax in Ireland next year. See www.sei.ie for other consumer energy saving tips.

Renewable Energy information evenings will take place in Drogheda, Co Louth , Galway city, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, Tralee, Co Kerry and Cork city. The Energy Hotline for Energy Awareness Week is tel: 1850 376 666.

Car free and care free

European Car Free Day takes place in cities and town throughout Europe on Monday. The efforts to highlight alternative transport options to the car - such as walking, cycling and using public transport - have received mixed support in Irish cities and towns since European Car Free Day began in 1998. Environmentalists have also criticised the Irish Government for the minimal recognition European Car Free Day has received in this country.

Nonetheless, at least 18 Irish towns and cities have signed up to take part this year.

These include Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Monaghan, Sligo, Waterford, Wicklow, Athlone, Co Westmeath, Greystones, Co Wicklow, Killarney Tralee and Listowel, Co Kerry and Westport, Co Mayo.

Contact your local authority for details of alternative transport options in your area on Monday or e-mail: info@sei.ie.

Heritage up north

European Heritage Days will be celebrated in Northern Ireland this weekend with more than 180 buildings open to visitors free of charge. Brochures available from libraries and tourist offices. Tel: 048 9054 3022.

Talking environment

Finally, some advance news on a variety of conferences. The National Organic Conference goes ahead on Thursday, October 9th in the Shannon Oaks Hotel, Portumna, Co Galway. Bookings on tel: 01-6142289.

Managing historic woodlands is the theme of the Tree Heritage of Ireland conference at Lough Crew, Co Meath from October 3rd-5th. Booking information from the Northern Ireland Heritage Gardens Committee, tel: 048-90668817.

An Taisce's annual general meeting and conference takes place in Kilkenny Castle next weekend. Tel: 056-7764666.