THE Conservative parliamentary candidate for Central Devon announced the launch of a major green initiative that he will be rolling out across the new constituency of Central Devon this week.

Mel Stride is hoping to encourage residents to make minor adjustments to the way they lead their lives but ones that can make a big contribution to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Called the One Tonne Green Challenge', the goal is to encourage as many people as possible to save one tonne of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide every year.

Mr Stride said: "Greenhouse gases are leading to global warming and pose a significant threat to our planet. The key to this campaign is that it is realistic and practical.

"We are not saying that we should be ditching our cars and never going on holiday, because that is simply unrealistic especially in a rural community. However there are adjustments that we can all make which will collectively add up to represent a major contribution to fighting climate change.

"For example turning our heating down just one degree can on its own save around a tonne of carbon a year. Other measures include, taking holidays nearer to home, shopping locally, taking a shower instead of a bath and fitting low energy light bulbs.

"None of these items are difficult to put into effect but collectively they add up to a big difference. If every one in Central Devon met our One Tonne Green Challenge this would result in the saving of enough Carbon dioxide to fill over half a million double decker buses."

Mel chose his home town of Ashburton to launch the initiative and was joined by Town Mayor Michael Posner at a local electrical store.

The campaign will include the distribution of around 40,000 One Tonne Green Challenge' information leaflets to homes in Central Devon along with a telephone information line, a website based information resource and information packs for local schools.