Well, I'm at the end of the EDF Energy EcoManager challenge, and I certainly feel that I'm now thinking a lot more about how I can reduce my energy consumption from day-to-day. My TVs get switched off at the plug, I don't use the washing machine until I have a full load and I've switched off one of our freezers we're not using. And I've still got the little EcoManager blinking at me so I won't fall back into my old habits.
The main things I've learned from this challenge is how much energy can be wasted by leaving things on standby. And it really is as easy as the flick of a switch. The EcoManager has helped me to feel more in control of my energy use and it saves the trouble of turning off appliances individually at the plug.
It also seems to have had an impact on my friends and family – my sister Michelle has made a real effort. I was round my mate's house yesterday and when his girlfriend went to make a cup of tea he said: "Make sure you only put the water we need in the kettle." I thought: "Oh god, I've started a chain reaction, haven't I? Everyone's going crazy about turning things off."
It's also made me think more about sustainability. I haven't started going into charity shops and buying second-hand clothes yet but I do donate my old tennis kit and my old tennis rackets. We have a clearout every six to eight months and normally take a good few sackfuls down to the charity shop.
If I make it into the British Paralympic team for 2012, I'll be part of the special effort they're making, with the support of EDF Energy, to promote green practices. There will be a holding camp at Bath University just before the Olympics start. It's a completely new build, which has been designed to be eco-friendly. When I was there for a Paralympic day I saw that everything you need is within pushing distance, so you don't need your car to get around. And there are lots of recycling bins all around for your drinks and your plastic bottles. So at least this challenge has given me a headstart and set me off on a green path.
About the author
Marc is a full-time wheelchair tennis player and Paralympic hopeful. He lives in west London with his sister in a four-bedroomed house. His most guilty energy habits are washing his tennis kit every day and leaving his TV, PlayStation and DVD on standby. EDF Energy is working with athletes such as Marc to turn ParalympicsGB into a truly "green team" ahead of 2012.
