Businesses lead drive to cut our carbon footprint

The unprecedented move, backed by Tony Blair, is aimed at cutting carbon emissions from households by 10 per cent over three years.

Organisers say they want to reach out to the silent majority of consumers who are concerned about the "severe and urgent threat" of climate change but are unsure how to do their bit.

Barclaycard, British Gas, B&Q, Marks & Spencer, 02, Royal Sun Alliance, Sky and Tesco have each come up with their own ideas to make it easier for consumers to cut their " carbon footprint".

They include slashing the cost of energy-efficient lightbulbs, new labelling to persuade consumers to wash clothes at lower temperatures and an automatic switch-off device for TV set-top boxes. Organisers of the initiative, called "We're In This Together", hope that it will help every household in Britain cut their CO2 emissions by one tonne a year - or 25 million tonnes in total. That is equivalent to the entire emissions of Scotland and Wales combined and more than enough to meet the Government's carbon reduction targets.

Other companies, including HSBC and National Express, are due to join the campaign, which also has the backing of the Church of England.

Dr Steve Howard, chief executive of the Climate Group which is co-ordinating the campaign, said: "These companies have developed solutions which allow consumers to do their bit.

"All our partners are committed to making dealing with climate change more accessible to their customers. The success of the campaign will rest on reaching as many people as possible, not just the usual audience for green initiatives."

He said the eight business had come up with "simple, affordable, effective" solutions.

Stuart Rose, chief executive of Marks & Spencer said: "We know our customers are concerned about climate change and want to minimise their impact on the environment. This is why we are encouraging our customers to wash their clothing at 30C.

"It's a small change, but it can make a big difference."

Turning the high street green

B&Q: Promoting loft insulation through price promotions. First one, until 7 June, has 50 per cent off.
Barclaycard: A new card called Barclaycard Breathe. Half profits will go to environmental projects around the world.
British Gas: Will offer free home energy audit to every household, suggesting ways to cut consumption by 10 per cent.
M&S: Will relabel washing instructions on about 70 per cent of its clothes to include the words "Think Climate - Wash at 30 degrees C".
02: Will encourage customers to hold on to their handsets for longer by offering £100 credit to users who keep their phone at the end of their contract.
Royal & Sun Alliance: Insurance giant is offering free "smart box" for customers taking car insurance through More Th>n subsidiary. The box will monitor driving and give advice on efficiency.
Sky: New feature in set top boxes will automatically send them into "deep standby" at night.
Tesco: Halving the cost of energy efficient light bulbs and has set a target of selling 10 million over the next year.