Follow footprints for big saving

May 13 2008 by Karen McLauchlan, Evening Gazette

SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has launched a new carbon footprint labelling system to allow shoppers to compare goods’ green count in the same way they can compare prices and calorie content.

The information will initially appear on 20 Tesco products in four different categories: laundry detergent, orange juice, potatoes and light bulbs.

The products will carry a footprint logo alongside the carbon footprint figure, an endorsement from the Government-funded Carbon Trust and Tesco’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

The label tells customers the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases produced during the life of each product, including use and disposal.

A number of other Carbon Trust partners are expected to adopt the label shortly.

To help customers use the label, the launch of the trial is supported by online information on their Tesco’s Greener Living website - www.tesco.com/greenerliving.

And in larger stores, customers can pick up a booklet called “How can we shrink our carbon footprint?”

Meanwhile, Tesco at Newton Aycliffe has taken its own small step towards cutting its carbon footprint by installing a single wind turbine - although, according to Dr Matt Hogan, boss of Revolution Power a renewable energy supply firm, it’s no more than ‘green jewellery’.

“If you are in a rural area where you can put a turbine on a hill that’s fine, in an urban environment you can’t do wind. A single turbine is just green jewellery.”