Harriett Baldwin, Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate for West Worcestershire went on a carbon diet in 2007 to "Lose a Tonne" of weight. "I always go on a diet in January to lose weight, and this year was no exception. In addition, in 2007 I also put myself on a carbon diet to lose a Tonne of Carbon."
The Conservatives Quality of Life Policy Group this year issued a carbon challenge to MPs, parliamentary candidates and councillors to see what challenges they face as they make changes in their lives to improve their personal "carbon footprint".
Harriett Baldwin said, "My personal carbon footprint is biggest in the area of travel, because as a parliamentary candidate I spend so much time driving around the West Worcestershire constituency, which stretches from Sedgeberrow to Tenbury Wells. This year I had to get a new car and I found that I could reduce my travel carbon emissions by 33% by choosing a new car with a smaller engine and a much lower emission level. Because there is such a lot of rural driving here in Worcestershire I drive a 4 x 4, which turned out to be essential during this year's floods and snow. There are now 4 x 4s on the market with average emissions, so I was able to find one that emits about 173g/100km, which is lower than some versions of the Vauxhall Corsa.
This allowed me to save several tonnes of CO2. However, the carbon footprint from our home, my travel and from going on our annual family holiday is still more than twice the national average, so even after these savings I estimated my new annual carbon footprint and I have tried to become a Zero Carbon Parliamentary Candidate in 2007 by using Tree Appeal UK to plant 23 new trees in Worcestershire.
Next year I will be putting myself on a carbon diet again to find ways to reduce my carbon footprint further. And yes, I am also going on a real diet again too."