PEOPLE in West Devon are being urged to do their bit to help tackle global warming by joining local charity Westden's climate change challenge competition. Competition entrants have to answer three questions about the main causes of climate change and then make a pledge to help reduce their own carbon emissions and help tackle climate change. So far more than 400 people from throughout the District have joined the challenge and made their pledge to take action to reduce energy use and help cut the emissions of greenhouse gases which most scientists agree cause climate change. Pledges received so far range from turning off lights when not in use and using energy saving bulbs to using wood for heating and installing solar water heating. Westden director Anna Kennedy said: 'We have already had a great response to the competition and we believe this shows many people in West Devon are keen to do their bit to help tackle climate change by cutting their energy use and their carbon emissions. 'We hope as many people as possible will take up Westden's climate change challenge before the end of May and help put West Devon on the map as a carbon-friendly district.' Competition entry forms can be picked up from the Times or downloaded from the charity's website http://www.westden.co.uk">www.westden.co.uk. Prizes include a two-day autumn break in eco-friendly Grascott Cottage near Shebbear, a solar/wind up radio and a solar construction kit for children worth £100, a half day sailing trip for four in a traditional sailing boat with TamarSail, a luxury hamper of local food, and family tickets to Paignton Zoo and to Living Coasts. The competition closes on May 31 — the draw will take place on June 1. Westden has been awarded £28,850 by the Defra Climate Challenge Fund to help increase awareness among people living in West Devon of the causes and likely impacts of climate change. As part of this work the charity is running a series of talks on climate change as well as writing articles, creating radio adverts, producing no standby stickers and providing information about climate change for schools. Westden also has several 'animateurs' who will be helping people cut their carbon emissions and can be contacted on 0845 345 5077.
