Broadband shock | Liz

What things did you enjoy the most about your experience this week?

I enjoyed a couple of long walks with my family at the weekend. Low carbon, healthy and relaxing.

What were the main challenges you faced during the week?

I borrowed a car club car for a weekend trip – I used to catch the train for this journey but since the pandemic I drive to avoid picking up the virus on the train and infecting my relatives.

What were your main lessons learned of the week?

This week I added my consumption of gas, electricity, water and other services like phone and broadband. I was really surprised that my phone lines (mobile and fixed) and broadband service embodied more carbon than the household electricity and gas consumption together. I’d like to do something about this though I’m not yet sure what. I also learned how many more miles per gallon you get from a hybrid if you drive at 55 miles an hour – about 10 or 20 more than if you drive at 70.

What would have made it easier for you to achieve or surpass your target this week?

Using public transport, as I used to before the pandemic, to travel for a weekend visiting family. Or perhaps borrowing an electric car from the car club rather than a hybrid. When I checked at the last minute, the nearest one available was over 100 miles away. I also bought a ticket for an evening out listening to a band and that took my daily allowance over the target.