PUT up a pledge and help save the world from global warming.

That's at the heart of an energy-saving drive that will be marked in York and across the globe on Sunday.

Residents will be encouraged to sign up for a pledge and show that a small change in lifestyle can make a difference to the environment.

The Environment Agency is behind the day of activities, which is also being supported by York councillors. A pledge could be anything from only putting enough water in the kettle to make the tea, or re-using plastic bags for shopping.

Coun Ruth Potter, Labour's new environment spokeswoman, said: "This campaign is all about each of us making a small change, and together making a big difference.

"It can be something as simple as only filling the kettle with the water you need, or more ambitious like volunteering with a local environment project.

"You can check up on how your pledge is doing, and find out how many other people are committing to make the same change."

Latest figures show that 245 people in York have made a pledge - putting the city in the country's top ten for pledge promises.

Coun Potter said: "When you consider the size of York that isn't bad - but I know we can do even better. I am asking every councillor in York to make a difference by making a pledge, and I hope people across York will be inspired to do their bit too."

Coun Andrew Waller, the council's recycling chief, said: "We want people to get round to it. Lots of people think about energy saving measures and doing it is critical if we are going to reduce energy consumption.

"This is a chance to check that the light bulbs are energy efficient and if there's enough insulation in the loft."

You can sign up to any of the following World Environment Day pledges, and find out how your pledge can help the environment at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/wed/

A charity is offering free cavity wall insulation to people aged over 60 and those receiving benefits to combat heat loss through un-insulated walls in York.

Age Concern estimates the average home in the York area needlessly loses around 33 per cent of its heat each year due to draughts.

The cavity wall insulation work being offered could help residents save as much as £160 per year on energy bills.

An Age Concern spokesman said: "All the work is undertaken from outside the property, so there is minimal disruption to residents and the whole process usually takes just three hours to complete."

For further details homeowners should phone Age Concern Energy Services on 0800 479 0162.

MEP supports balancing

NORTH Yorkshire MEP Diana Wallis said she was committed to balancing carbon dioxide emissions by supporting projects in the developing world as "compensation".

She said: "Through my work in the European Parliament, one of the issues I am involved with is the effect of climate change on the Arctic region.

"But every flight I take I know contributes to climate change because obviously, when burned, aviation fuel emits greenhouse gases.

"For those of us MEPs in the North, having to fly to Brussels is pretty much unavoidable.

"So what to do? I was alerted by a constituent to a website, which explains that because one tonne of CO2 has the same impact on climate change wherever in the world it is emitted or saved, my flight from Leeds/Bradford to Brussels can be carbon-balanced by investing in my choice of sustainable climate friendly projects, which off-set carbon."

Junk juggling extravaganza

TURNING old things into new will be one of the themes of a recycling extravaganza being held at York's St Nicholas Fields on Sunday.

From 1pm until 5pm, a number of fun and educational activities will help to convince visitors of the importance of recycling.

Junk juggling with the Cosmos Jugglers, composting demonstrations, charcoal burning and a junk swap - a chance to get rid of household or garden items and pick up new ones - will be among the key attractions.

St Nicholas Fields is off Lawrence Street, only a mile from the centre of York.

John Brierley, project co-ordinator at St Nicholas Fields, said: "The Junk Swap is a fantastic idea. Just bring along your unwanted items to the Environment Centre at St Nicholas Fields and pick up something you do want. I got some really good stuff here last year."

Council setting example

MORE than 100 North Yorkshire County Council employees have signed pledges to help World Environment Day.

Recycling waste, reducing electricity use and only using heating when needed are among the things workers are doing to help save the environment.

They have also committed to walking and cycling more and making more use of public transport; reducing use of water; and feeding birds.

Coun Clare Wood, the council's executive member for environmental services, said: "The county council has systems in place to avoid harming the environment from how it operates and delivers services.

"During their work life employees follow these systems, but it's good to know that so many of our staff are also committed to protecting the environment when they are away from work."

Updated: 10:57 Friday, June 03, 2005