PREPARE to be shocked. Read our Planet York supplement tonight and you would think we had money to burn. York residents waste £3 million a year through poorly insulated houses.

The £3.8 million we spend powering fridges and freezers could be slashed by defrosting them regularly and investing in energy-efficient models. Other simple tasks, such as draught-proofing, would save us yet more cash.

More important than the money, however, is the damage our energy abuse causes the environment. Televisions left on standby eat up electricity. The power needed for York's TVs alone contributes enough of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to fill 30 million party balloons. We could slash that output at a stroke just by switching off.

It would be too simplistic to claim that turning off our tellies can save the planet. But the principle is right. If each of us accepts individual accountability for our contribution to global warming, and decides to make lifestyle changes for the common good, we can haul the world from the brink of disaster.

That is the idea behind Planet York. This unique initiative, supported by the Evening Press and launched today, aims to make our city the most energy efficient in Britain. To reach that target, we are asking every householder and business to stop waste and save energy.

With your help, York can slash its energy consumption. We would set an example for other British cities could follow. Then Britain could set an example for other countries to follow. It is a long way from a York resident lagging their roof for a cleaner, safer world. But each journey begins with a single step.

For the sake of our children and their children, we need to embark on that journey now.

York is already well-acquainted with the effects of climate change. We can expect more floods, more droughts, more devastation.

We are not helpless, however. We can combat global change, but only if we all unite and rise to the challenge.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, August 15, 2001