Sir, Mr Duncan McAlister (letter, February 10) is right to suggest that greater investment in alternative power is needed to help move us to a lowcarbon economy, but structural factors alone cannot bring about change without individual commitment.
Individuals can make a difference to their own energy use, for example through low-energy light bulbs, home insulation and reducing car journeys; the sum of millions of small efforts can be significant.
However, this requires a cultural shift to recognising the true costs of current consumption patterns and that things cannot continue as they are. In a society where over-consumption is relentlessly promoted, it is essential for all our sakes that counter-messages such as that of the Carbon Trust should at last get a hearing.
Yours faithfully,
LINDA HADFIELD,
Greengauge Consultancy,
The Old Vicarage,
High Street,
Thurleigh, Bedford MK44 2DS.
February 11.