The second Generation Green Think Tank was held at the home of UK weather, the Met Office, in Exeter on Monday 21st September 2009.

Julia Hailes led our Think Tankers through an eco-awesome day, starting off with a review of everyone’s summer holiday investigations into recycling.

Next it was all lightning, hurricanes, flash floods and extreme heat as Met Office expert, Paul Gross, talked weather and showed how it is measured and monitored in a weather station.

Met Office scientists also stirred up debate, and some challenging questions, about global warming.

Afterwards our Think Tankers jumped in front of the camera to present weather forecasts for their local areas in 2060.

Then Jon Kimber, Managing Director of British Gas New Energy, spoke about different types of renewable energy and simple energy savings we can all make in our own homes.

To finish off the day, our Think Tankers came up with a fantastic selection of policy ideas to help us use more renewable energy and reduce climate change:

• Gordon Brown should set an example to world leaders and commit to actions, not just words, at the Copenhagen climate change summit in December.
• Power events with renewable energy i.e. music festivals, sporting events and the Copenhagen summit.
• Manufacturers should make more wind-up equipment.
• Phase out the ‘stand-by’ button to cut energy use in homes
• Rainwater tanks should be introduced for use in toilets and outdoor taps.
• Three trees should be planted for every tree that is cut down.
• A ‘Green Police Force’ should be created to give out rewards and penalties for green behaviour.
• Encourage Green Councils in school to help kids share their green ideas and practices.

What you can do

• Get ready to make the switch!

  We know you’re keen to be green, but what about your family? Encourage them to make the switch!

  It could be as simple as switching off appliances on standby to switching from baths to showers! Create some eco-awesome posters, we suggest using recycled paper, and get your message across!

• Renew your school’s green thinking!

  Join forces with other eco-rangers and start-up an eco council at school.

  Then, get thinking about all the different ways your school could save energy. From appointing class light and standby monitors to talking to your head teacher about using recycling rainwater when flushing the school toilets, you can make a difference.

• Don’t just stand-by and watch your community waste energy!

  Find out about what people are doing in your area to switch to renewable energy or reduce the amount of energy that they use.

  Ask neighbours, local shop keepers and even your postman! Talk to your local councillors to see if there is a neighbourhood green group and a sustainable plan for your community. If not, start one!