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RWAP Services has a reputation for
recycling old software and hardware - bringing it back on the market
and releasing new hardware and software for the benefit of retro
computer users (in particular Sinclair computer users - ZX80, ZX81, ZX
Spectrum, QL, and the Z88) thus ensuring that the market remains
stable, active and ensures the continued use of these old computers,
rather than them adding to landfill. This is just one example of our
commitment to the environment.
Our approach to conserving
the environment and energy is aimed mainly at a practical level, taking
account of whole life cost considerations, based against the benefit of
using new technologies and approaches; taking account of measures to
protect the environment and conserve resources, whilst doing all within
our power to reduce our impact on the environment.
Protecting the
Environment and Conserving Resources
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We have active
involvement in practical conservation work, through the British Trust
for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), leading projects training others and undertaking
traditional methods of countryside management, including hedgelaying;
woodland and heathland management; footpath creation and erosion
prevention using hand-tools. For example, much of Britain's
landscape has altered due to modern methods of woodland and hedge
management - alas, mechanised methods of trimming hedges leads to
thinning and eventual replacement of this important habitat by fencing,
therefore the traditional method of using billhooks to lay hedges
remains an important aspect to protecting the environment.
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We also try to
save energy and resources as much as possible by only switching on
equipment when strictly needed, making the most of natural light and
using energy saving bulbs where practical.
 We have also placed our electricity supply on
a green tariff whereby for every unit of electricity used, our supplier
agrees to buy one unit from a renewable source (ask your electricity
supplier if they operate such a Green Energy scheme - it costs a very
small premium for wide environmental benefits). uSwitch
now allows you not to only compare electricity and gas suppliers by
price, but also by their green rating, which is the best way of
ensuring that your provider is working to protect the environment.
 We have taken the step of installing
various standby energy saving devices to reduce the amount of
electricity used by televisions, computers and set-top boxes when not
in use. To this end, all of our computers have IntelliPlugs
fitted and we have also used the Bye Bye Standby kits to turn off
electrical equipment when not in use remotely. These are
relatively cheap to purchase and easy to install measures which can
save you money on your electricity bills - the cheapest source appears
to be Tesco
Direct.
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We also
conserving water, by using rainwater for the garden and only
running taps for short periods, making certain
that taps are not left to drip overnight. We have installed a water butt on the main downspout,
which is then treated for use on the garden.
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We always
purchase energy efficient devices where we can and ensure
that we use them as efficiently as possible (for example only filling a
kettle with the water we need; and using thermostatic controls for our
heating).
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We have
installed the required amount of loft and cavity wall
insulation to meet current standards.
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Even since the 1980s our
software has always been developed in a modular format, which allows us
to re-use existing bits of code, rather than re-inventing the wheel,
saving man hours and computer hours.
Reducing our Impact on
the Environment
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Reducing car
journeys as much as possible and when we do make car
journeys, stick to the speed limits and use gentle acceleration and
braking to prolong the life of the car and to ensure fuel efficiency.
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Effective recycling of
paper, plastics, cardboard, bottles and cans as well as computer parts
reduces the amount going to landfill and also the resources required to
make these items in the future.
These policies
not only allow us to
contribute positively to the environment, but also to save money and
live in comfortable surroundings.
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