Tag: Edith Bowman

Introducing E-lexa: E.ON creates Amazon Alexa skill to help make UK homes more sustainable

  • Renewable electricity providerE.ON1 has  launched a new Alexa skill featuring advice designed to help people become more sustainable at home
  • From today, Alexa customers can launch the skill by saying ‘Alexa, open E.ON Sustainable Home’ which is voiced by radio DJ, TV presenter and sustainability advocate, Edith Bowman
  • According to new research from E.ON, six in 10 Brits (59%) admit they want to educate themselves on how to live more sustainably2

Renewable electricity provider E.ON1 has created an Amazon Alexa skill to help educate people about sustainability in the home and make advice more accessible.

The move comes as new research2 reveals that over a third of people (37%) say they have incorporated sustainable habits into their routine since the lockdowns began and many are concerned these habits may become less of a priority as life continues to return to normal (66%).

However, the research also shows that Brits give different reasons as to why their sustainable habits may become less of a priority. Around four in 10 people say their focus may shift away from sustainability because they:

  • have less time than before (44%)
  • are not at home as much (42%)
  • have other pressing priorities (39%)

But with six in 10 (59%) of those surveyed wanting to educate themselves on how to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, E.ON has today made this easier by launching a new Amazon Alexa skill. By simply saying ‘Alexa, Open E.ON’s Sustainable Home’, Alexa customers can access free tips and advice voiced by radio DJ, TV presenter and sustainability advocate Edith Bowman.

E.ON’s Sustainable Home Alexa skill will help people understand more about a range of topics related to sustainable living, including:

  • Why it’s important to be sustainable in the home
  • How to make your home more sustainable
  • How to be sustainable at different times throughout the year
  • How to be sustainable in different rooms of your home
  • What the best sustainable solutions are for your home

The launch come following previous research by E.ON which found that almost half (48%)3 of Brits admitted to becoming more sustainably conscious during the lockdowns, with habits such as turning off switches when not plugged in (26%), turning off appliances that aren’t in use (24%) and only heating rooms that are in use (18%) becoming firm fixtures in their daily lives.

However, the new research from E.ON2 also reveals that two thirds (66%) of Brits are concerned they might slip back into old routines and habits now restrictions are easing, meaning being sustainable around the home could become less of a priority for them. 

Around a third say switching lights off when not in the room (39%), turning the heating off during the day when they are not at home (35%),  and thinking about installing sustainable solutions in their homes, such as an energy efficient boiler (30%) or solar panels (24%) may slip down their list of priorities. 

Michael Lewis, E.ON UK CEO, said: “We understand that as the world slowly returns to normal and people start getting out and about more, being sustainable at home might become less of a priority for some.

“But we need to ensure that sustainability remains on everyone’s list of priorities and all of the good habits and intentions many of us have adopted over this last year continue.

“There are many simple and easy steps people can take towards becoming more sustainable at home, such as tracking your energy use with a smart meter or switching to a provider offering 100% renewable electricity as standard such as E.ON Next and even getting solar panels. And there are many everyday tricks you can use too.

“By creating an Alexa skill, we’re making sustainability advice easy, convenient and accessible for people who want to find out more and to take action, helping the nation meet our net zero target.”

A keen advocate of sustainable living, Radio DJ and TV presenter Edith Bowman said: “I am delighted to be working with E.ON to help bring advice on sustainability directly into people’s homes.

“It is so important that we take responsibility to care for the environment we live in and as we all start leaving our homes more, it is crucial we maintain the positive sustainability habits we have developed over the past 12 months.  

“Working with E.ON on this campaign has been a great way to learn more about sustainable solutions in the home such as energy efficient boilers, smart meters and heat pumps, which are all great steps towards living a more sustainable life.”

The launch coincides with the release of E.ON’s Carbon Countdown Road to 2030 report which looks at the behavioural and policy changes needed to help meet the UK’s net zero goals. The new report aims to educate and inform the nation on industry measures required in key areas such as in the home.

To find out more about 100% renewable electricity from E.ON Next visit eonnext.com.

And for more about how to be sustainable at home and other sustainable solutions, visit eonenergy.com.

Edith Bowman voices recording to boost mental wellbeing while walking

A mood-boosting podcast to help Scots unwind while they walk has been released to the public.

The ‘Mind to Walk’ podcast, narrated by DJ and presenter Edith Bowman, talks you through a walk that will relax your mind as you move your feet.

Launched by Scotland’s walking charity, Paths for All, the audio is designed using mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental wellbeing whilst getting their daily exercise during Covid-19.

During periods of social distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines, has become an important way to look after physical and mental wellbeing.

The podcast uses Edith’s familiar voice to help the listener bring their mind and body together whilst enjoying 25 minutes of self-care.

Launched as part of May’s National Walking Month, the campaign aims to support people dealing with stress and anxiety caused by Covid-19, during their once daily outdoor exercise as recommended by the government.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer with Paths for All, hopes that people of all ages will give the podcast a listen, and believes the calming benefits of the ‘Mind to Walk’ campaign can be far-reaching.

He said: “The power of a short daily walk has become even stronger recently. It’s a time for us to wander outside, get some fresh air and leave our worries behind. With the podcast, we’re hoping to make that burst of activity even more beneficial by helping people tune into their surroundings.

“The podcast is expertly scripted and Edith’s comforting and recognisable voice will help any listener thoroughly de-stress and clear their head, to remove some of the tension a lot of us are feeling.

“I’d encourage you to try this frequently on your daily walks as evidence shows that the effects of mindfulness are greater the more you practice. It might feel a little awkward to start with, but the script is designed to be listened and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of experience in using mindfulness techniques.”

Written by Glasgow-based meditation expert Dassini Cadwallender, ‘Mind to Walk’ has been designed to be used on any walking route – whether it is around a housing estate or in a nearby woodland, listeners will finish feeling calmer and ready to enjoy their day.

The voice behind the audio, Edith Bowman is delighted to be involved and said: “This is such a strange time for us all and I think being aware of your physical and mental health is so important as we move forward into the unknown.

“When I heard about ‘Mind to Walk’ I was eager to be involved. If I can do one small thing to help a few folk’s lockdown less anxiety-ridden it makes me very happy. If we can get as many people as possible taking the podcast on their walks with them, that would be incredible, and hopefully helpful to them.”

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

With around one in three people estimated to be affected by mental health problems in Scotland in any one year,this is set to be compounded during the pandemic – with a further 20% reporting that they are worried about mental illnesses directly related to Covid-19, including 11% who are concerned about anxiety and 7% who have concerns about depression.

The impact of the increased pressure can also manifest in different ways, with 38% saying that they have slept less or worse than they normally do. Physical activity has been proven to reduce the risk of depression by 30%.

The script for the ‘Mind to Walk’ recordings acts as guided walking meditation, allowing listeners to connect with their bodies, nature and the sensation of walking as well as stretching and relaxing as they walk.

The script has been designed to be listened and enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their experience in practicing mindfulness. It has been found the effects of mindfulness are greater the more individual’s practice.

Mind to Walk is freely available online on all popular podcast players or on Paths for All website at www.pathsforall.org.uk/mindtowalk