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Wind Turbines Merely a Green Fashion Statement, Campaigners Claim

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 November 2006, 09:00 CST

Home wind turbines have been accused of simply being a green fashion statement, and only producing about enough electricity to power a hairdryer, by environmental campaigners.

Affixed upon the roof of a number of houses, the wind turbines have been a popular product among a growing number of UK consumers concerned with current green issues.

DIY chain B&Q has been selling wind turbines for GBP1,500 since September. According to The Guardian, a spokesman for the company said that the turbines were B&Q's "biggest selling item by value since their launch."

However, critics claim that wind turbines would, at most, only cut household electricity bills by 30%. On top of this, the turbines are unattractive and noisy, which may annoy neighbors, and do little to assist in the reduction of greenhouse gases, they say.

"A wind turbine on the roof is a glamorous statement. But loft or cavity wall insulation may be more effective and will probably pay for itself a lot quicker," commented Nick Rau, a campaigner from Friends of the Earth, as quoted by This is Money.

In addition, wind turbines do not feature in the UK government's top 10 methods recommended to save energy.

Despite the controversy over the 'green' product, the number of buyers is set to soar as the maker of the most popular turbine, Wind-save, has had orders of more than 15,000 in anticipation of the holiday season.

Source: Datamonitor

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