Do your bit for the environment with these simple tips
- Fit loft insulation and save 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
- Have a shower instead of a bath and use two thirds less water and energy.
- Swap your standard light bulbs for energy-saving ones. One energy-saving bulb will save 40 kilos of carbon dioxide in a year.
- Draught-proof windows and doors and you will save approximately 140 kilos of carbon dioxide a year.
- Insulate cavity walls to save about a tonne of carbon dioxide a year.
- Fill in gaps in floors and skirting boards and save around 120 kilos of carbon dioxide annually.
- Turn down the thermostat by one degree to cut your energy bill and save 300 kilos of carbon dioxide a year.
- Don't drive alone to work. Car-pool, cycle or use public transport instead.
- Don't fill the kettle for a single cup of tea or coffee; only boil as much water as you need.
- Pack your lunch in a reusable container, rather than using new bags or Clingfilm each time. Reusable packaging saves on materials and on energy consumption.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and you could save six litres of water a minute.
- Mend dripping taps and you will prevent at least 5,500 litres of water per tap from going down the drain every year.
- When you use a dishwasher, only turn it on when it is full. Modern dishwashers use 15 litres of water per cycle, so try not to use extra cycles.
- When you do the dishes by hand, try not to rinse under running water. Hand dish washing consumes an average of 63 litres per wash.
- Fill your bath up to a third instead of up to the brim.
- Take a shower instead of a bath, but keep it short if yours is a power shower.
- Use a low-flow setting on your showerhead, if there is one.
- Cool water in the fridge rather than keeping the tap on until cold water runs through.
- Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water rather than under a running tap.
- Don't flush the toilet just to get rid of items of rubbish such as used make-up tissues.
To download a comprehensive list of tips about what you can do to make a difference, click here.
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