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Save Energy
Switch off!
Turn off appliances at the plug when they are not in use. Don’t leave TVs or DVDs on standby, don’t leave mobile phone chargers on longer than needed and switch off lights and computer monitors if you don’t need them - leaving things on if you're not using them means you're wasting energy and losing money.
Wash at 30
Wash clothes at lower temperatures. Washing at 30 degrees will still clean your clothes and save energy. Remember as well to run the washing machine with a full load.
Use the clothes line
If you have space outside, let clothes dry naturally and avoid tumble drying.
Turn down the heat
Turn down your heating thermostat by 1°C and you could save up to 10% on your fuel bill.
Boil what you need
Don’t overfill the kettle – boild as much as you need and no more. Also, cover pots and pans when cooking – it’s a lot quicker and uses less energy.
Stuff and defrost
Defrost the fridge / freezer regularly and try to keep it full of food – it works more efficiently when it’s frost free and full!
Low energy light
Fit energy saving light bulbs. They are cheaper in the long run as they last much longer and they emit 70% less carbon dioxide than normal bulbs.
Buy ‘A rated’ appliances
Buy energy efficient appliances. The EU energy label is now obligatory for all white goods and ovens in the UK; it grades products from A (best) to G (worst) for energy use (the scale now goes up to A++ for fridges and freezers).
Insulate your home
For a few pounds cost, cut out the drafts and fit draft excluders, insulate pipes and your hot water tank. Also, insulate your loft and cavity walls. This is more expensive, but well worth it. There may be grants available to help – see the ‘Where you live’ links below.
Switch to green energy
Many utility companies offer to provide you with electricity generated from renewable sources. This means that the electricity you use doesn’t come from burning fossil fuels.
Links on saving energy
Where you live …
Bath & North East Somerset Council
Bristol City Council
North Somerset Council
South Gloucestershire Council
Other local organisations …
Centre for Sustainable Energy
Offers a free and an independent advice service to the general public in the Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire areas. Advises on how to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their fuel bills. This includes providing information on grants and discounts that may be available for heating and insulation measures.
Sustain
Specialises in energy efficiency, low carbon technologies and sustainable energy solutions for the business and public sectors.
Other links on energy saving …
Fair Shares, Fair Choice
‘Fair Shares, Fair Choice’ is coordinated by Sustainability South West - the independent 'champion body' for sustainable development in the South West of England. Fair Shares, Fair Choice helps individuals, businesses, community groups, public agencies and other organisations take positive steps to reduce their 'carbon footprint'. Virtual carbon coaches are on hand to support you and your friends, family and colleagues to choose carb-cutting actions.
Directgov - Act on CO2
Directgov is the Government website that brings together a range of public service information and services online. This link takes you directly to the Act on CO2 campaign with lots of useful information, advice and help on redcuing your carbon emissions. The Environment and Greener Living pages also have lots of useful advice on greener living in general.
Energy Saving Trust
A non-profit organisation that promotes energy saving, efficiency and conservation, funded by government and the private sector. Provides lots of information and advice on energy saving, grants and a free online home energy check.
The Carbon Trust
An independent company funded by the Government, working with business and public sector organisations to help them reduce carbon emissions and supports the development of commercial low-carbon technology.
What You Can Do
An independent website created with the sole aim of raising awareness of climate change and the simple actions each of us can take to make a difference in our everyday lives. Lots of useful information, links and advice.
I Count - Stop Climate Chaos
I Count is the campaign of the Stop Climate Chaos coalition of more than 50 organisations. Lots of information on what you can do to help with climate change and get involved in campaigns.
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