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Households are responsible for 30 per cent of UK energy use. This energy is mainly produced from burning fossil fuels
which release damaging emissions including carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change.
In the UK, the average person uses about 150 litres of water every day, which means natural water sources are strained
and levels often fall in waterways. You can make a big difference in your home simply by making a few small adjustments to
your routine.
Save energy
Switch off all lights and electrical appliances when not in use - your TV left on standby can still use a quarter of full
power. See how your TV and video fare at www.mtprog.com
Choose energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs
Let clothes dry naturally rather than using a tumble drier
Insulate your home with cavity walls - seek professional advice first
Ensure you have at least 15cm of loft insulation, use draught excluders and put foil behind radiators on outside walls
to reflect the heat back inside
Lag your boiler and pipes to prevent unnecessary heat loss by up to 75%
Turn down your thermostat - turning it down by just 1°C can save you up to 10 per cent on your heating bill
Keep lids on pans when cooking to prevent your cooker having to work extra hard
On average using a gas oven costs a quarter of the price of running an electric one. Switch to gas if you have the option
For full details on making your home more energy efficient please visit www.saveenergy.co.uk
Save water
Fix dripping taps - they can waste up to 13 litres of water a day
Don't leave the tap running while you clean your teeth
Install a Hippo Water Saver in the cistern of your toilet. This can save between 2.5 and 3.5 litres of water each time
you flush. To obtain a Hippo call 01989 766667 or visit the website
Take a shower instead of a bath
Save wood and paper
Return unwanted mail and ask for your name to be removed from the mailing list
E-mail the Mailing Preference Service, mps@dma.org.uk - it can arrange for your address to be deleted from around 90
per cent of mailing lists
Always use both sides of a sheet of paper
Use e-mail to stay in touch, including cards, rather than faxing or writing
Re-use envelopes
Always recycle paper after use
Share magazines with friends and pass them on to the doctor, dentist or local hospital for their waiting rooms
Reuse and recycle
Use washable nappies instead of disposables if you can
Recycle as much as you can - if there are no recycling facilities near you, contact your local council
Give unwanted clothes, toys and books to charity shops or jumble sales
Use mains electricity rather than batteries if possible. If not, use rechargeable batteries
Use a solar-powered calculator instead of one with a battery
Instead of a plastic ballpoint, use a fountain pen with bottled ink, not plastic cartridges
Store food and other products in ceramic containers rather than foil and plastic wrap
Reduce waste and pollution
Dispose of old appliances - particularly refrigerators with units containing CFCs - responsibly. If in doubt, contact
your local council
Choose environmentally friendly cleaning products containing plant extracts that degrade quickly when washed down the
drain
Take waste oil to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - it is illegal to put waste oil down sinks or drains
Put sanitary waste and wrappings in the dustbin, not down the toilet
© WWF-UK reproduced here with permission
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