How you can help by saving energy at home and at work:

• Use energy-efficient light bulbs – they use up to 80% less energy than conventional bulbs and last up to ten times longer.


• Turn off lights and appliances when not using them in homes and offices – don’t leave products on standby – turning lights off can reduce lighting costs by 15%.


• Only use as much as you need – don’t burn away energy. If the washing machine is only half full use the half load/economy programme. Don’t put more water in your kettle than your cup needs and put a lid on saucepans.


• Turn the thermostat down just 1°C and wear a jumper instead – this could save up to 10% on your heating bills.


• Leave space round radiators and don’t waste energy heating unused rooms.


• Buy energy-efficient appliances – washing machine, cooker, fridge, TV etc – the most efficient use about 50–80% less energy than older models.


• Insulate your home – don’t pay for energy that is heating the sky – roofs, walls and even the floor can be insulated and windows double glazed.


• Think about your means of transport – please think of your children’s future and get rid of your gas-guzzling car. Change to a more efficient car with low CO2 emissions if you can, try to use the car less, walk, cycle or use public transport, share car journeys where possible and think twice about going so far for your holiday, as well as what transport you use to get there. Please avoid flying as much as you can.


• Drive at 50mph instead of 70mph – this reduces fuel consumption by 30%. Keep tyres inflated at the correct pressure and turn off the air conditioning to further reduce fuel consumption.


• Buy less and buy locally where possible – three pairs of shoes is better than ten, second-hand can sometimes be almost as good as new. Be aware of the food miles in your purchase. Try to buy locally produced products where possible.


• Reduce, reuse and recycle.


• Green your money and affect the market-place – by putting your money with an ethical bank, using a green mortgage, having a green pension and utilising ethical investments. You could also write to trustees of pension funds and fund managers, asking what their policy is to deal with climate change. This will put pressure on these sectors.


• And should you get to build your own home – why not use a passive house design, which uses passive heat from bodies, the sun and appliances to warm the air? Houses today can be made highly energy-efficient, which saves you money on your fuel bills.


• Go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk to see how you can save energy today.