Save Energy 

Climate change is occurring due to an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases released into the ozone everyday. It has a big impact on the environment and, in turn, rivers, river catchments and wildlife.


At the moment, in the UK, there is an increased risk of flooding in the North due to heavier rainfall and more chance of drought in the South as winters get drier. The January 2005 floods in Cumbria and the drought of 2006 in the South of England are just two examples.


These gases are released through normal day to day activities such as driving, using electrical items, and heating and lighting homes and work places. A few small changes in your daily routine can make a huge difference to the environment and the amount you spend on bills! Here’s a few ideas to get you started and reduce your carbon footprint:

Use less energy

• Wait until the dish washer or washing machine is full before you switch it on this is more energy efficient than doing multiple half loads.
  
  
• In hot weather, before using air conditioning or a fan, switch off electrical appliances such as TV’s or Stereos as they generate heat when on standby.
  
  
•  Dry clothes on a washing line or clothes airer instead of in the tumble drier.
  
  
• Switch off electrical items properly; leaving them on standby uses at least 50% of the energy needed to run on full power. 
  
  
• Turn your thermostats down – turning it down just 1% can save up to 10% on your heating bill. Your water cylinder thermostat should not be set higher than 60°C/140°F.
  
  
• Unplug chargers when they are not in use.
  
  
• Car share or use public transport to reduce emissions.

Make more of the energy you do use

• Check the door seals on your freezer and don’t leave it open. Defrost regularly and make sure it's positioned away from hot appliances in your home.
  
  
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows. Line your curtains to prevent further heat loss. 
  
  
• When buying new appliances look for ones with the ‘energy saving recommended’ logo.
  
  
• Use a draught excluding brush or PVC seal on exterior doors to prevent draughts and heat loss, also cover letterboxes and keyholes.
  
  
• Use energy saving light bulbs. Just one can reduce lighting costs by up to £100 over the lifetime of the bulb - and they last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs.
  
• Fit a jacket to your hot water cylinder. Available from most DIY stores they are easy to fit, inexpensive and can cut heat loss by around 75%.
  
  
• Insulate loft space and cavity walls to prevent heat loss. In some cases grants are available to help pay for this. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for more information.
  
  
• If your boiler is over 15 years old it will be coming towards the end of its lifespan. Replace it with an energy efficient one.
  
  
• Get double glazing; it could cut your heat loss by up to 50%.