50 Tips to Help the Environment And Save Energy
By Stephanie Borst
1 Turn off lights you don't need and use energy saving bulbs
2 Don't keep any electrical appliances on stand by
3 Charge batteries and portable gadgets with a solar powered charger
4 Heat only the rooms you use and keep doors closed
5 Wear another layer and keep temperatures as low as possible
6 Don't set your water thermostat too high; 60°C/140°F is usually adequate for bathing and washing
7 Use draft excluder on windows and doors
8 Cover your letterbox with felt
9 Cover your cat flap with felt
10 Place thick curtains to pull close in winter, but make sure not to put them over the radiators and thermostats
11 Ventilate your rooms twice a day by properly opening windows and doors for a couple of minutes to get a lot of fresh air – don't leave a window partly open
12 Insulate your loft and walls
13 Invest in thermostats on your radiators
14 Upgrade you boiler to a more efficient model and keep it serviced
15 Invest in double or even triple glazed windows. Remember that wooden frames last much longer than UPVC alternatives.
16 Always cook with lids on the pots
17 Use right size pot for right size hob and turn down the heat
18 Use a pressure cooker
19 Pre-boil large amounts of water (as for pasta) in the kettle
20 Only heat the amount of water you really need in your kettle
21 Invest in an eco kettle
22 Invest in an energy efficient cooker
23 Fill the washing machine / dishwasher up properly and run in low temperatures
24 Never overdose washing powder, detergents, etc
25 Use eco friendly products
26 Use water-based paints with natural pigments
27 Defrost fridges and freezers regularly to keep them running efficiently.
28 If you need to use a tumble dryer, put it in a place where the emited heat is recycled, for example to heat the bathroom and re-use the condensed hot water to soak dirty clothes or dishes.
29 Monitor your gas and electricity consumption
30 Invest in new low energy consumption electrical goods
31 Invest in solar panels on your roof
32 Recycle every material possible in your area
33 Buy goods from recycled material, for example furniture or buy second hand
34 Reuse what is still in good condition, for example by taking it to the charity shop
35 Reduce plastic waste (use paper wrapping for sandwiches or reusable box, refill plastic bottles)
36 Avoid buying goods with a lot of packaging
37 Avoid buying goods that had to travel far to get to you (shop at the farmer's market, local produce)
38 Use good old soap instead of bottled shower gels and hand wash
39 Buy in large containers (for example milk)
40If possible, consider drinking tab water. Give it a try!
41 Don't use your car for short trips – take the bike or walk
42 Turn off the engine until you are ready to go
43 Check the tire pressure regularly
44 Dismount racks and spoilers
45 Check for oil or fuel spills under your car
46 Monitor fuel consumption
47 Plan your journey carefully to avoid traffic jams and rush hours, and to avoid driving extra miles being lost
48 Drive green by avoiding rapid acceleration and braking, change quickly to the higher gears.
49 Have your car serviced regularly
50 Always consider alternative ways of transport
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