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Let's not waste energy
When cooking, match the size of the gas or electric ring to the saucepan. Then you're not paying (as much) to heat the air.
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Dumping rubbish costs!
Rubbish collection costs money, landfill sites are filling up and landfill taxes have been steadily increasing year on year. Our households produce over a tonne of waste every year and only a quarter of it is recycled. That's why its important to reduce the amount of rubbish generated
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Use leftover water
Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap. The leftover water can then be used for watering the garden.
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Reuse old pillows
If you have a cold draughty bathroom, you could use your old flattened pillows under the bath to stop draughts.
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Boiling point!
When making a cup of tea or coffee, only boil the amount of water you actually need.
Boiling a full kettle unnecessarily wastes electricity!
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Reduce waste paper
If you use a printer, does it use recycled paper? Do you collect paper only used on one side for re-use?
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Switch off the microwave
Turn your microwave off at the wall when it’s not in use – powering the clock can use more electricity than heating your food!
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Recycling is cheaper
Most households produce more than a tonne of waste every year and only a quarter is recycled. Yet recycling is cheaper than sending rubbish to landfill – and the costs of landfill are passed on to you via taxes. You can save everybody money by recycling more!
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Got a once-a-year project?
Borrowing is free, so it's a good first choice. Ask around, or post a note on a community bulletin board, before you shell out for that once-a-year project.
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Turn off the lights!
Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. Most bulbs only use 10 per cent of their power as light, and lighting is a big contributor to household electricity bills.
It’s also a myth that turning lights off and on again uses more electricity than keeping them running!
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Freecycle can connect
Freecycle connects people getting rid of useable things to people who want those same things. Need a new computer keyboard, a washing machine? Offer it out there. Arrange a time and place to meet, and encourage reuse.
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Don’t leave on standby
Most appliances on standby use as much electricity as when in use. Turn them off completely - and remember not to leave mobile phones and laptops on charge unnecessarily. Also turn the charger off at the wall when not in use.
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Fill up the washing machine
Fill up your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher – one full load uses less energy than two half loads.
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Grow your own
Why not consider growing your own vegetables. What with the rising cost of food, real savings can be made by growing your own.
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Lifestyle choice
Cooking at home can be a good first step towards a nutrious diet. It can encourage more attention to the ingredients you use and how they were grown.
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Reuse is great
Empty margarine tubs are fab storage containers. They stack on top of each other perfectly and why not use them in the freezer for soups, curries and gravies. Just remember to stick a label on them.
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Re-use those old towels
Why not consider taking any old towels to your local vets - they never have enough.
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Good quality glass jars
These are great for jam or sauces and can even be given to friends if filled with some homemade goodies and tied with a bit of ribbon.
