Saving energy in the home

Energy supplier

The first question you should ask yourself when it comes to running an environmentally friendly household is - where does my power come from? Ideally, you can pursue ways of generating your own energy (see our solar power education page for one example) but we appreciate that this isn't an option that is easy for everyone to do. However, you can look into your energy provider. Check out their website or promotional literature, or give them a call to find out how much of their energy comes from renewable sources, and look for a supplier that is committed to ecologically sound ways of generating power. Some companies allow you to choose where your energy comes from too, so you can be certain that the energy you are using has come from a sustainable source, such as a wind turbine or solar panel.

Saving on electricity

Many people fail to realise that their electrical appliances have an 'off' switch - which goes for power points themselves too. By leaving everything on standby, you would be surprised at just how much extra energy you are using - so turn them off! Using energy efficient lightbulbs can also have a big effect, but so can turning lights off whe you leave a room.

Saving on heating

There are some simple things you can do to make sure that the heat stays in your home better - so you have to produce less of it to keep warm. Fitting draft excluders to windows and doors is a great start, as is fitting double glazing if possible. Insulating lofts and wall cavities can also save a fortune on heating bills (and in many countries there are grants available for doing so) and lagging your water tank properly can mean you use less energy every time you have a hot bath or shower. Installing a geothermal pump can also cut your bills by using air heated up underground to warm your house.

Saving the planet together

If these ideas sound simple and obvious - well, that's because they are. But how many of them do you do yourself? By thinking just a little harder about the power we use around the home, we can all play our part in saving the planet. And if you're feeling generous, you could always donate a little bit of the cash you have saved as a result.