What Can I do?

Energy efficient products

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to save energy in your home is through changing the products that you currently use. Below are examples of products that you can change and the expected saving you would get.

1. Lighting accounts for 10-15 per cent of the average electricity bill. Energy saving light bulbs last on average 12 times longer than convential light bulbs and each bulb will save you £9 per year on the average electricity bill.
2. Turning your thermostat down by 1ºC could cut your heating bill by 10 per cent and save you £40 per year.
3. Install cavity wall insulation. Around 33 per cent of the heat lost in a home is through the walls. Installing insulation could save you as much as £180-£220 per year.

For more energy saving tips and useful products visit the consumer section on the energy saving trust website.

Recycling at home

There are a number of ways to reduce and recycle rubbish in the home, and at school. In most cases it is better to choose items which create less rubbish, for example goods without excessive packaging.

Recycling in the home, school or workplace can be two-fold. You can reduce waste but also reuse old items. Below are some useful tips for how you can contribute to recycling in your community:

1. Stop junk mail and faxes through the mailing preference service.
2. Grow your own vegetables. Many varieties can be grown in small gardens.
3. Take a packed lunch to work or school in a reusable plastic container
4. Reuse carrier bags. Each person in the UK uses an average of 134 plastic bags each year .
5. Reuse scrap paper for writing notes.

For more ideas and information or to find you nearest recycling bank log on to recycle more.

For more information regarding sustainable regeneration and waste management visit our useful links section.

Share your recycling and energy saving tips on our discussion forum.