I've been meaning to post after our last Green Parents Cafe, but seems like life gets in the way. (Also, really exciting events and new workshops are happening at Green Families, so that keeps me busy as well. :) Make sure you check the website for details!) Anyway, here are a few of my favorite energy tips:
- Turn your thermostat down in the winter. Reducing your room temperature by 1°C could cut your heating bills by up to 10 percent and typically saves around £55 per year.
- If possible, fill up the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher: one full load uses less energy than two half loads. (Or better yet, hang the clothes out to dry!!)
- Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
- A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off!
- If everybody in a four person family replaced one bath a week with a 5 minute shower, you could save between £5 and £15 per year off your energy bill. So, opt for short, refreshing showers on a daily basis and keep baths to a minimum.
- Where possible try and reuse unused water, for example pour your left over glasses of water on houseplants and avoid wasting water from running taps whilst waiting for hot water.
And for the tip I need the most help on:
- Remember not to leave laptops and mobile phones charging unnecessarily.
I think I found some of these tips at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. On their website, you can do a home energy audit - really cool and helpful resource.
If you would like additional information, or to schedule your own green home consultation with me, please email me at stclair@greenfamilies.co.uk
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