In the Kitchen
Do a full load – Make sure you do a full load of washing rather than lots of small ones
Use a warm or cold setting on your washing machine - instead of the hot cycle use the warm or cold setting. This will save a lot of energy a year.
Using the kettle - Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the elements if you're using an electric kettle).
Use pan lids – using pan lids will make food cook quicker and save you energy and money!
Don't pre-heat the oven - unless needed, just turn the oven on after you put the dish in it. Also, to see if it's finished just look through the glass instead of opening it.
In the Bathroom
Turn the water off when you brush - You will save 4 gallons of water doing this alone.
Get rid of baths - Don't take baths, take showers. You will on average save about half the amount of water that you would if you were taking a bath.
Shorten your shower - Every minute you cut from your shower is roughly 5 gallons of water. The less time your shower takes, the lower your impact on the environment.
Around the House
Turn down your thermostat by 1degree – this can save you up to £65 per year
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Turn off your lights - Turn off your lights when you are not using them.
Don’t leave things on standby - this could save around £35 per year on energy bills.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Open and close curtains – Open curtains in the day to maximise heat gained by the sun and close at dusk to prevent heat loss through your windows
Hang outside to dry - Get a clothes line or rack to dry your cloths. Your clothes will last longer and you will save money.
Open a window – Make sure a window is open when cooking and if you have to dry your clothes inside, this will stop condensation forming on cold walls
Draft excluders – Stopping drafts can stop heat escaping from your home and stop you feeling cold, putting a towel at the bottom of the door can help
Out and about
Inflate your tires - If your tires are inflated at all times your car will run more miles on less fuel.
Walk or ride your bike when you can - If you have to go somewhere close consider riding your bike or walking there instead of your car. It's better on the environment and healthier.
Go to a car wash - Going to a car wash is a lot more water efficient then washing your car at home.
Don't get bottled water - Instead of bottled water get a reusable container to carry water. Also you can get a filter to make your home tap taste more like bottled water. It is definitely more cost efficient.
Saving Resources
Give things away - Take things that you are not going to wear or use and give it to a charity or someone who will use it.
Recycle Glass - If you do not recycle this, it will take a million years to decompose.
Don't get a paper phone book - Instead of getting a paper phone book use a online directory instead.
Get a reusable bag - Most supermarkets now sell strong, long lasting bags that you can use again and again.
Stop paper bank statements - Why waste paper getting your bank statement mailed to you when you can just check it out online.
Buy local and seasonal produce - Consider how much energy it takes for produce from China or any other country to come here. If you have the option to buy local, do it, it is often cheaper.
