Although sometimes home improvements can be expensive, one of the best things you can do is to make sure your home is well insulated and has the right heating system.

 

 

 

Install double glazing when buying new windows or replacing. Avoid using PVC windows, their manufacture and disposal has harmful effects on the environment. For more information on home insulation click here.

 

 

An energy efficient bulb produces less CO2 and can save money. Energy saving bulbs work in standard fittings and are now widely available. Energy saving bulbs still use energy, so remember to keep them switched off when not in use. For more information on lighting click here. 

 

 

An average of 10% of a household's power can be attributed to standby. You can save money and energy simply by unplugging appliances or switching devices off at the power point they are connected to when not in use. You can now buy remote controls to switch off plugs, for more information click here.

 

 

You can avoid heating an empty house by using the thermostat and a timer. If you have radiator valves, you can also turn off radiators in rooms that aren’t being used. 

 

 

When buying any new electrical appliances look out for the energy efficiency recommended logo. It can be found on light bulbs, light fittings, fridges, fridge freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, boilers, heating controls and insulation. They are rated from A as best down to G. For more information and product advice click here. 

 

 

Make sure your front door is sealed and the letterboxes and keyholes are covered. Make sure gaps in floorboards and skirting boards are covered up or sealed so heat does not escape. For more information on home insulation click here. 

 

To undertake a full energy audit of your home Green Homes Concierge will do a comprehensive audit for £199. This initiative is being rolled out across all 33 London boroughs. The service offers expert, practical support for homeowners who want to make their homes more energy efficient and cheaper to run - while also reducing their C02 emissions and their impact on the environment. 

 

 

 

The most important thing we can do is to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

 

 

After reducing your waste, reusing it is the next best thing. If you don’t want another person might:

 

• Freecycle is a movement being used all over the world serving to help people and reduce the amount of waste going into landfills across the globe. 

 

• Find your nearest car boot sale. 

 

• There are plenty of Jewish and non-Jewish charity shops that always need items donated, these are also a good place to pick up a bargain.

 

• Get in touch with your local council to find out what they are doing to recycle waste. Many councils provide residents with recycling boxes, green waste and access to skips.

 

 

 

Using water, especially hot water uses energy and increases emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. During a drought situation it's even more important to make sure that water is used efficiently and not wasted. Saving water can also help you to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

 

There is no need to keep the tap running while you brush your teeth, shave, wash your hands or wash up. Also make sure you turn off the taps properly when finished.

 

 

It is cheap and easy to replace worn washers. A dripping tap wastes more than 10 litres of water a day. Ensure that you turn taps off completely and fix ones that leak.

 

 

Washing machines and dishwashers use a great deal of water and electricity so make sure that they are full before you put them on. The big energy user is the tumble-dryer. Although the British weather is not always co-operative, try to hang out your laundry whenever possible.

 

 

Take a short shower instead of a bath – you will use about a third of the water of a bath.

 

 

During summer, water for gardens is in peak demand at the time it is most scarce. There are many simple steps you can take including getting a water butt to harvest rainwater and use it in your garden.