Electricity

-        On average televisions or PC left on "standby" mode consume up to 20% of their full power.

-        Every £75 of energy saved avoids the release of one tonne of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

-        Using fluorescent lights can be a major factor in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a new compact fluorescent bulb uses 75% less energy than a standard incandescent and lasts about 10 times as long.

-        By just switching off lights in unoccupied areas, machines at break time or computers at night time will save you 100% of what you would have spent.

-        Avoid using electric heaters or at least fit automatic controls for them. Fit timer switches to vending machines. Turn off conveyors etc during tea-breaks and any unwanted office equipment. Link ventilation fans to lighting and link conveyors to production plant.

-        Energy efficient light bulbs are more expensive than standard bulbs. but will last up to 10 times longer, conserving significant energy. They are most effective when used for lights that are left switched on for long durations.

Heating

-        For every 1oC of building temp reduced, gas bills will be reduced by 10%.

-        With heating, use your common sense. Make sure that timer switches are correctly set, that thermostats are correctly positioned and set, radiators are not obstructed and windows are kept closed.

-        Heavy curtains keep out draughts, particularly with a thick lining, that reach the floor or window sill and have a number of folds - don't hang them in front of radiators though!

-        Try placing foil behind radiators. Household foil will do, although it is possible to buy foil for this purpose from DIY stores.

Recycling

-        Apply 3R's rules to your waste before disposing of it: Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle.

-        Every tonne of glass recycled saves 1.2 tonnes of raw materials and the equivalent of 30 gallons of oil energy.

-        The UK gets through around 12 billion cans every year - if placed end to end they would stretch to the moon and back.

-        Recycling saves energy - recycled aluminium cans saves 95% energy required to extract natural resources and make a new one.

-        Recycling helps conserve the environment - e.g. reduces the need to mine raw materials limiting the impacts of mineral extraction on landscape.

-        Try not make a special trip for recycling! Perhaps you could visit recycling sites when visiting local shops etc.

Water

-        A tap that drips once every second can waste up to 4 litres of water per day. If the drips are breaking into a stream wastage is about 90 litres per day.

-        Turning off tap when cleaning your teeth conserves water. Leaving it running can waste up to 4,000 litres per year.

-        Taking a shower rather then a bath significantly reduces water usage.

-        Think about how much cleaner and bleach is flushed down the loo - the chemicals do affect the watercourse.  Change to cleaning products that are environmentally friendly.

-        The average washing machine uses 95 litres water per cycle. Using a full load uses less energy, water and costs less overall than washing half loads. The same can be applied to dish washers.

-        Flushing the loo can use around 15 litres of water. Placing a brick in the cistern or using a hippo from the water company can lead to considerable savings.

-        Think of ways that you could effectively use 'grey water', from cooking or fish tanks for example. This can often be used for watering plants and in the garden.

Cooking

-        Only heat the amount of water you need.

-        Use boiled water immediately rather than leaving it a while and then re-boiling.

-        Put well-fitting lids on pans.      

-        Keep heat on base of saucepan, do not let flames lick the sides of the pan.

Transport

-        Consider using public transport, walking, or cycling for your journey if it is practical to do so.

-        Turn off car engines if in a traffic jam or stationary for more than 2 minutes.

-        Keep the car engine properly tuned - this saves petrol and decreases emissions, through ensuring maximum efficiency.

-        Ensure tyres are correctly Inflated.

-        Don't drive too fast - exhaust emissions rise dramatically in cars travelling over 55 mph.

-        Car share if possible and only undertake necessary journeys.

Shopping

-        Plan your shopping, as much surplus food is thrown away - do you really need everything you buy?

-        Avoid buying products which are over-packaged.

-        Reduce unwanted junk mail - join the Mailing Preference Service.

-        Take your own re-usable bag with you to the supermarket.

-        Try to use returnable or reusable containers.

-        Buy goods in refillable containers e.g. washing powders etc.

-        Avoid disposable goods where not necessary e.g. disposable razors.

-        Can it be repaired? Think before you bin!

-        Donate rather than dump e.g. through jumble sales or charity shops.