Going further
If you are ready to go a bit further than these simple measures you could:
- install or top up your loft insulation (to 270 cm/10.5 inches)
- install cavity wall insulation and see your energy bills fall
- walk to the local shops instead of driving. This will not only reduce carbon emissions but also improve your health
- walk your children to school. See our Travel Smart pages for more information on getting to school without using the car
- walk to work if you live nearby or travel to work one day per week on public transport or car-share to work if possible. For more information check out the Derbyshire car share (opens in a new window) scheme website.
- change to a green electricity supplier. To find out which is best for you, go to http://www.uswitch.com (opens in a new window)
- choose 'A' rated appliances when buying new white goods, such as washing machines and fridges
- draft-proof all your windows and doors and fill in gaps between the internal floors and walls to reduce drafts
- insulate your hot water tank. Make sure there are no gaps for heat to escape. If your airing cupboard is a place you dry wet washing, it may be too warm and you may be wasting money by letting heat escape
- do a carbon calculation (opens in a new window) of your lifestyle and look at ways you could reduce your carbon footprint even further.