What can I do?

Simple things we can do to make sure we save energy

Every day we can cut down on the amount of energy we use. Why not play the 'Happy House' game to see how much energy you can save? The list below gives you some hints on how to save energy.

• Switch off electrical appliances, including TVs and computer monitors, when not is use rather than leaving them on standby.
• Don't leave lights on when they are not needed.
  
  Do A Little
  Change a Lot
• Buy energy efficient appliances (including light bulbs). 'A' rated products are the most efficient and 'G' rated products are the least efficient.
• Don't boil a whole kettle full of water for just one cup of tea.
• Take a shower instead of a bath.
• Don't have the central heating thermostat up higher than necessary.
• When using the washing machine use a 40°C wash cycle rather than 60°C - you will use a third less electricity.
• When using the dishwasher or washing machine wait for a full load, or to use the economy cycle if the machine has one.
• Save energy when using a tumble dryer, avoid trying to dry really wet clothes - wring or spin dry them first. Not only will clothes dry faster, it will help save money.
• Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows.
• Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge; allow it to cool down first. Defrost your fridge regularly as this will help keep it running efficiently.
• Always remember to put the plug in a basin or sink. Leaving hot water taps running without the plug is wasteful and expensive.
• Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker, and keep lids on when cooking. Don't use more water than you need.
• Ask your parents, or whoever takes care of you, if the hot water tanks and pipes in your house are lagged properly.
• Encourage your parents, or whoever takes care of you, to invest in improved insulation if they are able to, including loft insulation, draught proofing and double glazing. Replacing old, unreliable boilers also saves money.
• 
  Scottish Environment
  Protection Agency
  (SEPA)
  Find out if your parents, or whoever pays the bill, buys their electricity from a renewable source. Renewable energy produces small amounts of carbon dioxide and is better for the environment.
• Recycle things in your house rather than just throwing them away. Bottles, newspapers, cans, carrier bags and many more things can be easily recycled. Many supermarkets, local authority recycling centres and some schools have bottle, newspaper, and aluminium can banks. You can contact your local authority to find out locations of recycling centres and availability of any collection schemes.
• If you have a garden, composting vegetable waste from the kitchen as well as garden waste means that your council does not have to collect this waste or dispose of it at landfills. This reduces emissions from collection vehicles and at landfill sites. It also provides useful compost which you can use on the garden.