- Fix dripping taps – one dripping tap could fill a bath a week!
- Install a water meter to help you monitor water use – free of charge from your water company.
- Don’t leave taps running when brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
- Showers use much less water than a bath – typically 30 litres compared with 110 litres – but power showers can use as much as a bath.
- Use a bowl if you only have a small amount of washing up.
- Dishwashers use a lot of energy and water so only use them when they are full and use energy/water saving options if possible. Look for the most energy efficient models when buying new – visit Sust-it.net
- Wait until you have a full load before using the washing machine – each wash can use over 65 litres of water.
- Use a cooler temperature when washing clothes – modern detergents are designed to be effective at 30°C or 40°C.
- If you are going to buy a new washing machine or dishwasher choose one that is both water-efficient and energy-efficient. Check how many litres of water and how much energy they use per wash see Sust-it.net.
- Washing the car (if you have one) with a hose uses up to 90 litres of water in ten minutes – that is a lot of buckets.
- Get a water butt to collect rainwater for your garden – see the gardening section section for more hints.
Flooring, furniture and furnishings
- Consider repairing and restoring items rather than replacing them.
- Look for second-hand items, in charity shops, from auctions, join Freecycle or ask around.
- Consider the environmental impact of new items before deciding to buy them.
- If buying cork tiles make sure they are not PVC coated or buy unsealed ones and seal them yourselves.
- Ask suppliers and retailers about the environmental impact of their products and their policies regarding chemical pollutants, the environment and social responsibility generally.
Fridges and freezers
- Site your fridge and freezer in a cool (but not very cold) position – not next to the cooker!
- Don’t leave the door open and make sure the seals are tight.
- Keep your fridge temperature setting between 3°C and 5°C; settings lower than this are wasting energy.
- Don’t overstock your fridge! Make sure it is no more than three quarters full, that way cool air circulates more easily.
- Clean the condenser coils at the back of the fridge – if dust builds up it can waste up to 30% more energy.
- If buying a new fridge or freezer go for a really energy efficient one – check the European Energy Label – A++ is the best. And visit Sust-it for up to date running costs.
- Don’t leave any of your machines in standby mode; switch off at the mains when not in use.
- Repair things when they break rather than throwing them away.
- Check the energy consumption of any new appliances you are thinking of buying, including how much energy they use on standby. See Sust-it for the most energy efficient models.
- Go for a smaller TV screen.
- Invest in a wind-up radio.