The Recycle for Cornwall campaign has been developed to raise public awareness of recycling and to provide consumers with a compelling reason to recycle.
The wasteful use of energy, especially when it has come from burning fossil fuels, is causing serious damage to our environment. Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of all types of energy consumption. By using energy more efficiently we can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, reducing the rate of climate change and the damage to the environment; in some cases it can also reduce your waste.
By making simple changes in our everyday lives, we can make significant steps to improve the planet we all share. Lots of energy savings can be made simply by making small changes in our everyday habits, such as switching lights off when they are not needed. Some changes may involve a small outlay to get you started but the best news is that nearly all energy saving choices will not only benefit the environment but also save you money!
Increasing energy efficiency
A survey carried out by Yorkshire Bank has found that one in four home-buyers, and one in three first-time buyers, would not buy a property if it was energy inefficient. Coupled with the fact that the average home energy bill in the UK is now close to £1,000 looking into being more energy efficient isn’t just good for the environment it is also good for your pocket.
If your house is already well insulated and you’re confident you are not ‘leaking‘ energy by having the central heating on and windows open, there are still small things you can do to reduce your energy bills without building a controversial wind farm in the back garden!
Most modern washing machines are just as efficient when washing on low temperatures, using a 40°C wash cycle rather than 60°C means you use a third less electricity.
Whenever possible hang your washing outside to dry instead of using a tumble dryer. This will not only save money and energy but your clothes will smell better too! A colour TV on stand-by consumes as much as 24% of the energy it would take to have it running; blasting the myth that leaving electrical appliances on standby mode uses less energy than turning them on and off. Always switch lights and other equipment off when not in use and try to make the most of the natural light.
If you are replacing a household appliance make sure you opt for an energy efficient model. It is estimated that an energy efficient fridge freezer uses nearly a third of the energy to do the same job as a 10-year-old appliance - that's a saving of up to £35 a year. A distinctive blue and orange Energy Efficiency logo can be found on anything from fridges to tumble dryers, to dishwashers and light bulbs so watch out for it when you’re at the shops.
Measures such as installing low energy light bulbs will also reduce the amount you have to throw away as they last so much longer than standard light bulbs.
It’s cold outside
Cavity wall insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures you can take in the home. It can reduce heat loss through the wall by up to 65% and save £70 to £100 each year. Upgrading the insulation in your home will improve its resale if and when you decide to move house. Smaller savings can also be made by investing in hot water tank jackets which cost around £10 and could save you up to £15 a year.
Insulation is now available from natural or recycled products such as hemp, sheepswool or recycled paper. The insulations require less energy to produce and do not contain any toxic substances so are safe to handle and install yourself. They also have higher thermal efficiency, lowering your need for heating.
Community Energy Plus, can provide free and impartial advice on grants that are available to help insulate and heat your home. Advisors can also give further information on everyday measures to reduce your home energy bills, have a go at the energy saving trusts Online home energy check where in just a few minutes you can quickly identify areas where you could reduce your energy consumption, saving a possible £250 a year on your energy bills, as well as around two tonnes of C02 a year.
Make a difference TODAY
When you replace your light bulbs use energy efficient ones which last up to ten times longer than conventional bulbs and use only a fifth of the energy for the same light output.
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Community Energy Plus CEP Energy Efficiency Advice Centre is available for energy efficiency and renewable energy advice (0800 512 012)
Is your House Energy Efficient?
Whenever possible hang your washing outside to dry instead of using a tumble dryer. This will not only save money and energy but your clothes will smell better too! A colour TV on stand-by consumes as much as 24% of the energy it would take to have it running; blasting the myth that leaving electrical appliances on standby mode uses less energy than turning them on and off. Always switch lights and other equipment off when not in use and try to make the most of the natural light.
Measures such as installing low energy light bulbs will also reduce the amount you have to throw away as they last so much longer than standard light bulbs.