Energy                                          contact    briankazer@hotmail.com

How can we reduce our dependence on all the energy guzzling 'labour saving appliances' that now fill our homes?

.

Is it better to heat our houses at 20 degrees or keep them at 18 degrees?

.

Have you found yourself using the tumble dryer on a summer's day?

.

Ideas:

.

Big ones - reduce dishwasher and dryer dependence. Make a commitment to hanging your clothes out when possible and do the washing up (or get the kids to do it).

.

Reduce your thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees

.

Insulate your house properly. There are grants available for this.  Check out the energy saving trust for information on insulation and grants. Grants are available for mineral wool insulation installed through approved installers, or you can buy rolls of discounted insulation cheaply at DIY sheds.

.

Spruce up your kitchen appliances: defrost, descale

.

Get a power meter to check your appliance consumption. One available on loan from Metcalfe's, High Street, Tring.

.

Check out energy saving lightbulbs - Metcalfe's have a light bulb library so you can 'try before you buy'

.

Use UK charcoal for your BBQ rather than standard imported tropical charcoal.

Firms such as Four Seasons Fuel 01403 783379 mail order bags, or BioRegional HomeGrown® Charcoal is available is some Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores.

.

Lots more ideas at  www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/

HOME     FOOD      WASTE      ENERGY      TRANSPORT      TOURISM