Saving energy at home
Last updated | 15/12/2007
Saving energy in the home
You might be surprised to know that energy use in our homes produces 28% of the UK's carbon emissions.
During the winter, most people are concerned about keeping warm and being able to pay their fuel bills. However, you may not know how much energy is wasted in the home, nor what you can do to save energy all year round by making your home more energy-efficient.
Even a few simple changes can save you money by reducing the energy you use or need in the first place. Here are a few ideas to get you started...
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Contact the Perth & Kinross Energy Efficiency Advice Project for free impartial advice and information to householders on: fuel debt, paying for fuel, domestic energy, damp, condensation and grants for insulation. Tel 01738 476183.
- For more information and specific energy saving tips for your home, check out the website of the Dundee-based Save Cash and Reduce Fuel (SCARF) initiative or contact the Energy Savings Trust (Tel 0845 727 7200) for availability of other grants and advice on energy efficient homes and cars
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Buy green power - many power companies supply electricity from clean, renewable sources
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Cut down on using the car - walk, cycle or use public transport whenever you can, or if you have to use the car, turn off the engine if you are going to be sitting for more than two minutes. Air travel uses large amounts of fuel, so avoid this if at all possible
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - reduce and reuse your waste and use the Council's new waste collection and recycling facilities. If you would like more information on how to reduce your waste, call 01738 476476, or check out the green perthshire's section on waste
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Don't buy peat or plants grown in peat - it is irreplaceable, and when dug up or drained, releases more carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change
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Don't burn household rubbish, as this can release toxic chemicals and carbon dioxide
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Avoid aerosol sprays - even some alternatives to CFC-based sprays are powerful greenhouse gases. Buy pump-action sprays instead
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Buy organic and 'in-season' fruit and vegetables, and local foods to minimise chemical pollution and reduce transport impacts ('food miles')
Saving energy at school
- Visit the Eco-schools Info Centre for more information on how schools can involve parents, pupils and teachers in saving energy
