UTES

These simple actions will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but can even contribute to a healthier lifestyle and save you money.

At Home & for Business

• Don’t leave appliances on standby.
  Remember to switch off electrical appliances such as TVs, stereos and DVD players by the main power button. Don’t just leave it on standby.
• Install at least 3 energy saving lightbulbs.
  These can last up to 12 times longer than average lightbulbs, produce 50kg less CO2 and could save up to £100 over the bulbs’ lifetime.
• Buy energy saving appliances.
  Look out for the ‘energy saving recommended label’ and choose energy ‘A’ rated white goods.You can also choose a renewable energy supplier that offers a 'green tariff' scheme.
• Insulate your home.
  Installing roof and wall insulation can save you up to £400 per year in energy costs. Draft excluders and double glazed windows will also help conserve energy. Grants may be available to help insulate your home and it could cost much less than you think.
• Turn your thermostat down by 1ºC.
  This could cut your heating bills by 10% and you probably won’t even notice the difference!

When Travelling

• Use public transport when you can
  Motorists who drive 100 miles a week generate 1,872kg of CO2 a year. Train or bus commuters travelling the same distance create just 520kg.
• Walk or cycle for short journeys
  Walking is the body's most natural exercise. It's safe, simple and cost free. Cycling is also good exercise and one of the few methods of transport which is carbon-neutral.
• Lift share with friends, neighbours or colleagues
  Car sharing can reduce transports costs by £1000 a year. It also reduces congestion and pollution.
• Choose a car with good fuel efficiency
  This will save you money on fuel costs as well as reducing emissions.
• Turn off your car engine when waiting
  This will help to reduce the amount of fuel your car uses.

When Shopping

• Look for the energy saving label when buying electrical goods
  When buying new electrical goods look for the energy saving label. Energy efficient models can use up to half as much energy as alternative models.
• Take the bus or train
  This one act will ease congestion and cut your carbon footprint.
• Buy products with the least amount of packaging
  Most food packaging material uses some petroleum-based plastic. Recycle or reuse the packaging materials that you do end up buying.
• Bring your own bags
  Reuse plastic bags as much as possible or take along cloth bags when you do your shopping
• Buy products made from recycled materials
  Kitchen towels, toilet tissue and bin liners are just a few products that can be made from a percentage of recycled materials – look out for these versions on the shelves.
• Buy locally produced food
  Fill your shopping basket with local produce – it will be fresher as it has travelled less distance to get to the shop
• Buy products made from recycled materials
  Kitchen towels, toilet tissue and bin liners are just a few products that can be made from a percentage of recycled materials – look out for these versions on the shelves.
• Buy rechargeable batteries to use in toys, torches and portable music players
  
  Although rechargeable batteries initially cost more than disposable ones, they can be re-used hundreds of times.
• Buy to last
  
  Try to buy things that will last longer - they will not have to be replaced so often.