Rainforest Concern

Reducing your carbon footprint

Simple things you can do immediately:

•    Turn off all lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc. when not in use and do not leave appliances on standby
•    Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C)
•    Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)
•    Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house after you have left for work
•    Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly
•    Clean or replace filters on your air conditioner
•    Fill your dish washer and washing machine with a full load - this will save you water, electricity, and washing powder
•    Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it
•    Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need
•    Do your weekly shopping in a single trip
•    Sign up to a green energy supplier, who will supply electricity from renewable sources (e.g. wind power)
•    Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking public transport wherever possible
•    Check your tires regularly to make sure they are properly inflated
•    Check your car's air filter monthly
•    When it is time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle
•    Try to reduce the number of flights you take and travel by train when possible
•    Do not buy bottled water if your tap water is safe to drink
•    Use water efficiently (turn off the tap when shaving or when brushing your teeth)
•    Buy local fruit and vegetables, or even try growing your own, and don't buy fresh fruit and vegetables that are out of season, they may have been flown in
•    Buy organic food to avoid synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
•    Reduce your consumption of meat
•    Do not buy over packaged products
•    Reuse your shopping bag
•    Reduce waste
•    Recycle as much as possible
•    Use recycled paper and other materials
•    Ditch the plastic!

Things that may take an initial investment but should pay for themselves over time:

•    Fit energy saving light bulbs
•    Install thermostatic valves on your radiators
•    Insulate your hot water tank, your loft and your walls (install cavity wall installation)
•    Replace your old single-glazed windows with double-glazing
•    Limit the amount of water used to flush toilets by switching to dual-flush models or make use of a Hippo or Save-a-Flush (a small bag that, when fitted in the toilet's cistern, can reduce the amount of water in each flush by up to 3.5 litres)
•    Recycle your grey water
•    Deal promptly with dripping taps and costly leaks
•    Replace your old appliances with new ones with energy efficiency rating "A"
•    Replace your old boiler with a new energy efficient condensing boiler
•    Get a home energy audit
•    Get an environmental review and policy for your business
•    Plant a tree!