HERE’S how to make your home more energy efficient, save money and reduce your carbon footprint:

1. Swap lightbulbs

REPLACE old-style bulbs with energy-efficient ones. They are more expensive (around pounds 1 each), but can last up to 10 times longer and use far less electricity.

2. Scrape the plate

RESEARCH shows that a third of all the food in our fridge eventually gets thrown away so see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com  for great tips on how to recycle food waste. Contact your council for local advice.

3. Wrap up your house

AROUND 15 per cent of the heat in your home is lost through inadequate roof insulation. Do it yourself with a 20cm space blanket from a DIY store.

4. Save hot water

FIX leaking pipes and dripping taps, and treat your boiler to a warm new jacket for around pounds 12, and save a further pounds 20 a year.

5. Cut out paper

SWITCH to direct debits and online billing to avoid bills in the post. Many suppliers offer a discount.

6. Window warmer

PUT up curtains to cut the heat escaping from windows. Add cheap but efficient insulating tape to fill in draughty gaps.

7. Switch off

TURN off electrical appliances instead of leaving them on standby. You’ll save up to pounds 35 a year and cut CO2 emissions. Better still, get a Standby Saver mains adapter and switch everything off with one touch of the remote (see  www.standby-saver.com.uk)

8. Watch the thermostat

REDUCING the temperature setting by just 1degC can make a huge difference and adjusting radiator valves in unused rooms cuts down heat waste even more.

9. Share a bath

TAKE showers instead of baths, which use twice as much water. If you really can’t do without a piping hot bath, try sharing it… with a loved one of course!

10. Catch the sunshine

MORE substantial energy-efficient measures, such as installing solar panels, can be expensive, but you may be entitled to a grant. See www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Source: Sunday Mirror; London By MARIA ZOKAS

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