In this section we provide you with some useful tips on saving energy and ways to reduce and recycle your household waste.

Water-Saving Advice

• A standard shower uses only around 40% of he water required for a bath.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing. A running tap uses over 6 litres of water per minute.
• Ensure taps are properly turned off and if a tap is dripping, change the washer promptly. A leaking tap can waste over 5000 litres of water a year.

Electrical Appliances

• Use energy efficient light bulbs
• Turn off household appliances when not in sue – the still use energy in standby ode.
• When replacing new electrical goods, choose ‘A’ rated models with the energy

Refrigeration

• Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge, it take more energy to cool the contents.
• Defrost your freezer frequently & check all door seals.

Cooking

• Use a pan which is the same size as the cooker ring to prevent heat loss
• Use lidded saucepans to heat up contents faster, with less energy
• Using pressure cookers, steamers and microwaves takes less energy.

Electrical Appliances

• Use a low temperature setting, wash only full loads or use a half-load or economy programme
• In summer, dry clothes outside
• A fully-loaded dishwasher uses less energy and water than washing by hand.

Reduce, Re-use and Recycle

As part of our commitment to promote sustainable living and working, we are always looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill. Similarly, we would like to encourage you to reduce.

All local authorities now have recycling facilities and there is also plenty that householders can do within their home and garden in support of a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reduce

• Do not buy items with excess packaging
• Take your own bags when you go shopping
• Buy concentrated products that use less packaging
• Remove your name from junk mail lists
• Use a compost bin
• Do not buy disposable items if re-usable options exist

Re-use

• Use items again and again i.e. plastic bottles/cups
• Repair broken items
• Re-use envelopes
• Donate unwanted items to charity

Recycle

Use your local authority’s guidelines and/or:
– Glass – Use Bottle Banks
– Clothes – Take to charity shop Tools, Furniture Toys

Visit furniture re-use network

Electronic Equipment
– Donate to charities or schools