Simple steps to a greener life

AFEW simple changes can help save the planet, slash your energy bills and make your home more eco-friendly. Here are some ideas to consider:

Consider investing in solar panels. They can be a bit pricey to install, but make longterm savings. You can also use the energy generated in your home but, under a “tariff” system, sell it on to the National Grid.

Install underfloor heating. Wall radiators not only look ugly but they’re less efficient than underfloor heating, which is especially suited to bathrooms.

Insulate your loft using natural or recycled materials where possible. Homeowners should recoup the cost of loft insulation, about £250-£300 in a standard house, within two to three years.

Use locally-sourced building materials and tradesmen. A builder who lives down the street is better for the planet than one who has driven 30 miles.

Buy furniture made from recycled materials or from second-hand and charity shops rather than buying it new.

If renovating or building, insist that your builder reduces waste and recycles rather than sending material to landfill or into a skip.

Fill cavity walls with insulation. Uninsulated cavity walls can be almost as wasteful as uninsulated lofts.

Replace single-glazed windows with double-glazed ones.

Choose wood-framed windows rather than UPVC or metal. They are easier to repair, more insulating, last a lifetime and are less polluting than the cheaper UPVC (unplasticised poly vinyl chloride), from which many domestic window frames are made, which emits toxic compounds.

Keep your boiler serviced and upgrade it to a more efficient model if possible.

Replace old-style bulbs with energysaving ones.

Add thick curtains to windows or doors rather than flimsy blinds.

Lower your thermostat and check the temperature of your hot water. Just reducing the thermostat setting by a few degrees can lead to significant savings.

Block draughts around doors, chimneys and windows. Padded draught-excluders may not look good, but they do their job.

Most kettles use a ridiculous amount of electricity so why not buy an eco-kettle? They are much more energy efficient.

Don’t spend ages in the shower. Fit a water-saving showerhead; you will save more energy if you opt for an aerated or low-flow showerhead.