9 free ways you can invest in our planet (and save money) Apr 20, 2023

You can reduce your carbon emissions right now by adopting these simple habits that help you use less energy in the home.

By adding these small changes to your day-to-day, you can make savings of up to £484 on your annual energy bill - or almost £9 a week.

Looking after the planet and your wallet - what's not to like?

Switching off appliances when not in use

You can save up to £65 by switching off at the plug instead of leaving appliances on standby.

Turn lights off when not in use

We know you've heard this before - but it does make a difference!

You can save up to £25 by making sure you turn the light off when you leave a room.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 14kg - the equivalent to 64 petrol car miles.

Setting your washing machine to 30°C

Washing at a lower temperature and swapping to an antibacterial detergent can save up to £34 - and your clothes are still kept fresh.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 19kg - the equivalent of 87 petrol car miles.

Limiting tumble dryer use

During the warmer months, using a drying rack or washing line instead of your tumble dryer can save you up to £70.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 40kg - the equivalent of 179 petrol car miles.

Turning down room thermostat by 1°

When possible, turning down your thermostat a small amount can save you a huge £145.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 260kg - the equivalent of 1,164 petrol car miles (a road trip from Halifax, West Yorkshire to Naples, Italy!)

Swapping one bath per week to a shower

If you take frequent baths instead of showers, making that swap once a week will save you up to £20.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 36kg - the equivalent of 160 petrol car miles

Limiting shower time

On the subject of showers, reducing time to four minutes can save you up to £95.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 170kg - the equivalent of 762 petrol car miles.

Filling the kettle to the amount you need

Only using the water you need in the kettle, rather filling it up, can save you up to £13.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 7kg - the equivalent of 35 petrol car miles.

Reducing dishwasher use by one run a week

Using your dishwasher one less time each week can save you up to £17.

This will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 10kg - the equivalent of 44 petrol car miles.

Why should I aim to reduce my carbon emissions?

Setting realistic, manageable goals is a good way to reduce your carbon emissions and contribute to a larger, worldwide goal to reduce the effects of climate change and keep our planet healthier for longer.

The actions we take now will make the world a safer place for future generations, and preserve the habitats of endangered wildlife.

Tackling climate change is incredibly important for life as we know it, as it will:

• Protect future generations
• Prevent people from having to relocate
• Reduce mass starvation
• Control rising sea levels
• Reduce the frequency of extreme and dangerous weather
• Protect all life on earth
• Protect the economy and save everyone money

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