Green FAQ's
Once you have a greener mobile phone you don’t have to stop there, if you follow some of these helpful pointers you’ll be helping all the more, hurrah.
Switch off your lights. Always switch off the light when you leave a room and only have them on when the ambient light level is so low as to require it. Switch to energy saving light bulbs (CFLs). Buy and fit good quality energy-saving light bulbs CFLs also last up to 15 times longer, so save money and minimise waste!
Turn the thermostat down. Turning your thermostat down by just 10C could cut your heating bill by ten per cent. You should also keep furniture away from radiators as the foam in upholstered chairs and sofas acts as an effective heat insulator, stealing your heat.
Look after your appliances. Lime scale makes them less efficient, requiring more energy to heat the water. An easy, environmentally-friendly way to remove lime scale is to leave a little vinegar in the kettle overnight. Maintain your washing machine by adding 200ml of vinegar to an empty 60°C cycle every couple of months.
Insulate your home. Homes cause around 30% of all carbon emissions in the UK. Heat escapes through windows, walls and roofs. Insulating lofts can be done quickly and cheaply and makes a huge difference. Many power companies offer grants. Single-glazed windows are also a huge source of heat-loss. It is possible to install secondary double glazing which is often more effective than primary double glazing, behind your existing windows. Cavity wall insulation is a good thing to consider. You will feel the difference on Day One.
Use solar-powered alternatives. Going solar powered does not mean you have to cover your home in solar panels, although roof-mounted photovoltaic and thermal cells are a good option. You can switch a few everyday items, such as mobile phone chargers, torches, radios etc to solar-powered alternatives and help cut carbon emissions and reduce your electricity costs.
Switch off your appliances. Leaving your TV, PCs and other household items on standby can use almost as much electricity as if they were in use. If in doubt, switch off at the plug. You should also unplug chargers leaving them plugged in, they can use up almost as much energy as when they are not actually charging.
Load up the washing machine. Only put full loads in the washing machine and use the lowest setting possible. Today’s washing powder more than adequately cleans your clothes on a 40°C cycle, saving up to three quarters of the cost of the hottest cycle.
Get green in the garden. A compost heap produces a nutrient rich soil using natural waste, such as left over food, helping to reduce what goes to landfill. You can also install solar-powered garden lights and shed lights. Take advantage of the sun!
The Sun is the most readily available source of heat there is; and it's free! Hanging clothes out to dry on sunny days, instead of using the tumble dryer or a radiator is a great way to take advantage of the earth's natural heat source.
