students going green

You can do your bit for the environment, and save money at the same time, by using some of these top tips:

• Keep it cool - don't overheat your home.  Turn the room thermostat for your central heating down by 1 or 2°C.
  
• Hot water doesn't need to be scalding.  Set your cylinder thermostat to no more than 60°C.
  
• Don't keep your friends waiting.  Take a shower instead of a bath; it uses a third less water and you'll be ready to go out quicker.
  
• Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher have a full load before switching them on.
  
• Don't overfill the kettle.  Heat only the amount you need.
  
• Keep lids on pans when cooking and use just enough water to cover the food.
  
• Change to energy-efficient light bulbs and switch them off when they are not needed.
  
• Close curtains at night to stop heat escaping through the windows.
  
• Don't leave the fridge or freezer door open for longer than necessary, and defrost your freezer regularly so it doesn't have to work so hard.
  
• Avoid leaving appliances on standby or on charge unnecessarily.