Save Energy, Save Our Favourite Places

We all have a favourite place in the UK. A spot where the beauty, the atmosphere, the climate is just right. But our world is changing because we aren't always as careful as we could be in the way we use energy. To protect the places that matter to us, it's time to think about the way each of us uses energy, and to make positive changes which will have a real impact.

If we all commit to save 20% of the energy we use every day, together we can help prevent climate change. We've selected ten key energy-saving measures that can help you save your 20%. To make your commitment you simply need to commit to take as many of the measures listed below as you can.

You can record your commitment by visiting www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/commit. For more energy-saving tips, visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.

1) Don't leave appliances on standby
We now use twice as much electricity as we did 30 years ago, not surprising when you look at the growing numbers of gadgets we now have in our homes. In fact, each year nearly a billion pounds worth of energy is wasted in the UK by people leaving appliances on standby, So remember to always switch appliances, such as TVs, stereos and DVD players, off standby and don't leave your mobile phone or laptop on charge unnecessarily.

2) Install at least three Energy Saving Recommended bulbs
Invented over 100 years ago, lightbulbs changed the way we live our lives, However, the technology behind them hasn't really changed that much since they were an invented. An incredible 95% of the energy used to light a bulb is actually lost and simply produces heat. An energy saving lightbulb uses up to 80 per cent less electricity than a standard bulb. Yet they both produce the same light.

While they may cost a bit more than ordinary light bulbs (about £3.50 each), they last up to 12 times longer, saving you up to £9 on your annual electricity bill or £100 over the bulb's lifetime! Visit Energy Saving Trust to find out more about energy-saving light bulbs.

3) Only boil as much water as you need
In 1854, the Victorian doctor John Snow proved that cholera was a water-borne disease and recommended that all citizens of London boil their drinking water before use to prevent it spreading. In the first world, cholera has all but been eradicated and electric kettles mean that we have access to boiling water almost instantly. Save energy when boiling water by only boiling as much as you need. If we all did this, we'd save enough electricity to power two thirds of the street lighting in the UK!

4) Buy Energy Saving Recommended appliances
When replacing appliances (for example fridges and washing machines), look for ones displaying the Energy Saving Recommended logo. Energy-saving appliances use less energy and could save you up to £45 a year - that's enough to buy you a family ticket for a great day out at the Tower of London, for two adults and three children! To find out more about energy-saving appliances visit Energy Saving Trust.

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