Tag: energy saving

Counting on … day 109

17th May 2024

When setting out to live a green lifestyle, energy features large – particularly energy with a large carbon footprint. When we had a lump sum on my husband’s retirement, we invested in solar panels, double glazing and cavity wall insulation which have all been worthwhile. Having solar panels encourages us to do the laundry when the sun is shining so that the power we generate directly powers the washing machine. 

We also invested in two clean-burn woodburning stoves for winter warmth. These used wood we collected locally – pallets from skips and trees that have been cut down locally by a friendly tree surgeon (cutting them into short manageable sections). We have a shed where the wood can be dried and stored. One stove on its own can warm much of the living space in the house. However we are now reluctant to use them as current research suggests that the harmful particulates produced are significant. 

We tend to keep the thermostat low (gas boiler) around 16-18C,  and instead to wear extra layers, and use a small fan heater to heat one room rather than the house. We are currently planning to replace the boiler with an air to air heat pump. By cutting back on showers and using the kettle for washing water, we obviate the need to use the boiler for heating water – instead running the emersion for a weekly shower. 

Further readings – https://greentau.org/2022/06/22/eco-tips-living-sustainably-with-electricity/

Counting on … day 14

14th January 2024

Turn off lights and appliance when not in use

During the oil crisis of the 1970s there was a widespread encouragement to switch of the lights and save energy.  Nowadays – perhaps because LED light bulbs make the cost of light cheaper – we seem to have forgotten that easy energy saving action. LED bulbs are definitely the most efficient way of lighting our homes, but even so the  Energy  Saving Trust says “Always turn lights off when leaving a room. The quickest way to start saving is just remembering to turn lights off when you don’t need them. The typical household could save almost £25 a year just by switching off the lights as you leave the room.”

For more information on using LEDs visit their website – https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/lighting/

The Energy Savings Trust also estimate that we can save around £55 a year turning appliances off rather than leaving them on standby mode. Ovo Energy refers to this wasted energy as vampire power!  Find out more at – https://www.ovoenergy.com/guides/energy-guides/save-on-standby-energy

Counting on … day 353

18th October 2022

Maxpixel

Despite recent rain, forecasters predict that the UK will still be feeling the effects of this years dry summer in 2023 with farmers having to rethink what crops they grow using less water. Whilst  domestic use is only a small portion of total water consumption, it is still important that we treat water in our homes as a precious resource and conserve it. 

Both to save water and to save energy, we have switched from daily to weekly showers with a flannel wash on other days – I don’t think we smell!

Counting on … day 350

15th October 2022

Baking without using the oven. Ovens use a lot of energy, so  if you can avoid using them it helps reduce your carbon footprint. Instead you can use a heavy frying pan as a griddle and bake foods such as Welsh cakes, soda farls and potato farls, drop scones, griddle scones and Staffordshire oatcakes. 

Welsh cakes

250g plain or half and half plain and wholemeal plus baking powder

75g vegan butter

75g currants/ raisins

1 tbsp chia seeds soaked in a cup of hot water

1 tsp Nutmeg

A little oat milk

Lightly oil a flat based frying pan and set over a medium heat to warm up.

Rub the butter into the flour and add the remaining ingredients using enough oat milk to bind to a dough. Roll out about the thickness of a thumb and cut into rounds. 

Place the rounds into the pan. When they are browned on one side turn them over. 

Counting on …. day 303 

8th September 2022

Environmentally kind resolutions include greening our energy use. This could be switching to a green energy supplier; swopping all light bulbs with an LED equivalent; being conscious of how much energy we use and reducing by turning appliances off when not in use, and use them for shorter periods of time. The work of kitchen aids – such as cake mixers and coffee grinders can be done by hand – and the work of vacuum cleaners especially on hard surfaces can be done with a brush; hair can be rubbed dry with a towel; daily showers can be alternated with a good basin wash. 

This month, compared with the same month last year, we have consumed 90% less gas and 50% less electricity.

 Counting on …day 257

26th July 2022

The Guardian reports that plans are ahead to make it illegal for shops to run the air conditioning whilst there doors are open, and already a by law exists in Paris resulting in  €150 fines. Can we ask our local authorities to take action too?

French retailers have agreed to switch off illuminated signs when their premises close for the day.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/25/france-air-conditioned-shops-doors-shut-energy-saving?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Counting on …. Day 172

4th May 2022

If you are still looking for ways to reduce your gas consumption in response to the invasion of Ukraine, and  use gas to heat your hot water, there are several ways you do this. 

  • If you wash up in a bowl,  rather than drawing hot water that’s been heated by the boiler, use a kettle. One kettle is usually enough.
  • Reduce the number of showers you take – begin by showering one day and have a basin wash the next. Skin doesn’t get as dirty as we think. 
  • When you shower reduce the time under the shower – 5 minutes is a good target.
  • Wash your hands with cold water – it is just as effective at removing germs. What is important is lathering the soap and rubbing all parts of your hands.