20 everyday steps to greener living

It’s easier than you think to make your home greener. Give every room an instant eco-makeover with our simple but savvy tips.

Go green in the living room

1. Energy-saving light bulbs

Use an energy-saving light bulb and you’ll save up to £7 per bulb (and they last 10 times as long). And remember to switch off the lights when you leave the room.

2. Integrated digital TV

Time for a new digital set-top box? Buy an integrated digital TV (IDTV) instead. It works like a set-top box but doesn’t use a second power supply – the annual £7 saving will pay for a few DVD rentals too.

3. Weed out energy eaters

Use the Owl Wireless Energy Monitor to measure the electricity use of every appliance you own, and follow our tips on using less electricity.

4. Line your curtains

Lined, heavy drapes will provide an extra layer of insulation and stop heat escaping through your windows.

Cook green in the kitchen

5. Use the smallest ring on the hob

Size is everything and using the smallest ring on full power will guzzle up less gas than using the largest on low.

6. Buy energy-efficient refrigeration

Choosing an A+ rated fridge-freezer will save £40 a year. And pack freezers three-quarters full (with newspaper if needs be), so you don’t waste energy cooling air that floods out when you open the door. Tesco direct has a range of energy-efficient appliances.

7. Pick an oven with a fan

Fan ovens are 25 per cent more efficient than conventional models. Choose from a wide selection at Tesco direct.

8. Cover up pans

Popping a lid on a boiling pan will help your food cook faster – that means less energy spent cooking. 

9. Wash your veg in a bowl

You don’t have to let water run to waste, a humble washing up bowl is all you need to save vital drops.

Think green in the hallway

10. Fit a key cover

If you’re not blessed with a porch, make sure any door fittings are fully covered. Draught-proofing throughout your home can save you around £30 every year.

11. Turn down the thermostat

Knocking the temperature down by just 1ºC could bag you an annual £50 saving.

12. Invest in a timer

The lights can be on when you return home at night without you leaving them on all day. You can buy timers at Tesco direct.

13. Fix a dimmer switch

Adjustable lighting set at the lowest level will use less electricity and create that ‘welcome home’ glow.

Be green in the bathroom

14. Reuse your bath water

Let your plants enjoy a good soak by reusing grey water on plant roots (see our guide to using less water in the garden).

15. Wrap up your tank

A hot water tank jacket doesn’t take long to fit but the cost-saving benefits will last for ages – we’re talking £40 every twelve months. Update your insulation with us.

16. Time your showers

Use an egg timer to keep your scrubbing-up sessions short and sweet.

17. Don’t be a drip

Fix leaky taps and find yourself £18 better off every year (if you’re on a water meter) – not bad for the price of a washer.

Rest green in the bedroom

18. Try reflective foil

A few strips behind your radiator will work wonders for your heat efficiency.

19. Go digital

Buy a DAB digital radio, rather than an analogue model, and you’ll use 75 per cent less electricity every year.

20. Keep the main lights off

Make sure you use a bedside light to read and that your mirror is best positioned to reflect natural light.