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How many long-life light bulbs does it take to change the world? Just one. Kieran Wyatt looks at all the ways you can save energy, money and the world, from the comfort of your own home

The green home

Every day, headlines scream the relentless messages: global meltdown! Flood! Farming crisis!

Mozambique women are stranded in trees giving birth, half of Kent seems submerged annually, a generation of Australians discover skin cancer. Livestock are slaughtered by the thousand.

It is easy to feel horrified, but dislocated. After all, what can we do? And in-depth analysis of ozone layers, carbon dioxide emissions and organophosphates are unappealing, if not beyond us.

But everyone can make a difference, whether through work or at home. You don’t need to bury your head in the increasingly hot sand and wait for Armageddon.

Making changes to your life at a personal level also lets you reap the benefit of what you’ve done. From food to heating to energy, there are many ways in which you can make your own home ‘greener’ and save money. Oh, and it may just help stave off that next flood too.

Switching to green energy
This is one of the easiest and most painless ways of helping the environment. Green electricity is produced from renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro or solar power and biomass or landfill gas. In the UK you can choose to buy green electricity from one of 15 suppliers who offer it as part of their portfolio ­ all it takes is a phone call. Go to www.greenprices.co.uk and compare prices for the supply of green energy in your area.

Better boilers
Condensing boilers are the most environmentally friendly boilers available. They are designed to recycle heat, reduce heating bills and minimise the emission of polluting greenhouse gases.

The Big Green Boiler Scheme is a UK-wide environmental initiative backed by the government and 40 local authorities. You can buy gas and oil condensing boilers at discount prices through the scheme, no matter if you are a private home owner or live in social housing. The boilers are suitable for most properties, are long-lasting and more efficient than conventional boilers. More info from www.green-boilers.co.uk

Low-energy light bulbs
Energy-saving light bulbs can reduce the amount of electricity used by 80%. Although they are more expensive than standard bulbs they last much longer ­ sometimes 12 years! The savings in electricity bills and replacement light bulbs can amount to hundreds of pounds.

The website www.house.co.uk is currently running a special offer on energy-efficient light bulbs, where you can save up to 80% off the typical shop price. The bulbs also come with a five-year guarantee ­ if yours fails within five years it will be replaced for you free of charge.

Solar energy
The latest technological developments mean that even households in a cold and cloudy country such as the UK can take advantage of solar energy. The technology comes in many shapes and forms, from traditional roof-mounted solar panels to photovoltaic tiles which look just like ordinary roof slates.

And if a household generates more electricity than it needs, it can sell back the excess to the utility company. It is possible for a well-equipped household to not only have zero electricity bills but to actually make a profit year after year. More information from the UK Solar Energy Society

Insulating your home
In a typical British home, around one-third of the heat produced by a central heating system is rapidly lost through the roof, ceiling and walls. But simple insulation measures can eliminate this loss almost completely.

Mineral wool, fibreglass and recycled paper products all work well in lofts and can be done by a contractor or DIY. Internal insulation of walls can be done on a room-by-room basis although external insulation usually needs planning permission and should only be carried out by specialist companies. Draughtproofing, secondary or double glazing can help with doors and windows. More information from www.natenergy.org.uk/insulat.htm

An organic way of life
Three out of every four households in the UK now buy organic food. Organic farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile soil and growing a mixture of crops. Animals are reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming. In light of the concerns over genetically-modified crops and livestock diseases, organic food is increasingly looking like the healthy option.

All organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules. Look for the Soil Association symbol on packaging. And for many, going organic isn’t just about organic food ­ it’s a way of life. Organic wood, clothing, gardening products and even restaurants can all be found. More information from www.soilassociation.org

Contact the article's author Kieran Wyatt