Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap, to cut water use. Use the leftover water for your houseplants or patio pots.

If you need to use a tumble drier, make sure you use a full load and keep the lint filter clean. It will keep your machine working more efficiently saving energy while also reducing any risk of fire.

Make the most of your oven. Filling an oven and batch cooking meals can save energy and money. If you share your home with others, planning meals and eating collectively can help build relationships whilst saving both energy and money.

Using lids on your pans when cooking will save energy and help heat the contents quicker.

Switch off radiators in any rooms you are not using regularly and keep internal doors shut to save energy.

Use a microwave. Generally a microwave oven is the most efficient way to heat up and cook food.

Smart meters help you track your energy use in pounds and pence. They can help educate you and your family to reduce your energy bills.

Check the programmer on your heating and hot water to make sure the timings match your needs. If you don’t have a seven-day programmer fitted consider getting one.

Giving your plants’ roots a good soaking once or twice a week in dry weather is much better than lightly watering them every day because most of that water just evaporates away. However, new plants do need regular watering until they are established.

Hanging out clothes to dry will save you energy and money over using a tumble drier.