How to be energy efficient in your new student home
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We all want to do our bit for the environment and help reduce our carbon footprint. One of the easiest ways to start is at home!
We include the Fair Use of Energy within all of our rentals, however we understand, for those who have moved away for the first time, this may be difficult to decipher what is Fair Use. So we have provided a few handy tips on how to use your energy wisely.
Switch off unused appliances
When you are not using an appliance, switch it off. And when we say switch it off, we mean off at the wall and not on standby. Items such as TV’s, mobiles and laptops all on standby still use power.
The easiest way to remember to turn them off, is to physically remove the plug from the wall. Once you are in the habit of doing so, you won’t spend your time pondering about if you turned your hair straighteners off properly.
Do you really need the heating on?
With autumn coming, it may start to feel colder during the mornings and evenings. However, before you go and turn the heating on, could adding an extra layer such as a jumper suffice?
Also think about how long are you going to be in the apartment for, if you are getting ready in the morning to go to a lecture, could you stand not putting the heating on for the sake an hour before you leave?
Shower times
Keep shower times sensible. Spending a long time in the shower not only wastes water, but also wastes precious time in your day where you could be doing something more productive.
Also, if you have long hair, it may be a good idea to turn off the shower while putting on shampoo or conditioner.
Kitchen appliances
Try to get into the habit of not overfilling your kettle. If you are brewing up for one cup of coffee, only put in enough water for one.
When using your hob, try and put a lid on your saucepan – your food will boil more quickly and use less energy!
Shop local
Buy locally wherever you can. Locally grown food creates economic opportunities and helps reduce environmental impact. It also helps supports local businesses within your community and gives people the opportunity to make a difference. Win win!
Lots of people also report that they find peace of mind knowing exactly where their food came from and how it was grown.
Walk or cycle when you can
Switching from driving everywhere to walking or cycling, will not only alleviate any costs for parking tickets, fines or trying to find a parking space, but it will also help keep you fit and healthy.
Food waste
Think about how much food you are getting rid of. When you do your weekly shop, write a list and plan all of your meals; this will help you purchase only the ingredients you really need, which in turn will reduce your food waste.
And for the food you need to get rid of, compost it. We have provided a compost area next to the bins at all of our properties in which you can place your food waste so that it does not end up in the general waste bins.
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For more information on energy use, you can also visit:
Energy Saving Trust England
Simple Energy Advice
https://www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk/
Tel: 0800 444202 (Free helpline)
16th Sept 2020