Practical Energy-Saving Tips
We all know tumble dryers use a lot of electricity — but did you know your kettle can too, especially if you fill it with more water than you need? With energy prices high, understanding which appliances cost most to run can help you make smarter choices.
Appliance Running Costs
| Appliance | Typical Use | Current Annual Cost | From October |
|---|---|---|---|
| LCD TV | 6 hrs/day | £130 | £236.60 |
| Fridge Freezer (A spec) | 24 hrs/day | £115 | £209.30 |
| Tumble Dryer | 148 uses/year | £105 | £191.10 |
| Electric Hob | 424 uses/year | £85 | £154.70 |
| Kettle (1L water) | 1,542 uses/year | £48 | £87.36 |
- Switch to LEDs: Save up to £230 a year and enjoy longer-lasting bulbs.
- Boil only what you need: Don’t fill the kettle to the top unless necessary.
- Fill your dishwasher: Run it only when full and at the lowest temperature.
- Dry clothes naturally: Use an outdoor line or indoor rack where possible.
- Choose A-rated appliances: They cost less to run and last longer.
- Consider solar panels: Rising electricity costs make them increasingly worthwhile.
Sure! Here is an A–Z of Sustainability written in a clear, website-friendly style. Each entry is one concise line, ideal for a glossary or introductory section.
A–Z of Sustainability
A – Adaptation
Preparing communities and systems to cope with the impacts of climate change.
B – Biodiversity
Protecting the variety of life that keeps ecosystems healthy and resilient.
C – Circular Economy
Designing products and systems to eliminate waste and keep materials in use.
D – De-carbonisation
Reducing carbon emissions from energy, transport, buildings and industry.
E – Energy Efficiency
Using less energy to achieve the same outcomes through better design and technology.
F – Food Sustainability
Producing and consuming food in ways that protect soil, water, climate and nature.
G – Green Infrastructure
Natural features like trees, parks and wetlands that support climate resilience.
H – Habitat Restoration
Rebuilding damaged ecosystems to support wildlife and carbon storage.
I – Impact Measurement
Tracking carbon, waste and resource use to guide better decisions.
J – Just Transition
Ensuring climate action is fair and benefits all communities.
K – Knowledge Sharing
Exchanging skills, data and ideas to accelerate environmental progress.
L – Low-Carbon Living
Everyday choices that reduce emissions energy, transport, food and waste.
M – Mitigation
Actions that directly reduce the causes of climate change.
N – Nature-Based Solutions
Using natural systems, like rewilding or tree planting, to tackle climate challenges.
O – Offsetting (Responsible)
Compensating for emissions that can’t yet be avoided—only after reductions are made.
P – Pollution Prevention
Reducing harmful substances in air, water and soil.
Q – Quality of Life
Sustainability aims to improve well being for people today and in the future.
R – Renewable Energy
Energy from sources that naturally replenish—wind, solar, hydro and more.
S – Sustainable Communities
Local areas designed to support people, nature and long-term resilience.
T – Transition Towns
Grassroots movements helping communities shift to low-carbon living.
U – Upcycling
Turning waste materials into higher-value items through creativity and reuse.
V – Volunteering
Local action—hands-on community work that supports nature and climate goals.
W – Waste Reduction
Cutting what we throw away through reuse, repair, recycling and smarter design.
X – Xeriscaping
Low-water landscaping that supports biodiversity and climate resilience.
Y – Youth Engagement
Empowering younger generations to shape a sustainable future.
Z – Zero Waste
Aiming to send no waste to landfill or incineration by redesigning systems.