''Save energy to save money''

22/04/2008

Homeowners who choose to 'go green' can save around £400 a year by making simple changes in their bathrooms and kitchens, energy-efficiency experts have claimed.

Nigel's Eco Store, which sells eco-friendly products, highlighted that becoming more environmentally conscious can result in saving money, as homeowners will use less electricity, gas and water.

Recommending that people embrace new technologies to reduce energy use, which could include solar water heating, the store stressed that UK households account for 25 per cent of the country's carbon emissions.

Nigel Berman, founder of the store, said: "It's something that we need to do for the planet, but we're also doing it for ourselves.

"You can reduce your bills if you take energy saving measures."

He noted small changes, such as using energy-saving bulbs and eco-friendly washing powders, as being able to save money.

The Energy Saving Trust points to larger measures that will help homeowners save money and the environment.

Other measures are recommended by the trust, such as ensuring hot water tanks have adequate insulation, using high-efficiency boilers and adopting renewable energy sources, including solar water heating.