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Sky Rainforest Rescue

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Dail of washing machine turned down to 40degrees

The current section is: What you can do

If each of us makes one small change together we can make a big difference.

Action at home

We can all do many simple things to reduce our impact on the rainforest and the climate. Most are just small changes, but a lot of little things add up to a big impact.

 

A little effort can go a long way. Why not make a start today?

  • Buy forest-friendly products: Buying timber and paper products with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp gives you peace of mind that the timber has come from well managed forests. 
  • Buy recycled products: Choosing recycled paper for notepads, tissues or toilet paper can help protect primary forest. Recycled materials are also becoming increasingly popular for unique accessories and fashion items.
  • Turn down your thermostat: Turning the heat down by just one degree can slash 10% off the energy used in heating your home, reducing your impact on the climate and cutting your energy bills.
  • Dry your clothes naturally: Tumble dryers use an enormous amount of energy. Hanging your clothes up to dry can save significantly on electricity bills and cut your household emissions.
  • Carry reusable bags: Remember to bring reusable bags on your weekly shop to avoid accumulating mounds of disposable bags and cut waste to landfill.
  • Use auto standby: Sky’s set-top boxes switch to standby automatically, saving customers £20m per year on energy bills and saving 90,000 tonnes of carbon.
  • Improve your loft insulation: Up to a third of your household heat will escape through an uninsulated loft - a big waste of energy and money! You can get a grant for improving insulation from the Energy Saving Trust.
  • Upgrade your boiler: A modern, high-efficiency condensing gas boiler with heating controls is about 10% more efficient than models made 10 years ago. It could also save you around £210 per year.
  • Invest in A-rated appliances: Look for the letter rating when you buy appliances like fridges and cookers - A-rated appliances use the least energy.
  • Sign up for the Sky Rainforest Rescue Schools Challenge: This challenge helps children discover the wonders of the rainforest while providing them with the tools to help reduce their impact on the environment, both at home and at school.

 

Want more great tips on how to reduce your impact on the environment? Visit our websites:

 

WWF: http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/change_how_you_live/

 

Sky’s Bigger Picture: http://www.sky.com/thebiggerpicture