Oliver Heath tells us how we can make our homes greener

13th February 2007

Do your bit for the environment and check out his great tips

Going green is the hot topic of the moment. So Ben Richards, our Features Writer, went to meet eco-expert Oliver Heath to get some top tips on creating a greener home.

1) Switch to a green energy provider
'My first tip is to find out where your energy provider sources its energy,' says Oliver. 'Try to use an energy provider that uses renewable sources or donates money towards renewable energy sources. Check out www.ecotricity.co.uk as a good provider.'

2) Insulate your home
'Fully insulate your home so that you are not wasting energy on heating. Insulate your loft and cavity walls and make sure you have sufficient draught excluders around the doors,' says Oliver. 'Double glazing is great but fitting it is not that environmentally friendly. I used plastic temporary glazing in my home in the winter, which can be removed for the warmer summer months or consider a window insulating kit. Fit the film over the window frame and seal it using a hairdryer. Try www.doitbest.com, kits cost approx. £5.50.'

3) Make room to recycle
'Visit your council website and check collection times and what exactly can be put in the recycling, as I've found this differs form council to council, 'says Oliver. 'You may have to make a bit of room to store the items, as sometimes collections can be two weeks apart.'

4) Invest in energy efficient products
'Change all your light bulbs to energy saving light bulbs and check that your white goods have an 'A' energy rating. The ratings run from A-F and 'A' graded products will cost slightly more initially, but save you money in the long run as they're more efficient,' says Oliver.

5) Buy an electrisave meter
'Buy an electrisave meter. This is one of my favourite gadgets and only takes five minutes to clip to your electricity meter,' says Oliver. 'It allows you to monitor how much electricity you're using at any given moment, so if you switch a plug on or off, you'll notice a change in the reading. Read it regularly and establish a base level for you home, then it will be easy to check that you're not 'leaking' electricity by leaving things plugged in. Get one from www.ethicalsuperstore.com for £59.'

If you want more great eco ideas visit Oliver at the Ideal Home Show on 9 March at London's Earls Court - www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

And don't forget to log on to our website next week for more great eco tips from Oliver.

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