But making even very small changes like these could reduce your gas and electricity
bills – and earn you M&S Energy voucher rewards.
We'll give you a £30 M&S* voucher every year that you lower your energy
usage by 10%.
Switch off home appliances when not in use
- Standby mode uses 90% of the energy required to run a TV, DVD or Hi-Fi.
- Leaving your PC monitor on standby all night wastes enough energy to microwave six
meals.
- Chargers continue to use energy even once your mobile, shaver or toothbrush is fully
charged.
Keep an energy-efficient kitchen
- To save energy when cooking, fill pans with just enough water to cover food, use
a lid and choose the right sized hob ring.
- Cooking in a microwave uses less energy. Toasting bread in a toaster is cheaper
than using the grill.
- Only boil as much water as you need for hot drinks. A clean, limescale-free kettle
is significantly more efficient.
- Using your dishwasher on the economy setting for a full load uses less energy than
washing dishes by hand.
- Defrost your fridge regularly, and check door seals. Place your fridge or freezer
away from any heat sources such as a boiler.
- Fill your fridge only with food that is sufficiently cool and avoid leaving the
door open for any longer than necessary.
Wash clothes the greener way
- Only turn the washing machine on for a full load.
- Washing clothes at 30°C uses 40%# less energy – effectively giving you every third
wash for free.
- Use a modern detergent designed for use at low temperatures – M&S stocks detergent
that washes as low as 15°C.
- Hang washing out to dry or use a clotheshorse or pulley indoors instead of turning
on the tumble dryer.
Save water and energy
- Turn off all taps properly and fix leaks. A dripping hot water tap wastes enough
water over a fortnight to fill a bath.
- A shower uses just one third of the water needed to fill a bath.