Make your home eco-friendly

5. Fit aerators to taps. If your taps have a screw thread at their outlet you can fit Neoperl aerators that mix the water with air and give you a fuller flow for less water. If you are buying new taps, ensure they come with aerators fitted. Ask in your local plumber's merchant.

6. Collect rainwater for your garden. A water butt fitted to an external drainpipe will soon fill up and give you a good supply of water for your garden. Make sure the water butt is raised enough to make it easy for you to extract the water.

7. Draught-strip your doors and windows. It is easy to close up all the air gaps around doors and windows using the rolls of self-adhesive flexible strip sold through DIY stores. The difference this makes to your comfort and your heating bills can be remarkable.

8. Recommended' logo. This logo is now only given to appliances that are rated A+ or A++. The Energy Saving Trust has an online database of all the models that are made to this superior level of energy efficiency. They shouldn't cost you more.

9. Use natural, non-toxic detergents and toiletries. Like so much of today's over-processed foods, ordinary detergents are stuffed full of completely unnecessary ingredients. Try out the gentler alternatives available in your local health food store and see which ones you like. This might take a bit of adjustment, so don't be surprised if they don't look, smell or foam in the same way. They will still do a good job.