An energy saving way of life needn't be reserved for those who can afford it, in fact small changes to how you go about your day-to-day tasks will not only benefit the environment, they could solve your financial problems too. Green guru Joanna Yarrow has teamed up with the Energy Saving Trust to show you how

Being environmentally friendly is something most of us aspire to, but often it is thought of as expensive and time-consuming. Instigator of the eco-chic movement, Joanna Yarrow believes that if we all took small, hassle-free measures to reduce our energy, together we could make a big difference and reduce the environmental impact we are currently making.

In the UK alone, we are wasting £7.5 billion worth of energy - that's £125 per person per year. Follow these simple energy saving tips and you could afford that lovely new bag or pair of shoes you've had your eye on, or both!

• Unplug your phone charger when not in use. Even if no phone is attached to it, energy is still being consumed
• When you make yourself a cup of tea, make sure you only boil as much water as you need - and don't fill the kettle to the brim
• When left on standby, electrical appliances use 85 per cent of the energy compared to when they're fully on. So forget the remote and turn the TV off properly!
• In colder times, close your curtains at dusk. This way heat will not escape through the windows, meaning that you won't have to turn your thermostat up to keep cosy and warm!
• Try to dry your laundry naturally where possible - as your tumble dryer uses more energy than any other appliance in your house. Your clothes will last longer too
• Replace normal light bulbs with those which are energy efficient. They use a quarter of the electricity and work for up to 12 times longer so you won't have to change them so often
• When buying electrical gadgets and gizmos, make sure they have the Energy Saving Recommended Logo. For smaller stuff, buy rechargeable batteries!
• Turn your washing machine dial down to 30 degrees. For most day-to-day laundry this is enough to get your clothes clean, and in doing so, you could save nearly half of the energy used in each load. According to research conducted by Ariel, if the whole of the UK turned down to 30 degrees, we would save a huge £170million.

Save £500 in five steps

1. Turn down your thermostat by 1C and reduce your energy bill by 10 per cent, saving the average household £60.
   Running total: £60
2. Install cavity wall insulation and save up to £282 a year to reduce heat loss from your home by 33 per cent.
   Running total: £342
3. Up to 25 per cent of heat is lost through your roof. Save as much as £100 a year by insulating your loft to 25cm.
   Running total: £442
4. By draught proofing your house (sealing gaps in floor boards and skirting boards) you?ll save up to £20 a year on your heating bill.
   Running total: £382
5. Keep water hot for longer in the cold winter months by fitting your hot water tank with an insulating jacket - you'll save around £20 a year.
   Running total: £482

Throw in a couple of energy-saving light bulbs, saving £12 per bulb, and...

Grand total: £500