Living more sustainably

Jump to:

• Running your home more efficiently
• Using less water
• Reducing waste
• Travelling sustainably
• Enhancing green space and protecting wildlife
  
  

Running your home more efficiently

We've set up a dedicated Energy Hub to help you get the most out of your energy supply and save some money.

Find information and links on heating your home, saving money on energy bills and more.

Using less water

Water scarcity is a real issue across the UK, and water efficiency is a big part of the solution.

Being a bit more careful with your water use can help lower your bills and carbon footprint. Using less water also keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for wildlife such as otters and fish.

Here are some tips for saving water:

• Put a large bottle of tap water in the fridge to save running the tap and waiting for it to go cold.
• Only fill the kettle with the amount you need.
• Put lids on saucepans to reduce the amount of water lost during heating, which will also save energy.
• Only run full loads when using your dishwasher and washing machine. You can also use a washing up bowl if washing by hand to reduce the amount of water and capture it to water your plants with afterwards.
• Use the shower instead of the bath – an average bath uses 80 litres of water, but a shower uses between six and 45 litres of water.
• Use water saving devices - water companies often provide free or discounted devices like water butts. These catch large amounts of rainwater which you can use this to water your plants or wash your windows.
• Don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth.

Reducing waste

Recycling and reusing are key to minimising how much waste we produce at home.

Items such as clothing can be mended rather than being thrown away. The same applies to any old furniture that might need freshening up and is a great way to get creative!

There are lots of social media sites like Freegle where people give away unwanted items for free to save them going into landfill. 

When reusing isn’t an option, recycling is the next best thing. There are lots of local recycling initiatives and supermarkets are now taking harder-to-recycle items such as crisp packets.

You can check what items to recycle, and where, using the Recycle Now website. 

Food waste

Each year in the UK, we throw away 6.6 million tonnes of household food. Reducing how much food you throw away will save you money and make a big difference to your carbon footprint. 

• Only buy what you need and plan your meals, especially with food that has a short shelf life.
• Make good use of your freezer space – this includes storing leftovers where possible.
• Start composting your vegetable waste, or make stock.
• Pick wonky fruit and veg - it all tastes the same, but a lot of “ugly” veg is thrown away!

Plastic waste

Plastic waste often ends up in landfill and poses a threat to wildlife. Plastic packaging is often unavoidable, but there are things we can do to cut down on unnecessary plastic.

• Bring your own shopping bags, coffee cups and reusable bottles when you’re out and about.
• Most supermarkets have recycling facilities for soft plastics.
• Say yes to lower packaging options - lots of companies now offer lower packaging options such as refillable hand soaps and tablets to put in water to make cleaning sprays.
• Opt for products that don’t have packaging altogether.
• Using reusable Tupperware or beeswax wraps instead of cling film to store food.
  
  

Travelling sustainably

See simple steps we can all take to make our journeys more sustainable.

You'll also find information on Android and Apple apps that can help you travel more sustainably. 

As part of their planning consent, we are required to publish sustainable travel plans for some our developments. Here you'll also find these documents.

Enhancing green space and protecting wildlife

There are ways you can act against climate change in your own garden or local greenspace.

• Plant more greenery or growing a mini meadow – both are fantastic for wildlife.
• Instead of a fence, choose a hedge. Hedges allow wildlife to move about between gardens and absorb water, heat and CO2.
• Take part in No Mow May and let your lawn grow – this helps wildlife and tackles pollution.
• Avoid artificial grass as it pollutes the environment and cannot be recycled. It also can increase the chance of overheating around your home.
• Maximise ventilation and shading around your home to help keep your home cooler on warmer days.
• Avoid gardening tools that use fossil fuels to run – there are battery options instead.
• Use peat-free compost and avoid using weed killers.