According to Energy Watch, the average household annual fuel bill this winter will be over £1,000.

This is, for many, a large dent in their income. Can we do anything about it? How can we try to minimize this impact?

Fortunately, there are many things we can do some of which do not cost a penny. For example, our everyday actions such as making a cup of tea can affect the size of our bill.

Simple solutions

For example, only filling the kettle with the amount of water you need is very simple and can save you money. Closing curtains at dusk can help keep heating in the room and not escape through the windows. Turning lights off in rooms we are not using also saves money as well as not leaving appliances such as TV's, video's, stereos on stand-by. These simple actions all add up and can help keep fuel price increases at bay.

These ideas are just a small sample of what local residents have been learning through joining an EcoTeam. In addition to these simple changes, EcoTeam members look at what they can do to their houses such as install loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and as well as look at the range of solid wall insulation measures.

EcoTeams are groups of local people who meet and work together to see how they can both reduce their household bills as well as cut their environmental impact. Following Global Action Plan's 5 month programme, residents have been working through various topics including energy use in the home, to share ideas and tips on how they can cut their energy use.

Each EcoTeam is led by a local volunteer who is been trained and supported by Global Action Plan. This includes a handbook and all the resources required to deliver a meeting.

The programme works! On average, EcoTeam members have reduced their rubbish by 20% and cut their gas use by 20.8%. This has meant that they have saved on average £148 per year on their household energy bills as well as lessened the threat of climate change.

The EcoTeams programme is being funded by Broxtowe Borough Council, Gedling partnership, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham Green Partnership to help residents reduce their impact on climate change as well as cut household fuel bills.

Global Action Plan is an environmental charity and is a member of the local Climate Action Nottingham Network (CANN). This is a network which links different organisations who are all working to combat climate change. The network campaigns on local issues affecting climate change as well keeps members informed of what local projects and events are being run to help climate change.

If you are interested in becoming an EcoTeam team leader in Nottingham, please ring 0115 978 4697 or email: nottingham@globalactionplan.org.uk for further information.

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