A watering can saves more water than a hose

The study, carried out by Future Friendly, P&G’s consumer education programme, found that a quarter of homes still leave their appliances, such as TVs and radios, on standby while only 41 per cent of the nation chooses to buy environmentally friendly household products.

Many of those questioned admitted that they are put off doing things to save the environment because they are expensive and time consuming. More than three quarters said that they would be encouraged to go green if it was cheap and easy to do.

However, going green doesn’t have to be pricey. Here are some quick eco-actions that you can make today:

• Use a ‘bag for life’ to carry your shopping.

• Always switch appliances off at the mains when they are not in use.

• If the weather is warm enough, save energy by hanging your clothes to dry outside.

• Save water by watering your garden using a watering can instead of a hose.

• Support local food producers by buying products locally. You could also consider growing your own fruit and vegetables.

• Consider loft insulation to stop you wasting heat.

• Save energy by turning down your washing machine to 30 degrees.

• Install an energy monitor to make you more aware of the energy that you are consuming.