How can I teach my child to save energy around the home?

Having an energy-efficient home is beneficial in many ways. Saving energy can mean you spend less money on household bills. It also has a positive impact on the environment.

If you want to teach your child habits for saving energy, think about some of the following.

• Teach them about renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Renewable sources include solar power, wind power (turbines), and hydropower (dams). Non-renewable sources include coal, natural gas, and oil. These can run out. They also add greenhouse gases to the environment and increase global warming.
• Teach them early. The younger they are when they learn about saving energy, the more natural it will be to them.
• Set an example. If your children see you saving energy, they will follow. It will be another routine in your household.
• Tell them about young environmentalists. Recently, lots of children and young people have been campaigning about the environment. There have been protests and strikes across the world, partly inspired by Greta Thunberg. Teach your child about some of the people their age who are passionate about the environment. This might help encourage them to pay more attention to their own energy use.

The Simple Energy Advice questionnaire can give you tips based on your home. This could help you save energy and reduce your bills.

As your child grows, teach them some habits to save energy around the home:

• Switch off the lights when they leave a room.
• Turn off the tap when they’re not using it. For example, when brushing teeth, or washing hands.
• Put on a jumper and thick socks instead of turning the heating on.
• Ask them to close the door behind them when they come inside.
• Switch off the television and any consoles when they’re not using them. Use the ‘shut down’ function on your computers and laptops.
• Turn off or unplug electrical items when finished with them. Some devices use energy even when they aren’t on. For example, the kettle, your phone chargers, lamps and fans.