Some consider climate change to be one of the biggest threats faced by our planet. One of the greatest contributors to climate change are the so called "greenhouse gases"; the most common and plentiful of which is Carbon Dioxide or CO2. CO2 is generated when fossil fuels like gas, oil, and coal are burned to produce energy.

One of the main uses of that energy is to provide electricity and to heat out homes, a fact which probably explains why home-owners contribute to over 40 percent of CO2 emissions in developed countries. Money is not the only thing it costs you to switch on a light. Every piece of wasted electricity or heat has the potential to cause more damage to the environment. However, there are simple ways you can help.

Car: The emissions from cars put another huge strain on the environment, albeit a strain you can help reduce. The most effective way is also the most simple: drive less. Walk to the shops rather than drive, bike to work rather than fight through rush-hour traffic, take the bus or train for a day out in London rather than brave the horrors of the one-way system. Walking is cheaper, easier and healthier than driving- imagine how much money you could save if you weren’t paying for petrol; and if you kept fit by walking rather than paying for the gym. So try it. You might even enjoy it.

Home: One of the British Gas recommended ways to cut the cost of your gas and electricity*, both to you and to the environment, is by installing proper insulation in your walls and loft. The process is surprisingly simple; it’s even done from the outside of you home so you don’t need to worry about cleaning up the mess. The process is very cost-effective -- most reports show that houses earn back the cost of the insulation in the money they save on heating. Also, if you are aged over seventy or on income or disability benefits you could be eligible for free insulation. Simple, obvious measures such as turning off lights and electrical appliances when not in use, installing energy-efficient light-bulbs and wearing an extra sweater in the winter instead of turning up the heating, can also help cut the cost of your bills.

Food Consumption: Surprisingly, even your diet can help the environment. Increased demand for meat has meant increasing numbers of cows, sheep and chickens. In order to find space for all these animals land has to be cleared, meaning trees are being cut down and natural habitats destroyed. Cows are also the biggest producer of methane, an extremely harmful gas, and the huge herds are putting an even bigger strain on the environment. Cutting down on meat and instead eating locally grown, in-season fruit, vegetables and grain can make a huge difference to the environment.

*Take a look at the British Gas website for their latest gas and electricity prices.

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