Hammersmith and Fulham Friends of the Earth gave away over a hundred free low energy light bulbs to local people as part of the community spirit festival and give them the opportunity to find out more about greener energy.

The group had a stall in Kings Mall on Saturday 17th April offering people information about more environmentally friendly energy companies - and giving out free light bulbs to anyone who completed a survey about their home.

The low energy light bulbs have lots of benefits including a £10 saving per year (£68 over a bulbs lifetime) and lasting 12 times longer than a normal bulb. The cost of around £5 is recoverable over six months. If every household installed a three low energy light bulbs the savings would pay for all the street lighting in the UK!

This is just one example of an energy efficient step that could be taken. If you didn't make the stall and would like to find out about the many ways you can save energy and money please call London Energy free on 0800 096 9966.

"A lot of people don't realise that you can save money by being green. The average household could save £200 a year by installing energy efficient measures. ," says the group's Paula White.

In addition to being energy efficient you can also buy your electricity from a supplier of "green electricity" (generated from wind and water and other energy that doesn't use fossil fuels) This helps cut down the pollution that causes climate change. To find which companies are recommended see www.hffoe.co.uk, (Climate page)

This may cost you a few pounds a year more than a conventional supplier. But if you can afford it, it is a cheap way to an easier conscience when you turn on the light or put on the kettle. Signing up is easy - just ring them and give them your details and they can do the rest.

"Climate change is happening, and its happening quickly. If it carries on like this, we can expect polar bears and many penguin species to be extinct in a few decades. Climate change is caused by the things we do - using electricity generated from coal, oil and gas; using petrol and diesel in our vehicles and kerosene in aircraft; burning gas to heat our buildings. So the good news is, we can help slow it down by changing our behaviour" say Paula White.

More info:

saveenergy.org.uk

Energy Efficiency Web site