Carbon offsettingCarbon-saving tips

Eco-friendly products

Reduce your carbon footprint by using low energy light bulbs

Which? tests hundreds of products each year, including eco-products. You could reduce your carbon footprint by following these tips.

• Buy low energy light bulbs – see our low energy light bulbs review for current Best Buys.
• Invest in a Best Buy energy-efficient condensing boiler.
• Insulate your loft using Best Buy loft insulation.
• Cut down the water you use in the garden by installing an irrigation kit such as the Garden Systems 10 Basket Kit from £15. Collect water with a water butt such as the Sankey Beehive model.
• Consider buying a car with lower emissions, such as a Toyota Prius.
• Visit Switch with Which? for a green electricity tariff.

Energy-saving tips

Hang washing out to dry to save energy

• Don’t leave electrical appliances on standby, turn them off completely. A computer monitor left on standby can cost you £30 a year.
• Dry clothes outside whenever possible, rather than using a tumble dryer.
• Only boil the amount of water you need. Boiling a full kettle costs about the same as running a fridge for 13 hours.
• Turning down your thermostat could save you 10% on your heating bill. When you go on holiday, just leave your heating ticking over.
• Recycle paper, cans, plastic and kitchen waste. When you replace your TV, phone or computer, local community groups will appreciate your old one.
• For optimum energy efficiency, keep your fridge and freezer at least three-quarters full.
• Use a low temperature programme, 40 degrees, when you wash clothes - modern washing powders are just as effective at lower temperatures.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• For more energy-saving tips see the Which? guide to using less energy and Energy Saving Trust’s website. For more information on climate change, visit Defra’s website.

Green car insurance

'Green' car insurance policies offset your car’s carbon emissions

Insurance company ibuyeco offsets all your car’s carbon emissions for the year for free, while More Than offsets the first 3,000 miles of carbon emissions. Offsetting the 3,000 miles yourself with More Than’s offset partner, the Carbon Neutral Company, would cost between £7.50 and £14, depending on the project supported.

Ecoinsurance from Co-operative Insurance Services (CIS) offsets 20% of the average car’s emissions and gives motorists the option of using recycled parts when their vehicle is repaired.

If you want to offset your car’s carbon emissions, get quotes from a few Best Buy car insurance providers and compare them with the eco-policies above. The money you save with a Best Buy could be more than enough to offset all your emissions directly with one of the reputable offset companies in the table.

All our Best Buys offer a courtesy car after theft and accident, as well as personal belongings and medical expenses cover. If you do choose an eco-insurer, make sure they offer sufficient cover for your needs.

Prices and details correct on 1 February 2008.