It’s not just books available to borrow from your local library these days – Gwynedd’s Libraries Service is working in conjunction with the Gwynedd Environmental Partnership to offer OWL energy monitors on loan from all Gwynedd libraries.
Everyone can make small changes to the way they live their lives for the benefit of the environment, and using less energy around the home is a good start.
The gadgets measure the flow of electricity to the home when electrical appliances are turned on. The information is shown on the monitor in terms of the cost, the amount of C02 emitted and how much electricity is used. This piece of equipment is useful in showing which appliances use the most electricity, and which appliances are on – even if you think they have been turned off.
Since the scheme was launched in June, 28 monitors have been lent to nearly 120 library users, with many saying that the scheme has changed the way they use energy in the home.
Here are the comments of some of the lenders:
“I have been really surprised as to how much energy the kettle used to boil water”…”I have learnt to always turn off the light when I leave the room”…”I have become more aware of which items use the most electricity.”
Statistics show that by monitoring energy use, saving of up to £125 can be made annually on electricity bills, and households can save three quarters of a tonne of carbon.
Nia Gruffydd, Gwynedd Libraries Service’s User Services Manager, said:
“There has been great demand for the energy monitors since we started lending them back in June. I am delighted that users’ comments show that they are easy to use and show how much electricity we use without even thinking about it. Remember the monitors are available to loan for free.”
Huw Davies, Gwynedd Environmental Partnership Chairman, said:
“This project is a great way of raising awareness among Gwynedd residents about the importance of not wasting energy. The monitors can bring about a substantial reduction in how much energy we use from day to day in the home, and also of how much carbon we emit. Carbon emissions can contribute towards climate change – which is something which concerns a number of people these days.”
For more information about this scheme contact Nia Gruffydd, Gwynedd Libraries’ User Service Manager on 01286 679465 or [email protected]
By taking some simple steps, everyone can save energy in the home and make massive reductions in the amount of C02 produced – and make savings on energy bills. Here are some examples of the changes that can be made:
- Always turn off the light when you leave a room
- Change your regular light bulbs for energy efficient ones – they use 25% less energy and last 12 times longer
- Always fill your washing machine or dish washer – a full load uses less energy than two half loads
- Remember to set your washing machine to 30 degrees Celsius
- Line dry your clothes, don’t use a tumble dryer – did you know that drying one load in the tumble dryer can cost between 30 pence and 70 pence
- Don’t leave electrical appliances on ‘standby’ – turn them off completely at the switch in the wall
- Don’t over-fill your kettle – only boil as much water as you need each time
