Local Agenda 21
Where to buy
Please note these are suggestions and not recommendations.
Lightbulbs
Where to find specialised low energy lightbulbs:
A mail order internet based supplier of lightbulbs, with an extensive range of specialist low energy lightbulbs.
Megaman make a range of very reliable low energy bulbs, more expensive than some manufacturers, but with longer life.
http://www.megamanuk.com/internet/
Savaplugs for fridges and freezers
A device that works on fridges and freezers that do not have electronic controls, to reduce their electricity consumption. Includes a list of appliances known to be incompatible with the Savaplug. Costs £25.00 inc p&p.
Energy meters
A device for using on appliances plugged in via a 3 pin socket. Can measure electricity consumption over 24 hours and also measures electricity consumption dynamically, so it can be used to identify devices that are greedy when on standby. Surprisingly, even washing machines,dishwashers and tumbledriers consume electricity when they are switched off at the front panel. The Wetekom is available for £10 at the moment and several LA21 members have found that they are saving upwards of £85 p.a. implementing behaviour changes after using this device. For more information see here.
Note Energy meters are now on sale at Robert Dyas in Woking. They may not be the same brand as the one we are loaning out, but they have the same functionality.
Standby Busters
Standby Buster is a remote controlled electrical socket that lets you switch appliances off completely so that they use no electricity. Leaving them on standby unnecessarily uses electricity costing you money and contributing to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. Standby Buster requires no installation, simply plug into an existing socket to convert it to remote control. Standby Buster is the only consumer electronics mains switch to be recommended by the Energy Saving Trust. Standby saving is highlighted by the Energy Saving Trust as the key energy saving tip.
A Standby Buster starter pack costs just £15, or 3 for £30- that means payback in less than a year with average standby consumption from media equipment of £30 to £45 a year.
For more information and to buy see here.
Intelliplug
A device that automatically switches off peripherals when the computer is switched off . £15 at the moment. NOTE This does not switch off power to the computer itself, just to the peripheral devices. Intelliplug are working on making a device that completely switches off all power, so watch this space.
Wireless energy saving meter
This measures the whole of your home consumption including cookers, immersion heaters and lighting. Currently £40.
Water saving devices
A number of devices are available, so a small selection will be given here. Also please see the handout we compiled on reuse of grey and rainwater here.
Flow restricting inserts for taps
A simple insert to a tap. Replaces the standard tap insert; the tap itself is not replaced . Is DIY; no plumber is required
Permanent Greywater Diverter System
Divert bath and shower water to your rainbutt or garden with this kit, which is designed for easy permanent installation into existing pipework using the supplied adapters. A pull cord allows one to adjust the direction of the water. Currently £27.
Temporary Greywater Diverter Kit
A simple kit that uses gravity to move water from baths, sinks and showers to your garden or water storage butt. Use this if you have no external pipes to fit the permanent diverter into. Currently £20.