Website of the UK government

Choose low-energy lighting options

Low-energy light bulbs (also called compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)) can use five times less electricity than old-style conventional light bulbs, meaning fewer carbon emissions. They work in standard fittings and lamps.

• low-energy bulbs are now widely available at low prices (including in supermarkets)
• a 20 watt, 12,000 hour CFL will save around £60 over its lifetime compared with an equivalent 100 watt tungsten filament bulb
• you can buy low-energy bulbs that look similar to old-style bulbs and give out the same coloured light
• most low-energy bulbs have information about their brightness compared with conventional bulbs on the packet
• many CFLs on sale can't be used with dimmer switches, but these are becoming more widely available
• don't forget to keep low-energy lights switched off when not in use

• More on CFLs that can be used with dimmer switches Opens new window
• Find out more on CFL safety and disposal Opens new window

Choose wood products from sustainable sources

You can find wooden furniture or flooring products made from sustainable timber by looking for labels from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) or other forest certification schemes. You can ask your retailer about certification schemes.

• Timber product labels - find out more
• Greener DIY

Re-use and renovate furniture and flooring

Consider options besides buying new products:

• buying second-hand or vintage furniture or exchanging items for free is good for the environment, as it saves on new materials (but old foam-filled furniture may be a fire risk and should be disposed of)
• renovating old wooden floors can look great and add value to your home
• using reclaimed floorboards instead of buying new saves valuable resources

• Reducing waste, re-using and repairing
• Freecycle - find exchange projects in your area Opens new window
• Disposal of bulky items (home and community section)

Buy furniture and flooring that lasts

Producing all types of floor coverings and furniture uses energy and resources and may do environmental harm in other ways.

• as a general rule, if you have the choice, buy to last rather than replacing often
• when you do decide to replace your fixtures and fittings, try to consider second-hand, reclaimed or renewable materials

• Buying recycled products Opens new window

Be aware of treatments and finishes

When you are choosing a treatment, adhesive or varnish, try to find the one with the lowest environmental impact possible.

Many of these products give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can damage the environment by reacting with other chemicals to produce what's known as surface level ozone.

Product containers may carry a label showing the VOC content - try to choose the one with the lowest.

• More on VOC and other green labels
• Greener DIY: improving your home and the environment

Recycle wherever possible

Find out how to recycle your old stuff:

• instead of throwing away your old furniture, try donating it to a charity shop or recycle it (although old foam-filled furniture may be a fire risk and should be disposed of)
• old carpet accounts for two per cent of all waste dumped in the UK - most recycling points will not accept carpet, but you can re-use it in the garden for controlling weeds or donate it to charity

• Find out about recycling furniture in your area Opens new window
• Tips on how to dispose of old carpet Opens new window

Install fittings that save water

When installing new fittings there are a number of things you can do to save water:

• fit water-saving shower heads
• fit aerator or spray fittings to taps in hand basins (though not on baths or sinks, as the water flow will be too slow to fill them)
• fit a low flush or dual-flush cistern on your toilets

• More about saving water in your home

The wider issue

The ways in which household fixtures and fittings are produced, installed and disposed of all have an effect on the environment.

It is estimated that over a quarter of timber arriving into the UK has been produced illegally. Illegal logging and unsustainable forestry practices can destroy natural habitats and contribute to climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so if they are cut down and not replaced there is an increase which contributes to climate change.

Water saving fittings can help to ease water shortages and reduce the energy needed to pump and treat our water. Energy efficient lighting options help tackle climate change as less electricity needs to be generated to run them.

• More on nature under threat
• More on waste and resource use

More useful links

• Furniture re-use network Opens new window
• RecycleNow Opens new window
• Waste Online Opens new window