Love of gadgets putting UK carbon targets at risk

Britons' heavy use of gadgets and household appliances is putting the nation's target to reduce domestic appliance electricity use at risk, a new study has found.

According to research by the Energy Saving Trust, the UK could miss its 2020 target to reduce carbon emissions from household gadgets by 34 per cent by as much as seven million tonnes.

In order to prevent this from happening, consumers have been urged to buy energy efficient appliances that have an Energy Saving Recommended label.

If every home replaces their old fridge freezer, washing machine and dishwasher with the most efficient white goods, they could reduce carbon emissions by two million tonnes and save on their energy bills.

The report also found, however, that consumers must cut down on their use of even efficient products.

"We need to ask ourselves is that ice-maker in the fridge a necessity? Do I need to leave those chargers on the whole time? Do I need a 50+ inch TV screen? There's more to this issue than using energy efficient light bulbs," commented report author Dr Paula Owen.

The organisation has called for clearer labelling, consumer advice at point of sale and behavioural change.

Posted by Emily Thomas

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For more information please see: Press release