Gadgets consume too much energy

04/10/11

By Verena Vogt

The average UK household has three-and-a-half times as many gadgets as 20 years ago, a new study has found.

The report from the Energy Saving Trust warned that Britons are failing to save energy and urged them to help the UK meet its target to cut emissions by 34 per cent over the next nine years.

Large plasma televisions, fridge freezers with ice-makers and tumble dryers were named as the appliances which consume the most energy.

The study found that UK households are using up more energy than in 2006, although many Britons are making efforts to use more energy efficient products.

Report author Dr Paula Owen said: "Although the findings of our study do make for stark reading, our message is that our domestic choices and behaviour in our homes can make a bigger impact than people think.

"Our love affair with domestic gadgets and gizmos has to change. Just because you have bought an efficient appliance doesn't mean you can use it carelessly and never switch it off."