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Blog Post 1 January 2022 Updated 7 February 2022

Energy saving resolutions for 2022

Traditionally we start thinking about resolutions as we move into a new year. So, we thought of a few energy saving resolutions to take us into 2022.

According to a survey of over 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by GoCompare, the top priorities for most going into 2022 seem to focus on looking after ourselves, both physically and mentally. Other resolutions in the top 10 include spending more time with family and friends, cutting back on spending, and being more environmentally friendly.

We wondered what these – and other resolutions – might look like when applied to energy saving.

Looking after ourselves

Four of the survey’s top five resolutions focused on improving health and wellbeing, with 36% wanting to do more exercise, and 29% aiming to take care of their mental health.

What better way to improve both your physical and mental wellbeing than by turning your commute, school run or trip to the shops into a walk or a bike ride?

Transport is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, with air pollution proving to be a health hazard in towns and cities across the UK. Walking and cycling are zero emitting and allow you to boost physical and mental health at the same time. Walking regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease by 35%, while active travel helps manage stress.

If you have a longer commute or don’t feel up to cycling all the way unassisted, why not look at investing in an ebike. These assisted bikes can travel at up to 15.5mph and allow you to feel confident about taking on longer journeys.

Cutting back on spending

Right up there with improving wellness is the intention to save money. Cutting back on spending was named by 27% of survey respondents, indicating that this was one of their top priorities for the coming year. Saving energy and saving money go hand in hand, as your bills come down once you use less energy.

With the expected rise of the energy price cap early next year, many people could see the cost of heating their homes rise to unprecedented levels. But don’t worry! We’ve pulled together a series of simple tips to help you save energy, money and reduce your household carbon emissions at the same time.

If you’re willing to make a bigger investment, ensuring your home is properly insulated will help reduce heat loss, which can lead to lower energy bills, as you don’t have to spend as much on heating.

Read our top tips on keeping your home warm this winter.

Eat healthier – and more sustainably

With 38% of those polled wanting to eat healthier in the new year, this could be a good habit to bring into 2022 – and one that also has a positive impact on the environment. We can all work on our diets, especially after Christmas, but eating healthily needs to go hand in hand with eating sustainably.

According to the Vegetarian Society, by eating vegetarian food for a year, you could save the same volume of carbon emissions as taking a small family car off the road for six months.

Food that’s grown locally and in season will travel fewer ‘food miles’ before it makes it to your plate. This seasonal fruit and vegetable calendar shows you what food is in season throughout the year.

We also need to think about how much food we waste. Two-thirds of the food we throw away could have been used if we’d managed it better. Food waste in landfill emits methane, which is 25% more damaging than carbon dioxide. We have more tips in our blog on reducing food waste

Read more (energy saving advice)

Though it didn’t quite make GoCompare’s top 10 list, reading more is another popular new year’s resolution. While this might refer to literature rather than advice, remember there’s always plenty to read on our website!

We’ve got information and advice about home energy efficiencyrenewable energy and sustainable travel – as well as the latest news and updates on energy, transport and more.

Whatever you decide to do in 2022, resolving to use less energy works for you and the planet. That’s got to be a positive resolution.

Last updated: 7 February 2022