Invest in solar-powered alternatives


You don’t have to spend loads to take advantage of solar power. Switching a few everyday items, such as mobile phone chargers, to solar powered alternatives will help cut carbon emissions and reduce your electricity costs.

With no wiring required, solar powered gadgets for the home are also easy to install and work from daylight, rather than direct sunlight, meaning they even work on cloudy British days!

David O’Reilly, marketing director at Maplin, says: “A great new solar product is the Freeloader, a portable solar charger that can be used to charge most household gadgets, such as iPods and mobile phones.”

More from the "Top Ten List to create a greener home" on the Maplin's Solar Week website