Your fridge works more efficiently if it is freestanding and in a cool environment. For obvious reasons, do not site it next to a boiler or cooker. Keep temperature between 3 and 5 degrees centigrade. Below this, the fridge wastes energy. When dust gathers on the condenser coils behind your fridge, up to 30% energy can be wasted.

SAVERPLUGS: You could save 20% of your fridge’s running costs by buying a saver plug to replace your existing plug. When the appliance is first switched on, full system power is needed: this is subsequently unnecessary. The plug senses this and cuts power accordingly in short bursts without changing the operation of the fridge. Plugs cost £17.50 from Savawatt UK Ltd, Sava Building, Waterloo Industrial Estate, Bidford on Avon, B50 4JH. Tel:01789 490 340. www.savawatt.com

IF YOU BUY A NEW FRIDGE: You can now buy 100% ozone-friendly fridges. The Electricity Association in the UK has shown that two German “Greenfreeze” models were 39% and 55% more energy efficient than equivalent British models. An energy efficient fridge can mean a saving in energy of up to 70%. Look out for the energy consumption ratings. A is best. Contact the Energy+ Project on
01865 281 211 or at www.energy-plus.org. They can provide details of about 450 energy efficient fridges and freezers from 13 participating manufacturers.

Odile Singer sends her thanks to those who donated their old mobile phones for use by the Dr. Hadwen Trust for Humane Research (Medical Research without using animals). Please remember the Trust if you have an unwanted mobile; Odile is at 78 Oakdene Road and can be contacted for information about the Trust on 84 1165.