Global warming and climate change are never far from the news but if everyone made an effort the affects could be reduced and even reversed...

There's no question about it - climate change is a fact. You only have to look out of your window to confirm what scientists are saying.

The spring is starting earlier, our winters are warmer and wetter not to mention the flooding which is becoming a regular winter event in the south. But what can we do about it?

One of the ways that every household across Hampshire can help is by making their home energy efficient. Being energy efficient means reducing the energy wasted by homes and appliances 'behaving badly'.

The result of this is that less energy is required from the power stations and a subsequent reduction in the amount of damaging emissions they emit.

One quarter of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions every year originate from the energy we use to heat and light our homes, and run an increasing number of household appliances.

This week, from today until October 20 is Energy Efficiency Week and the Solent Energy Efficiency Advice Centre will be running roadshows across the region, offering free low energy lightbulbs, home energy checks and expert advice on how to cut your energy consumption.

It isn't just energy that your appliances, lightbulbs, walls, floors and boilers are wasting - it's also your money.

Did you know, for example, that the average British household spends a startling £950 per year on fuel and power. According to Hannah Bird of the Solent Energy Efficiency Advice Centre, that is £200 too high.

She said: "It is very important for each household in the UK to try to become energy efficient for a number of reasons.

"Just by all the carbon dioxide that is created in each home we are all playing a part in the grander scheme of things and are contributing to global warming.

"Climate change is a real phenomenon and there is the potential for a big shift in the climate, at the moment it is very gradual.

"If everyone in the UK changed one of their lightbulbs to a energy-saving bulb, we would save enough power to close down a power station.

"We understand that it is hard for people to make the link between turning off a light and the effect that leaving it on has on the climate. But if we considered this, we could make a difference and slow down climate change."

Energy Efficiency Week focuses on how everyone can help reduce the damage done to the environment by being more energy efficient.

By reducing energy use we can lower the man-made greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere that affect the climate.

Energy efficiency is not just about saving money, it is also about saving energy and helping the environment too. If everyone owning a chest freezer in the United Kingdom switched to an A-rated appliance the energy saved would run the country's street lighting for more than a year.

Each year, every home in the UK releases six tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This gas is the primary cause of climate change.

Energy Efficiency Week aims to show householders that with energy efficiency measures, each home could slash this figure by up to two tonnes per year.

Not only would this cut the effects of climate change, it would save £5 billion - enough to pay everyone in the UK £84.

There is a common perception that only large industrial plants contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

However, in the UK, nearly 30 per cent of all carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere comes from the power we use to run our homes.

In fact households in Hampshire release enough carbon dioxide per year to fill more than 140 million double-decker buses.

Hannah said: "In Hampshire alone, we are starting to see the effects of climate change. We are frequently seeing freak weather conditions such as flash floods and heatwaves.

"The coast is being eroded and it is having an affect on nature. Birds are laying their eggs earlier and plants are blooming out of season.

"Energy Efficiency Week aims to bring to the forefront of the public's consciousness, how they can do their bit to make a difference to the earth.

"It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, just turning off your lights or switching to an low-energy lightbulb can make all the difference."

HOW YOU CAN BE ENERGY EFFICIENT:

When you travel

Walk when you can - it's great for your health

Cycle and enjoy the exercise. Take advantage of any designated cycle routes in your area.

Park-and-ride - these schemes are linked to priority bus lanes for a speedier journey, and take the hassle out of parking in town.

Share car journeys with friends and family.

While shopping

Reuse bags or buy 'bags for life' which are now offered by most supermarkets.

Choose good quality water-based or low-solvent paints, glues, varnishes and preservatives. They are less harmful to your health than solvent-based materials.

When buying electrical products, choose the most energy-efficient ones and reduce your electricity bills

At work

If your company has a staff suggestion box or, via your union, encourage your employer to:

Set up a car sharing scheme

Offer interest free loans for public transport

Buy recycled products

Promote a green bin policy so that you can easily recycle cans, glass and paper

Ensure machines and lights are switched off

Install flow controls in toilets - this is a rapid money-saver and is good for the environment.