The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic. Photograph: PR

'Plan journeys – even local ones – so that your route is the most efficient'
Whenever or wherever you're driving, planning ahead and combining as many errands as possible on the same journey reduces your fuel bills and cuts your carbon emissions. Use the internet and/or a GPS system to check if you're taking the best route. You can also reduce "drag" by removing accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers and roof boxes, unless you're actually using them. These additions can significantly affect your car's aerodynamics, reducing fuel efficiency.

'Go shopping at the end of the day to take advantage of reduced items'
Once shop produce is past its sell‑by date, it may end up in a landfill site. Biodegradable rubbish in landfill produces methane as well as carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is 20 times worse than CO2 in terms of global warming. While many supermarkets are reducing the amount of waste they send to landfill, buying reduced items makes it less likely that the products will be thrown away – and can make a big difference to your shopping bill.

'Have a shower rather than taking a bath'
A shower uses only around one third of the 100 litres of water a typical bath consumes. According to the Energy Saving Trust, if everybody in a four-person family replaced one bath a week with a five-minute shower, you could save between £5 and £15 per year on your energy bill. If you don't have a shower, consider buying a shower attachment for your bath taps and keep long soaks to a minimum.

'Sell designer clothes you no longer wear to secondhand, vintage clothes shops'
Advocated by the likes of Kate Moss and Stella McCartney, vintage is eco-friendly and über-stylish. Hunt down bargains at specialist shops and markets, and raise cash by selling your unwanted designer items to the same outlets, or online. Research before selling, working out what era your garment is from (within five years) and being honest about its condition; experienced vintage traders can spot a "mint condition Dior dress" from an old rag in a heartbeat.

'Seal gaps in skirting boards and around window frames to cut bills'
Around half of heat loss in a typical home is through the walls and loft, but you can also lose heat through tiny cracks and gaps in windows and skirting boards. A thorough check of your home, looking at every nook and cranny to see if heat is escaping, can make a massive difference to the temperature and comfort – and your energy bills. Even an old‑fashioned draft excluder at the door can save you money.

'Put your seatbelt on and make any adjustments before switching on the engine'
Modern cars do not need to be warmed up – even in cold weather – and tinkering with your car stereo, putting on your seatbelt and adjusting your wing mirrors (not to mention shouting at the kids) should all be done before you start the ignition to save fuel.

'Exercise outside rather than joining an expensive gym'
The great outdoors – or even your back garden – is a great venue for exercise and it doesn't cost a penny. Whether you walk, run or work out, swapping an expensive gym membership for an exercise circuit in the local park will save you money and is great for your health. If you prefer your exercise to be structured, you could also join a Green Gym, a free, nationwide scheme aiming to improve health and the environment.

'Add shredded paper to your compost bin to avoid grass cuttings going soggy'
Composting turns kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. According to recyclenow.com, a classic mistake made by first-time composters is to fill their bin with grass cuttings, fruit and vegetable peelings. Although great to compost, they result in a smelly, soggy sludge on their own. Good compost is a mix of "greens" (grass, tea bags, coffee grounds, weeds, etc) and "browns" (cardboard, egg boxes, leaves, sawdust, and shredded paper, etc).

smarter driving

If you're in the market for a new car, and are looking to prioritise both cost efficiency and environmental impact, investigate the new Ford ECOnetic range. ECOnetic is a whole new approach to the way Ford designs and builds its cars, based on the philosophy that it's entirely possible to have fuel-efficient cars that don't compromise on driving experience. The range – which has been developed using clever refinements, rather than relying on different fuels or expensive batteries and bolt-ons – includes the Fiesta ECOnetic, Focus ECOnetic, Mondeo ECOnetic and new Transit ECOnetic. The MPG figures are outstanding and the CO2 emissions are some of the lowest of any manufacturer. For information, visit fordeconetic.co.uk.

www.guardian.co.uk/