Environmental tips: What to do when the lights go back on

It's going to go by in a flash, but there are many things you can do yourself after Earth hour is over.

And it doesn't have to last for just one hour; a few changes in your daily routine can help reduce energy and prevent waste – and your friends won't think you're turning into a hippy.

Since many of us spend most of our time at the office, why not ask your boss to buy you the latest laptop; it uses about six times less electricity than a desktop PC.

Also, don't use screensavers if you're going to that long lunch-time meeting. Set your computer on standby - this can cut power consumption by about five times. Make sure you turn it off before you head home for the day.

If you've finished charging your phone, unplug the charger from the wall socket. That goes for PDA's, digital cameras and other gadgets, too.

Why not jump on the e-payment bandwagon? Paying your bills electronically will help you save on paper waste – and you'll probably find you're standing in less queues.

Millions of paper cups are thrown away in offices around the world. Why not buy a coffee mug and take it with you on your morning coffee break.

Once at home, turning off your lights when your not in the room should be a given by now, but there are other pain-free ways to save on energy.

Televisions use up a lot of energy and are known in the eco-activist world as ‘power vampires' because they suck up a lot of electricity. Try to avoid leaving them on standby and turn them off before you go to bed or leave the house.

Try to avoid using a dryer after you wash your clothes. Dubai, thankfully, is in no shortage of sunlight, so a couple of hours on the balcony should ensure your clothes are ready to wear in no time.

Pre-heating your oven for many types of food isn't necessary. Most food requiring more than a full hour of cooking doesn't need it. Make sure you thaw food beforehand, and don't keep opening the door when it's cooking.

Don't fill up your kettle to the brim every time you make a cup of tea – only pour in as much as you need.

Also, fix your dripping taps as they can waste as much as 9,000 litres of water every year.

Finally for the jet-setters, if you're a frequent flyer you may want to consider buying carbon offsets. If you're travelling long-haul to Shanghai on business, why not invest in a company that plants trees or manufactures energy-saving light bulbs.

Carbon off-setting is big business, and it's becoming a trendy way to help protect the environment.

Even our web editor claims he does it.