A new campaign offering hard-pressed families advice on how to cut their fuel bills and help save the planet in the process was launched today.

Fronted by Mr Earth, the 'Go Greener' campaign will be using radio, TV, outdoor and online advertising to promote energy saving messages.

Launched to coincide with Energy Saving Week, it will remind the public that small, simple lifestyle changes can add up to significant financial savings and safeguard our environment for future generations.

Small changes such as switching to energy-saving lightbulbs could save the average family up to £60 a year - energy-efficient lightbulbs last around 10 times longer than normal bulbs.

A household can save around 8% on fuel bills by switching appliances off at the socket instead of leaving them on stand-by.

Fitting a full heating controls package can save up to £180 per year.

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Turning down the heating thermostat by just one degree can cut up to 10% off fuel bills.

The campaign follows new research from the Energy Saving Trust, which shows Scots are keen to go greener in order to save money.

Speaking at this morning's launch of the new campaign in Edinburgh, Environment Minister Michael Russell said:"Unless we take decisive action to protect our environment there is every chance that rather than passing on our wonderful heritage, we will have to explain to our children why we ruined it.

"Many of us have already changed our ways - recycling more, using more energy-efficient light bulbs and buying more seasonal and unpackaged produce.

"In Government we are also reducing our local and global environmental impact through tackling climate change, moving towards a zero-waste Scotland and increasing the use of renewable energy."

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "These are clearly tough times, and becoming more green will benefit our wallets as well as our world. The average household could save up to £340 a year just by taking some simple energy efficiency steps.

"Our six-point plan for the Scottish economy includes helping households experiencing difficulties in the current economic climate. We are determined to improve energy efficiency in homes, do more to tackle fuel poverty and offer better financial advice to vulnerable households."

"Our new campaign features simple, helpful advice on how to save money and do your bit to reduce our impact on the planet. We owe it to future generations to take action now."

(GK/JM)