The Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to encourage Scottish households to take energy saving measures to help cut both their domestic bills and benefit the environment at the same time.

Launched to coincide with Energy Saving Week, the 'Go Greener' media campaign will focus on how small measures like switching to energy-saving light bulbs could save the average family £60 a year. 

The campaign headed by Mr Earth will further highlight how turning down the heating thermostat by just one degree can reduce fuel bills by up to ten per cent, while households can reduce their fuel bills by a further eight per cent by switching off appliances at the socket rather than leaving them on stand-by.

Environment Minister Mike Russell commented: "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.

"The energy-saving measures and other steps we're promoting through the 'Go Greener' campaign will help us all make simple changes to the way we lead our lives. Achieving a greener Scotland depends on all of us – and will benefit us all too."

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead further pointed out: "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."

A number of major businesses and organisations have already signed up to the Scottish Government's 'Go Greener' campaign, including ScottishPower and Gleneagles Hotel.