MY NEW Year's resolution is to start practising what I preach.

Most of my work in Brussels involves climate change issues and it's high time I cut energy use in my home. So before the holiday is over I am going to look at my old gas and electricity bills and work out how much I spent last year.

I want to see what sort of difference I can make in 2008.

I'm going to put draught proofing around the back door. Then I'm going to buy a thicker insulating jacket for the hot water tank, and install a new cat flap with a stronger spring so the door closes properly each time.

Next I'm going to fit switches so it's easier to turn off all the electrical devices around the house and not have them wasting power at night on stand-by.

Fortunately, I already have an efficient central heating boiler. My house hasn't got a loft but if it did I'd put in more insulation. I have some lights that need replacing with low energy bulbs, and I need to have a talk with my daughter about how to use the off switch.

I should have done all these things ages ago, but I have never got around to them. Instead I've been wasting money on electricity and gas like pouring hot water into a bath with no plug.

I reckon there's a good chance I'll save more than I spend within a year or so, and I shall cut carbon emissions. It's got to make sense!

CHRIS DAVIES, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West, Castle Street, Stockport.