Bridgend has been recognised as the top Welsh town in a national index aimed at focusing attention on energy efficiency and sustainability.

With residents recycling 43% of waste and 38% of households having a smart meter installed, it was named among the leading ‘Areas for a Beautiful Future’ following research by Smart Energy GB.

According to recent report by environmental analysts Eunomia, Wales ranks second in the world - behind only Germany - for recycling household waste.

And Bridgend is leading the way - with Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Newport and Rhondda Cynon Taf completing the top five.

The new index recognises the families and communities who are taking simple, positive steps at home, that together will add up to create a cleaner, greener, smarter future for everyone.  

“It’s great to see that communities, individuals and families up and down the country are taking simple, small steps towards a greener tomorrow,” said Smart Energy GB’s Robert Cheesewright.

“Smart meters can’t solve climate change on their own, but they are the building blocks of a reliable, clean and affordable energy system for the future. We’d like to congratulate all of those identified by our index.”

Ealing Times: Small changes to your energy use can make a big environmental difference, according to TV presenter Helen SkeltonSmall changes to your energy use can make a big environmental difference, according to TV presenter Helen Skelton

Along the research a poll of 2,000 people also revealed why we’re not being more sustainable with one in ten Welsh people feeling they won’t make an impact as one individual. 

Over one quarter of Welsh people admitted they are aware of the environmental benefits of taking shorter showers, but don’t make the effort to do so 

While over half still buy bottles of water in plastic bottles and 43% still boil more water in the kettle than needed.

Just 18 per cent encourage friends and family to be more sustainable on a regular basis, which is surprising when four in 10 feel guilty when they know they could have done more to be more energy efficient.

“Small actions really do add up to make a difference. By getting a smart meter you’re taking a small step towards a more sustainable future for everyone,” said TV presenter Helen Skelton.