Countryfile’s Matt Baker reveals his two children get 10 minutes knocked off their TV time if they forget to turn the lights off – and uses a chart to monitor the whole family
- The One Show presenter, 42, and his family live on their farm in Hertfordshire
- Encouraged homes to add an energy penalty if kids forgot to turn off appliances
- Matt warned society needed to concentrate more on quality and not quantity
Countryfile host Matt Baker has revealed that his children get 10 minutes knocked off their TV time if they forget to turn the lights off.
The One Show presenter, 42, and his physiotherapist wife Nicola Mooney, and their two youngsters Luke and Molly – live together on their farm in Hertfordshire, where he has devised a chart system to keep track of the family’s energy use.
Speaking to BBC Countryfile magazine, the wildlife enthusiast encouraged other families who want to be more eco-friendly to add an energy penalty if their children forgot to turn off appliances.
Countryfile host Matt Baker (pictured in 2017 with his wife Nicola) has revealed that his children get 10 minutes knocked off their TV time if they forget to turn the light off
‘We have a chart at home to monitor the little things, such as turning off the lights,’ he explained.
‘Each time we find one left on, whoever is responsible gets a cross on the chart. This means 10 minutes less watching TV or playing on the Xbox, as energy has been “used up”.’
‘So maybe our chart is helpful – if every household aimed to get fewer crosses next week, we’d all see the difference we were making… and be able to chart our progress on the way.’
The One Show presenter, 42, and his family (pictured) – physiotherapist wife Nicola Mooney, and their two youngsters Luke and Molly – live together on their farm in Hertfordshire
Speaking to BBC Countryfile magazine , the wildlife enthusiast (pictured) encouraged other families to add an energy penalty if their children forgot to turn off appliances
End of an era: Matt made his One Show debut as a guest presenter in November 2010, returning in January 2011 full-time as Alex Jones’ co-host, but is now leaving the programme
The former Blue Presenter announced in December 2019, that he would be quitting The One Show to spend more time with his children and wife.
Speaking on the BBC show, he said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to say that at this time of year I like to stop, reflect and take stock.
‘The One Show has been a massive part of my life for almost a decade now, and I have loved every second of being a part of it, but I am leaving this green sofa in the spring.
Three’s company: Matt began his One Show career in 2011 alongside Alex and Chris Evans – who left the show himself in July 2015
‘It’s time to give someone else the opportunity to see how big-hearted and generous you, the viewers, really are.’
He added: ‘I’m going to miss you all very much indeed and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
‘I’m looking forward most of all to spending evenings with my wife Nicola and putting my kids to bed of an evening.’
Matt made his One Show debut as a guest presenter in November 2010, returning in January 2011 full-time as Jason Manford’s replacement.
Since then, he has hosted the teatime programme Monday to Thursday alongside co-host Alex Jones.