The going Green Saving Scheme
A fresh year with a fresh start. Forget those winter blues and enjoy the green life! Energy saving can sound expensive and time consuming, but there are so many simple changes that not only save you money but earn you a few feel good brownie points from old Mother Nature.
1. Switch savvy
One of the quickest energy savers out there and saving you pennies just by, well, the flick of a switch! Make a habit of turning lights off when you leave the room and only using them when needed -make the most of that sun- it's free!
Turn it off at the plug: for one, safety first and two, phones on charge can gobble up your electricity if you forget to take it out, similarly televisions on standby use up almost as much electricity as if you were watching it, so turn the switch off and turn on your savings.
2. Recycling King
The bread and butter of the green world. Most households now have card, plastic, glass and garden waste recycling- so there's no excuse! If anything it gives your general waste bin a well deserved weight loss.
Recycling isn't just a one trip pony and again it can save you a few welcome pennies! Reusing carrier bags is a definite YES and If you bag yourself a loyalty card like Nectar, that trip to Sainsburys will earn you a point every time you use your own bags.
Getting paid to recycle...Yes please! Where oh where would we be without EBay? Get those old clothes, shoes, gadgets and whatnot on the Internet, a great way to reuse that unwanted clutter.
3. I promise i will walk...(is that a car engine i hear?)
Ditch the car for those short journeys and walk, bike or if you're feeling really adventurous, run to the shops, work and anywhere within reason, not only will this save on pollution and petrol but will go towards the old "do more exercise" resolution.
4. Money down the drain
Water is one we tend to overlook and is certainly a 'you scratch my back ill scratch yours' scenario. Get the household working together to save on water by simple steps like: turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth, having a shower instead of a bath (and watching how long you spend in the shower!) and in turn you'll be thanked by a lower water bill.
5. Finally food
Organic is ideal, but if you can't stretch to the costs why not keep and eye out for less packaged foods (like loose vegetables) or even consider growing your own. You don't have to own a huge garden, vegetable patch or be 'Gardener of the Year' and its something great for the kids to do. You can grow various vegetables and fruits such as strawberries, carrots and beans in pots or even window baskets, saving on packaging, money...And what could be better than a mini supermarket in your back garden?
