Things that save money or cost very little:

– Turning off lights and appliances not in use

– Draught proofing all doors, windows and skirting boards

– Changing energy supplier to green tariff

– Turning heating thermostat down and turning off heating in infrequently used rooms

– Using “green” cleaning products.  Washing at 30 degrees and using “Eco balls”

– Getting an electricity monitor

– Using mechanical not electrical machinery

– Buying A+ rated appliances if buying new ones

– Thick curtains across windows and outside doors and drawing curtains at night

– Buy an eco kettle

– Use the oven less and cook on the hob

– Fit thermostatic radiator valves on radiators and upgrade heating controls

– Bricks/hippos in toilet cisterns

– Local organic veg box (saves shopping)

– Eco toilet descaler (need less loo cleaning) or use citric acid

– Growing your own veg

– Composting (compost heap made from old pallets for garden waste and Green Joanna for all food waste)

– Re-using: paper (for notes, drawing and children’s revision), plastic pots (for freezer, paint, plants, storage), envelopes.

– Recycling everything (bottles, cans, paper, cardboard,clothes, shoes, metal, electrical and more)

– Mending, repairing or getting things second hand. Borrowing equipment not buying it

– Going to the library rather than buying books

– Signing up to stop junk mail.

Thing that cost more money:

These are for the dedicated and require extra funds.  Most have a longer term payback but, given that energy prices can only rise, they are an astute investment for the future.  Some are only sensible to do when carrying out a refurb of your house as they mean disruption.

– New eco light bulbs

– Insulation – wall, loft and floor

– Double glazing

– Water tanks for garden

– Woodburning stove

– Solar panel to heat water

– Photovoltaic panels to generate electricity

– Ground source heat pump or heat exchange unit to provide heating.

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