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.
0 Comments