Green hints and tips
It isn't difficult to make small changes in our everyday lives that could help us to become greener. Using natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals, recycling and composting are just a few ideas.
- Standby stand off Appliances on standby are a major culprit of unnecessary carbon emissions. Turning them off could save up to a quarter of a tonne of CO2 per year.
- Blow dry Tumble dryers account for half a tonne or more of CO2 per year, so if you can (and the weather allows!) hang your clothes outside to dry!
- Wash and reuse 3 billion disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK every year. Washable reusable nappies, for a little more effort, will help combat the one million tonnes of nappy waste sent to landfill sites, which take up to 500 years to decompose.
- Use that grey water Running a bath, taking a shower or just running taps to get a drink - they all produce 'grey water'. This is fine for using in the garden, flushing the loo, heating baby's bottles... Collecting grey water is a simple energy saving thing to do. Try DIY stores to buy a diverter valve that lets you to choose between sending waste water down the drain or to a storage tank.
- Leftover corks Not sure what to do with left over corks? If you keep potted plants you could put the corks in the bottom instead of the broken crockery that gardening experts suggest. They will encourage drainage as well as crockery and will make the pots lighter to move around. Alternatively, corks are fine to compost - chop them up a bit to help them rot down more quickly.
- Efficient fridges Help your fridge waste less energy - and save you money. Dust down the coils at the back of the fridge as dusty coils can waste up to 30% extra electricity. Also, let food cool down properly before putting it in the fridge.
- Natural beauty! Rosewater from the chemist is a great face cleanser and is easy on the wallet. And you can simply take the bottle back and get it refilled. The same goes for almond oil instead of moisturiser.
- No detergent Reduce your bills and get your clothes looking better than ever with Laundry and Dryer Balls
- Alternative solutions! White vinegar in the softener compartment of your washing machine softens laundry beautifully.
- Energy Saving Light Bulbs Whenever possible, use energy saving light bulbs. They use up to 80% less energy than a standard light bulb, saving energy and money. You can even get halogen and dimmable energy saving bulbs now.
- Removing Limescale Rather than use harsh chemicals, pour a cup of white vinegar into your kettle, leave overnight then in the morning boil up with water. Pour out water and limescale, refill kettle, boil again and kettle will be completely limescale and vinegar free.
- Keep those Moths Away Keep old bars of soap among your woollens - they are a moth repellent.
- Draught-proofing If the air is getting in, the heat is getting out. You don't have to spend money - a rag-filled cloth sausage under the door will do the job.
- Flush Less This won't cost you anything and will save 1000s of litres each year. Cut square plastic bottles in half (e.g. 1.5 litre mineral water bottles) and sink them upright to below the water level in your cistern. When you flush, the bottles will stay full and replace water that would otherwise go down the drain. Put between 1 and 3 bottles in - experiment to check.
- Recycle At home Newspapers, milk and juice cartons, egg boxes, tins and drink cans are things that most of us dispose of every day - make sure you're recycling rather than binning them. Find your nearest recycling centre and what you can recycle. (external link)
Beauty Tips
- You don't have to spend lots on beauty products when there is a whole host of natural products out there which are cheaper and often kinder to your face.
- Rosewater from the chemist is a great face cleanser and is easy on the wallet. And you can simply take the bottle back and get it refilled. The same goes for almond oil instead of moisturiser.
- Cold peppermint tea-bags are great for puffy eyes as are cold silver spoons.
Sainsbury's Bag for Life
10 billion plastic carrier bags are used in the UK every year - many of which end up in landfill sites. If you use a bag for life you could help reduce this amount.
Sainsbury's Bag for Life is durable, reusable and made from 100% recycled material. So no need for plastic disposable bags.
Buy one today and do your bit - when it's worn out, Sainsbury's will replace it for free!
Find out more about how Sainsbury's is making a positive difference. (external link)
Tips on efficient driving from Ford
The way you drive can dramatically impact on just how much CO2 your car produces. Having your Ford serviced regularly can maintain its efficiency, improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. This helps you to reduce your carbon footprint and save money.
A scheduled service can help in the following ways:
- Using the correct oil and changing it at the correct intervals as infrequent oil changes or using the wrong type of oil can increase CO2 emissions.
- Accurate tyre pressures - Did you know that 44% of all UK cars are running with under-inflated tyres? The tyre pressure gauges used by Ford are extremely accurate and guarantee your tyre pressures are set correctly. Visit your local Rapid Fit and they will check your tyre pressures and carry out a tyre safety check for FREE on all car makes.
- Air filter check - During your scheduled service Ford check the condition of the air filter to ensure it is functioning correctly. Blocked filters cause the engine to work harder and therefore increase the CO2 emissions.
For more information about how Ecodriving can reduce your carbon footprint, visit www.ecodrive.org (external link)
Join EDF Energy's 2012 Carbon Challenge
Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. One of the best ways we can help is by reducing the amount of energy we use in our homes.
By joining EDF Energy's 2012 Carbon Challenge you can take the first step towards saving energy, reducing your bills and helping to save the environment.
Their energy saving programme provides a range of ongoing advice, support, products and services to help you every step of the way.
Plus, as an added incentive to get you started, they'll give you the chance to win a range of fantastic prizes including a hybrid car and London 2012 incentives!
Join thousands of others by visiting www.savetodaysavetomorrow.com (external link) today.
Eco-Driving tips from The AA
These eco-driving tips are simple, and will really make a difference, plus you'll save money on your fuel bills too.
- Leave promptly - Don't start the engine until you're ready to go. This avoids fuel
- Easy does it - Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking.
- Decelerate smoothly - When you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear.
- Change up earlier - Change gear as soon as possible without laboring the engine, try changing up at an engine speed of around 2000 rpm in a diesel car or around 2500 rpm in a petrol car. This can make such a difference to fuel consumption that all cars in the future are likely to be fitted with Gear Shift indicators that light a lamp on the dashboard to indicate the most efficient gear change points.
- Turn it off - Any electrical load increases fuel consumption, so turn off your heated rear windscreen, demister blowers and headlights, when you don't need them.
- Don't be idle - If you do get caught in a queue avoid wasting fuel by turning the engine off if it looks like you could be waiting for more than three minutes.