Save Money And Help The Environment by Jane Thurnell-Read

Here are some simple tips you can implement easily that can make a difference for you and for the world you live in.

Shopping
Shopping locally isn't necessarily more expensive than shopping in a supermarket, if you add in the cost of getting there, and all the additional stuff they tempt you to buy that you don't really need.

Use Less Petrol/Gas
At 70mph you could be using up to 9% more fuel than at 60mph and up to 15% more fuel than at 50mph. (UK Government, Acton02)

Easy Energy Saving
Use energy saving light bulbs. They help the environment and they'll save you money.

Batteries
Wherever possible use rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones.

Switch The Light Off!
If you're going to be out of a room for more than 3 minutes, switch the light off.

Check Your Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres mean your engine has to work harder, so you use more fuel/gas. But don't over-inflate your tyres as this is dangerous.

Save Money!
When it's cold outside, draw curtains and blinds in all the rooms of your house, not just the one you're in.

Fat, Oil And Grease
Fat, oil and grease poured down the sink can block drains and sewers. Wipe plates with kitchen roll before washing. Put fat from roasting and frying in an old tin/can and place in garbage/dustbin.

Cotton Clothes
Nearly a quarter of pesticides used globally are used on cotton. Look out for organic cotton clothing - there's some stylish and fun clothing now in organic cotton, and check out bamboo clothing too.

Keep Your Freezer Full
It uses more energy and so more money to maintain the correct temperature in a freezer that isn't full.

Fridge
Friends Of the Earth (UK) say: avoid leaving fridge doors open. Each minute the door is open uses three minutes of energy to cool down again.

Idling Costs Money
When the engine is idling you're wasting fuel and adding to CO2 emissions. If you're likely to be at a standstill for more than 3 minutes, simply switch off the engine. (UK government advice, ActOn02)

Dripping Taps
Dripping taps / faucets can waste up to 4 litres (8 US pints) of water a day.

Clutter Costs Money
Clutter in the trunk/boot of your car means the engine has to work harder, so you use more gas/fuel.

Worm Composting
Find out how to do worm composting. Recycle all those meal left-overs and produce amazing rich compost and liquid fertiliser.

Pesticides
The British Medical Association say that some pesticides can be stored in our body's fatty tissues for years. We just do not know the long term effects of this, so buy certified organic products.

Computer Monitors
Powering a computer monitor accounts for 80 per cent of a computer's energy consumption and contributes to a third of the electricity used in a modern office. Switch them off, when not in use.

Paper Dye
Use white toilet paper and kitchen paper to reduce the dyes polluting the sea and the rivers.

Copyright 2008 Jane Thurnell-Read Online Healthy Living Store