Greener Lifestyles

Moving forwards to a greener way of life… Change is afoot and the pace is packing some much needed momentum – spread the word and familiarise yourself with a more sustainable approach. Here are some notes to help you on your way.

Food

There are benefits to the mind, body and soul when you indulge in the Local, seasonal and organic; these are the watchwords of the green foodie and the green fingered.

Reduce food miles: grow and raise your own; forage in your own back garden or the countryside; make the most of what you have  by reducing food waste; try making your own compost to help your garden grow. Buy local seasonal produce from farmers, markets and local shops; avoid supermarkets – they may be able to offer you a bargain but at what price?! There is very little room in a supermarket for a eco conscience!  Eat less meat; there is a mass of carbon dioxide  and methane which is produced from the rearing of animals for carnivorous Westies. Less meat consumption is all around better for your health.

Water

Grey water from your bath or washing  machine can be used to flush the toilet.  Harvest rainwater in a butt for your garden.  Dripping taps? just give it a good turn or if that dosen’t work you might need to replace the washer.  Dual flush loos, it just makes sense.  Older loos – put a brick in it! an easy  greener upgrade.  Try opting for a shower rather than a bath, if you cant resist the tub than share the bath water or make it shallow. Install a water meter – nothing like watching the pounds spent to make you more water-conscious…

Energy: Heat

How do you heat your home?  80% of energy use is for home heating.  Make heating your home as efficient as possible.  Insulate your loft and your cavity walls double (or triple) glaze your windows to keep the heat in. If you have an open fireplace  Install a wood-burning stove (so long as you can source wood locally).  Wear an extra jumper or put  an exta blanket on your bed instead of turning up the heat.  Try turning your thermostat down 1 degree this is a subtle yet effective way of cutting down.  Install room thermostats, and turn down radiators in rooms not in use. If you are looking to replace your boiler Consider the energy efficiency of the replacement.

Energy: Power

Turn appliances off at the socket when not in use.  Invest in an energy monitor. Light bulbs –  change for the energy saving ones.  Don’t leave laptops or mobiles on charge.  Use natural sources of energy to convert into useable energy for your home, such as solar PV. Only boil as much water as you need.

Transport

Walk or cycle to work and get some exercise into your daily routine, use the bus instead of a car.  Consider fuel consumption when replacing your car (electric / hybrid / biofuel / diesel / LPG).  Car share.  Try Eco-driving keep your car up together and treat it with care and attention, driving carefully, brake and accelerate slowly. Holidays: train don’t fly / staycation, Try spending your holidays at home and enjoy your local attractions.

Consumption

Reduce / Re-use / Recycle.  Don’t be suckered by the latest “must-have” gadget.  Look for environmentally friendly alternatives (e.g. wooden furniture / avoid metal toys/ plastic; FSC approved wooden goods; buy local & sustainable wherever possible). Support your local charity shops, Freecycle.

Waste

Shun over-packaged goods.  Take bags with you shopping – if you start to do this now you will get into the habit, there are so many places that charge you for a bag.  Compost at home.  Recycle anything and everything, its made pretty easy for us now, so there really is no excuse. Food waste: don’t shop when you’re hungry, plan what you need before you shop, and stick to it this. It will help you to save money, reduce waste – and you will be less likely to eat unnecessarily. Set yourself a zero waste challenge!