We all like to think we are doing our best to lead sustainable lives, but there is always more we could be doing. So, here are a few ideas to think about.
Switch Energy Supplier
Every UK energy supplier offers a Green Tariff, but beware - not all tariffs are as green as they seem. You really do need to read the small print, to make sure you are not being Green Washed. Only 3 suppliers guarantee that all of their electricity is generated from renewable sources, and give full details of their sources on their website : Green Energy UK, Good Energy and Ecotricity. Find out more about energy suppliers and their green tariffs, and how to switch suppliers from these two independent websites.
Use The Resources Wisely
According to the Energy Saving Trust, an average household could save over £300 a year on their energy bills by following their top tips.
Similarly, resources (and money) can be saved by thinking about how you use water in your home. The Eden Project have come up with their Top Ten Tips.
Improve Your Home Insulation
Summer is a great time to be thinking about keeping your house warm. Get started now, and your home will be all ready to face the winter chills when they come. Increasing insulation in your roof and walls can reduce your energy bills by up to 1/3!
Unfortunately the Government’s Green Homes Grant is no longer available. But here in Harborough, we are really lucky to have two alternatives. Harborough District Council, working with Harborough Energy, are offering Warm Home Grants. In many cases people participating in the scheme may not even have to pay. Even if there is a charge they will only pay a small amount as the insulation is subsidised by the fuel suppliers. Leicestershire County Council are also offering a Green Homes Grant, working in conjunction with e.on (though you don't have to be an e.on customer to be eligible)
More Information is available from
To Recycle or not To Recycle?
We all know that recycling is good, as, on the whole, this will ensure that waste items do not end up in land fill. The local council provides us with a bin to recycle many items at home, recycling bins are now commonly found in parks, schools, and other public places. And many supermarkets and other large businesses are very happy to boast about their recycling credentials.
However, it is important to remember that recycling should be the last resort as we try to move to a sustainable, resource-efficient economy. Don’t forget that once you have placed something in a recycling bin, you have just passed the problem on to someone else to deal with. Despite everything we have heard, the amount of plastic waste going into official or unofficial recycling bins, as well as just being dumped into general waste bins, rivers, gutters and eventually the sea, does not seem to be getting any less. Most of us are probably familiar with the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle advice, but how about thinking about the 7 Rs!
Rethink
Refuse
Reduce
Reuse
Repair
Rot (Compost)
.....and if all else fails, Recycle
Have a look at the following websites for inspiration