Most of us can’t afford to buy an “eco” home but there are things we can all do to help save the planet and save money at the same time.

Saving on energy

• Heating is a major contributor to CO2. Does your home have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)? This provides guidance on how to reduce CO2 and save money. Check if there is a certificate and then read it by searching for your postcode in epcregister.com.
• Draughtproofing and LED lightbulbs are relatively cheap and could repay their cost quite quickly
• If you own your home and are on benefits you may be able to get a grant for expensive improvements like insulation or a boiler from E.ON (eonenergy.com/home-heating/affordable-warmth), Npower (npower.com/ui/forms/eco-eligibility.html) or EDF (if you are a customer call 0333 200 5119).
• If you are renting then talk to your landlord first. By April 1^st a new law means landlords need to ensure properties with F or G EPC ratings are upgraded. If there are improvements you want to make yourself you will need the landlord’s permission – you may still be entitled to a grant if you are an EDF customer.
• If you would like advice, especially on choosing a lower cost energy tariff, please contact us using the details below.

Saving on transport

• Do you use a car every day for commuting, shopping, etc? Perhaps you could walk, cycle, share a car, use public transport or work at home once or twice a week.
• Is there a school bus your children could use?
• Do you always take foreign holidays? There has been a big increase in “staycations” in the UK – although they’re not always cheaper.

Saving on shopping

• Rather than buying new furniture, mobile phones, etc – try looking online and in charity or secondhand shops for good quality used or refurbished items (and you could sell unwanted items yourself).
• Do you buy lots of books or DVD’s? Try visiting your local library or again check for secondhand bargains.

Saving on food and drink

• Cutting meat and dairy consumption will reduce your CO2 emissions. Try a few plant-based meals – they can be cheaper and healthier. However some highly processed or imported foods and drinks aren’t very good for the planet or the pocket. When available it’s “greener” and often cheaper to buy British produce – or better still grow your own.
• If convenient, buying bigger quantities and “batch cooking” can save money and energy. If you have leftovers, most can be reused as bubble-and-squeak, tasty stews, curries, etc to avoid waste.
• Bottled water can cost more than petrol, generates large amounts of CO2 and comes in single-use plastic – tap water is far cheaper and better for our planet.