CONGRATULATIONS, we made it through the Mayan apocalypse and here we are on the other side vowing to give up chocolate, wine, smoking and the rest of it.
Here at The Eco Experts we think one of the most important things we can do this New Year is to look after our planet.
There are many things you can do, but this list will give you the easiest.
And it’s not just the planet you will help, but your waistline and bank balance too.
1) Reuse plastic bags.
Many shops will give you a carrier bag even if you buy just one item, and these are then just thrown away.
Go out with a material or wicker bag, or use your plastic bags over and over again, and when they fall apart, recycle them.
2) Walk, cycle, use public transport, car share.
Want to lose and save pounds? Then walk or cycle your shorter journeys. If you live in a city this can often be quicker than driving anyway, and you will notice the difference on your waistline almost immediately.
If you need to take a journey that is a bit longer, or you just don’t fancy braving the great outdoors, look up train or bus times, or arrange to car share with a colleague. Reducing the number of cars on the road is crucial to cutting the UK’s carbon emissions.
3) Volunteer in community garden projects.
The perfect way to give something back to the community, to help the planet and do some exercise.
Find a community garden or allotment near you and do something rewarding in your spare time.
It’s also much cheaper than spending the afternoon in the pub!
4) Invest in renewable energy
In the last few months we have all seen the news that energy prices are to soar and soar as the Big Six continue to hike up their prices.
One way to help the environment and your wallet is to invest in renewable energy. A government scheme called the feed-in-tariff pays people who have solar panels for both the electricity they produce and use, and the electricity they produce but don’t use.
They also make huge savings, by not purchasing energy.
It is estimated that those who invest in solar will receive a ROI between 8 and 12%, higher than your high street bank.
5) Switch of unused lights and equipment
One if the biggest wastes of money and of energy is keeping unused equipment on, and leaving lights on.
You can even turn the fridge off at night, the closed door will keep the temperature down as long as your remember to switch it back on in the morning!
