7 ways to reduce food waste at home

 Hey readers, 

Did you know that Brits throw out a whopping £19 billion of food every year. This equates to 9.5 tones and 22% of the food we purchase ends up in the bin. We need to do something to reduce this and we can all do our bit so check out my 8 tips below on how to reduce food waste at home.

 

1. Avoid buying too much.

One of the simplest ways to avoid food waste as a consumer is to buy less.

A packed fridge may look appealing, but it may lead to food waste if the household cannot eat all of the food.

Taking a couple of shorter trips to the grocery store each week rather than one longer trip may prevent people from buying too much food and help cut back on waste.

2. Pick ugly fruit and vegetables.

Don’t judge food by its appearance! Oddly-shaped or bruised fruits and vegetables are often thrown away because they don’t meet arbitrary cosmetic standards. Don’t worry - they taste the same! Use mature fruit for smoothies, juices and desserts.

3. Love your list.

Make a shopping list (the easiest way is to keep it in the kitchen and add to it as you think of things) and stick to it when you go shopping. Plan ahead and shop with specific meals in mind.

4. Make a weekly menu.

Making a meal menu for the week may help some people organize their food usage and cut back on waste.

Using online tools or cookbooks to help plan out meals for the week can a person compile an accurate shopping list.

It may take a few weeks for each household to get the menu right, but having a set weekly menu might help some people reduce the guesswork around meals and avoid wasting food.

5. Know the foods that go off first. 

Keep an eye on the perishable items (such as meats, fish and salads), because that's the stuff that will go off more quickly. Your non-perishable items don't need as much attention.

This will take away the stress of using all of your ingredients and draw attention to the fresh items which will end up in the bin faster than, say, a bag of rice.

Remember:

'Best before' refers to quality, so after that date, it'll be safe but might not be at its best.

'Use by' refers to safety so after this date you mustn't eat it, even if it looks and smells OK.

4. Don't shop on an empty stomach. 

If you are hungry you're more likely to impulse-buy treats that you don't need (and that could end up in the bin). 

5. Buy foods that are in season.

Foods that are in season are more likely to taste better, which means you’re more likely to eat them! As well, food that is in the season hasn’t spent as much time in transport from the farm to your plate, so it has had less time to potentially spoil and become waste.

6. Need vs Deal.

Buy 1 get 1 free deals can be so tempting. It’s easy to get lost in the feeling of victory when you spot a good bargain. Remember - a smart shopper takes advantage of deals, don’t let the deals take advantage of you! 

7. Try not to cook too many food items that can’t be reused. 

I would always try and create ‘table abundance’ by cooking foods that can be easily reused, so keep away from things like dressed salads and stick to cooking root vegetables, which easily turned into a soup or broth the next day.

8. Bring lunch from home.

Packing a lunch from home can reduce food waste majorly. Whether it’s last night’s leftovers, a fresh, or even some fruit, packing food for the day means you don’t need to buy any unnecessary, single-use plastic and you have a set portion size. Plus, it decreases home leftovers and waste!

Have I missed any tips on how to reduce food waste at home? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

 

Cheers for reading X  

 

GreenJinn app review

Hey readers, 

With the cost of living rising, we are all looking for ways to help reduce the cost of our good bills. There are a few good apps that can help by giving you free or a percentage off food items.

 

I have done a review of two good ones you can check out called Shopmium and CheckoutSmart. Today I am focused on Greenjinn it is not the most popular money-saving app but every little helps as they say especially in this day and age.

What is the Grennjin app?

 
Greenjinn is a cashback app that either gives you free food or gives you food at a discounted rate. You can get the cash back after you have bought the item from the specific store and the item it says on the app. 

The money can be transferred to PayPal. All you have to do is look at the app and check the supermarket s offers. Buy the specific product as if I was going to Sainsbury's I would click on the top tab that says Sainsbury's.

 Search the offers that I want so currently there is a tribe protein flapjack caramel, 50g. It is important to get the exact product such as the flavour and size.

 Then buy the product and get a receipt. Next, you need to upload the receipt. It is really important that the receipt is not wrinkled and the photo of the receipt has good lighting as you don't want to get it rejected. There you have it, it is that simple to use the Grinnjinn app.

You can download the free Grennjinn app from the Play store and Apple app store. You can sign up using your email, Facebook or apple account. 

The shops that are covered in the app are as follows:

* Sainsbury's
* Waitrose 
* Tesco
* Morrisons 
* Asda 
* Coop
* Boots 
* Plant Organic
* Booths
* Ocando 
* MFG

The type of items that Greenjinn offer at a reduced cost or as a freebie are oat milk, lemons, toothpaste, washing up liquid that sort of thing. 

How do you get paid?

Once you have scanned your receipt and it has been confirmed, you can opt to be paid either by Paypal or directly into your account.

Is GreenJinn worth it?

On the plus side, GreenJinn has the most offers available out of all the receipt apps I have downloaded on my phone. But sadly, it’s also the weakest when it comes to how much money you can save, with the discounts lacking compared to its rivals.

With that said, it doesn’t cost you to be a member, so there’s no harm in having it downloaded onto your phone. It will save you some money, just not as much as I would like.

Take a look at the offers and then tap the ones you plan on buying to add them to your cart. Once purchased, take photographs of your receipt via the app, clearly showing the time, date, products and supermarket name. You can take several if you need to.

Once uploaded and processed the cashback will be added to your account. You will then need to request to withdraw this to your Paypal account. You will either be refunded the full amount or a part of the purchase price, depending on the offer. 

The minimum withdrawal amount is £1.50. There is no limit to cash out and there is no charge as well which is good compared to the likes of CheckoutSmart where they would charge you 5% if you want to cash out under £20.00. 

Here are a few tips for using the Greenjinn app.

Always check the app before you go shopping to see if there are any offers you can take advantage of. 

Greenjinn typically releases new offers on a Monday Morning.

Write down the size and name of products in case you can’t get a signal while shopping to check them while shopping.

Make sure you get a receipt, even when using the self-service checkouts.

Cheers for reading X

How to save money on your clothes

Hey readers,

Times are tough and we are looking for ways to cut down our costs of spending one way we can do that is by reducing the amount we spend on clothing. I have 5 tips on how to save money on your clothes. 

 1. Recycle old clothes for vouchers

These schemes all reward you for recycling old clothes:

• H&M - receive a £5 voucher (to be redeemed against a £25 shop) if you recycle a bag of unwanted clothes or textiles from any store in any condition at a branch of H&M.
• Marks and Spencer - receive a £5 voucher (to be redeemed against a £35 shop) if you donate items to Oxfam (either clothing or soft furnishings). They must not be damaged or soiled as clothes will be resold. You can also donate items in M&S stores under the retailer's 'Shwop' scheme - you won't get a voucher but Sparks members will get a free treat if they scan the QR code on the donation box.
• New Look - take good-quality, pre-loved fashion to a Hospice charity shop (find them here), scan the QR code on the counter and receive 15% off your next shop at New Look.
• Schuh - receive a £5 voucher (to be redeemed against a £25 spend) when you bring an old pair of shoes (any brand).
• Sweaty Betty - receive a £10 voucher (to be redeemed against a £50 spend) when you recycle an old pair of leggings (any brand) to the store, which can also be done online.

2. Shop out of season.

We know, it’s exciting to buy things pre-season. When it’s icy outside, that lightweight sundress makes you feel like spring is right around the corner. But if you’re buying in anticipation of what’s next, you’re paying the maximum retail price. If you shop for what’s not happening, you’ll get a much better price. Sure, it might feel weird to buy a sweater when it’s nearly triple digits outside, but it’ll save you some cool cash.

3. Where to buy second-hand clothes

There are many places where you can buy second-hand clothes, either in-store or online. 

For stores try local charity shops, or antique shops if you like vintage clothing. Many such shops have now reopened with all the necessary Covid-related measures in place. You will need to be prepared to browse as obviously everything is a one-off item and you can’t guarantee what will or will not be there. But there are many bargains to be had and you will be helping to support either a charity or a local business

There are also many online auctions and selling sites, for example:

* eBay

* Facebook Marketplace

* Depop

*  Preloved 

As well as searching for specific items that you want, it can also be worth including the word “bundle” or “job lot” in your search. You can often find a listing that includes several items which a seller does not have time to list individually, so can work out at incredible value. And if there are some of the items that either don’t fit or you don’t like, you can always pass them on to friends or your local charity shop: you will still bag a bargain.

5. Try 'swishing'

 'Swishing' is the term for swapping items of clothing or footwear with other people. Instead of shopping for new garments, it’s worth getting a group of friends or colleagues together to swap unwanted clothes.

6. Upcycle existing garments

Changing your existing clothes is one way to freshen up your wardrobe without throwing out and replacing the whole lot.

Merion Willis, the Craft Editor at Lovecraft's, said embroidering flowers, geometric patterns or fun lettering to clothing can give a personal finish.“Adding embroidery to tired knitwear is a super-fast way to brighten it up.”

What do you think of my tips on how to save money on clothes? Have I missed a good way to save money that you use that has helped you? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

4 ways to reduce your food bill

 Hey readers, 

As times are getting tough you want to be looking for ways to cut down on your food bill then I have four good solid ways to reduce your bill that can make a massive difference. 

1. Bulk buying.

If you have the cupboard space, bulk buying can be really cost-effective.

If you check the label of the product you are buying, it will tell you the price per kilogram – and the big bags almost always work out much cheaper. The deals can be even better if you can buy from a wholesaler or bulk-buying specialist such as Costco – although bear in mind these firms come with annual membership fees that you need to factor in.

Start with items such as pasta and tea bags – these have long shelf lives and are great for meal planning when money is tight.

It’s also great for household essentials. Tesco charges £8 for a pack of 36 Ariel All-in-1 washing pods. However, a pack of 120 will cost you £20. That’s 22p each versus 17p each. Watch out though as sometimes the smaller packs can work out cheaper, so always check.

2. Avoid fridge chaos.

A disorganised fridge can wreak havoc with your food's longevity, flavour and nutritional value. The bottom shelf is the coldest, and ideal for raw meat, fish and poultry. Store eggs on the middle shelf as they shouldn’t get too cold. The top shelf is the warmest and has the most consistent temperature, therefore is good for dairy and pre-prepared foods that don't need cooking. 

The doors are the warmest place in the fridge and best for foods containing preservatives. Wrap cheese in a resealable bag and store it in a plastic tub to prevent it from drying out.

Organising your cupboards and fridge will ensure that you know what you already own, hopefully stopping you from buying duplicates and ending up with five jars of the same thing. It’s a good idea to keep an up-to-date list of what is in your freezer, as leftovers can often get pushed to the back and forgotten about. You’re not saving money if you don’t eat the food.

 3. Make the most out of loyalty schemes. 

Many supermarkets have schemes in place providing incentives - such as vouchers for money off your groceries - to incentivise shoppers to keep buying at their stores.

For example, Sainsbury's runs its Nectar card reward scheme, where customers receive points every time they shop in stores.

To get one Nectar point you need to spend £1 in Sainsbury’s store, or you get one Nectar point for every litre of fuel purchased in Sainsbury’s fuel stations. The scheme now offers personalised discounts based on customers' shopping habits.

Morrisons' has recently revamped its loyalty scheme too. Instead of collecting points to get money off shopping, customers are now offered instant rewards when they spend money in stores.

4. Sign up for food waste apps.

Olio or Too Good To Go are great examples of apps where you can source surplus food or heavily discounted food. They will highlight restaurants or cafes nearby that have wasted food they want to sell, with customers able to pick up “Magic Bags’ at a set price. Consumers can even order in advance meaning expensive lunches in the office could be a thing of the past.

What do you think about my points about reducing the food bill? Have I missed any good advice that you think is good? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

 

Why I love a no spend day.

Hey readers, 

I love a no-spend day and I try to fit one or two in twice a week to help save me some money. But if you may not have heard of this concept so let me explain what a no-spend day means down below. 

What is a no-spend day?

In simple terms, it is a day (24 hours) where literally spend no money whether it be physical in a shop or online to help stop you from buying unnecessary items. It gives you a pause button to stop and reflect on your spending and notice if there are some areas where you think you need to improve on and you can work out ways to make changes.

Having a no-spend day is an excellent way of breaking a cycle of spending if it becomes addictive and it is a way to move forward with positive spending habits. 

I have found them really beneficial to do and try to do one or two a week and really helps puts things into perspective. Definitely makes me think twice about what I am spending my money on. 

Although it is probably best not to do a no-spend day when bills go out so make sure you time it around a day when no money is going out of the bank so you have a 0 money bank transaction. 

Like all good no-spend days the key is planning and making sure that you have food that you need to eat, drinks, and anything that you need shower gel, etc. so you don't get tempted to go to the shop and may give you the urge to break the commitment of a no-spend day. 

Why I love a no-spend day. 

1. It is simple. 

It is a simple rule you don't have to spend any money on that one day, there are other rules and complications that you have to stick to. At first, it is a bit weird to get into it but once you do it just gets easier to do. There is also no tracking involved so I don't have to constantly think about what money I have spent. 

2. Get creative. 

With a no-spend day, that means you have to use whatever resources you have at home such as rustling a lunch up with the food you have in the fridge or snacks in the cupboard. Or finding entertainment that is free locally to you so you don't have to spend any money. It helps get you more organised and plan your days out with how they are going to be structured, which isn't always a bad thing and can be more productive than days that just go with the flow. 

3. Control. 

Doing the no spend challenge leaves you feeling more in control of your finances because you are taking positive action with the no spend days. You are watching your habits and working out if there are any flaws in your spending and how can you adapt to make improvements this all gives you the power of control.

4. The buzz. 

The buzz of completing a no-spend day is good as it makes you feel like you can work on improving your finances and that you are in control of money. It allows you to reflect on your habits and gives you the time to see what your relationship is like with money. 

Have you tried no spend days? Do they work for you? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X 

5 ways to make money.

Hey readers,

Needing some extra money well there are so many good ways to do this online and offline. I am going to discuss five ways to make some money, levels vary in difficulty but it is always good to gain more knowledge in this area. 

5 ways to make money. 

1. Rent your space.

If you have a free parking space that you aren't using you could rent it out., this is a particular handy id if you live in a busy area. Websites like Parklet or Just Park are brilliant for advertising your parking space. It is a great passive income and you could earn up to £200 literally doing nothing.  

2. Sell sperm or eggs. 

For this next one, I would suggest really thinking about what you are doing as you are giving your egg or sperm to create another human being. Of course, this is fantastic for people who have genuine issues surrounding naturally conceiving. 

However, one issue that you need to bear in mind is anonymity now from 2005 the law changed regarding this issue and when the child reaches 16 they can access information about you. Yes, it is easy money on the one hand but it is a big thing to do and the costs very. So before jumping headfirst speak to someone to make sure you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. 

3. Tutoring.

Online tutoring has become really popular over the last few years as you can do it anywhere online. There are many sites to help set you up as a tutor such as my tutor, fleet tutors, and super prof for example. there are many topics you could tutor such as maths and science and even learning a musical instrument. 

4. Participate in medical research. 

This is an interesting one and it really does vary from the research as to how much you get paid. For instance, some might shop gift cards for £50 while other studies offer £100 all the way up to  £1000s. The thing that you need to ask though is why is the money so high what does the research involved and how will it impact my own body.

 Remember some of this research is new and testing drugs on you and they don't know the impact hence the money thing. It is tempting but if that scares you go for the low-end research things like looking at sleep research that isn't so scary but is interesting and you earn some pounds, win-win. 

5. House sitting. 

Moving on to a move safer option is house sitting, this is a great way to earn money. Some people are away for a period of time and want someone to keep an eye on their home, pick up their posts water their plants, and make sure the place is tidy and clean for them. 

Depending on what they want from you and your location you may pop around each day or you may just stay at length in their home while they away. The lengths can really vary from a week to a few months but you could save money as they pay for the bills such as heating etc so great little earner. 

What do you think of my ideas for making money? have you tried them? have you any other good ideas to make money? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading x 

Tips for saving money on your Christmas shopping.

Hey readers, 

Christmas is fast approaching and with lockdown, it can be quite daunting especially as a lot of people are going through financial difficulty. 

Here are some ways to save money on your shopping at Christmas. 

1. Budget. 

It is important to set a budget and stick to it. Not only does it feel like you are in control but it allows you to also enjoy the event without getting flustered. Christmas doesn't have to be OTT with presents because remember it is also about sharing time together with loved ones. 

Don't let finances rule you, take control, and if you can't afford something don't buy it, people will understand if you tell them. Christmas should be a time to relax not get stressed out.

2. Sell. 

A good way to earn some money is to look around your home and sell stuff on eBay or Facebook marketplace. 

I have done this myself and it has helped with my Christmas budget, which again is a great deal of pressure off. 

3. Cashback sites.

If you are shopping online for presents then I recommend using cashback apps such as Quidco and Top Cashback. 

What you so go on the site search a shop you want to buy something from click on the link and it will take you directly to shop. 

Once you have brought something from the shop you get a certain percentage of cashback.  

4. Spread the cost. 

Spread the cost of your shopping so buy x amount each week and then this means it won't be overwhelming if you left it to the last minute. 

5. Research. 

Before hitting the shops, take some time to do your research online with google shopping to find the best deals on the things you want to buy for Christmas. 

6. Planning.

Planning is key and is the one main thing to help you keep within your finances. Write down a list of your budget and the things you want to buy within that budget. Always stick to a list than less likely to impulse buy. 

7. Loyalty cards. 

I really like loyalty cards as they give you money back which will save you money. Shops like Tesco (Tesco rewards), Sainsbury's (nectar card), Boots (Boots advantage card) give you x amount of points when you shop with that store. 

Then once you have accumulated so many points can transfer money from your shopping from the store. 

8. Vouchercodes. 

Check out Vouchercodes where they have a search engine for voucher codes and discounts on a lot of stores such as Tesco, New Look, Debenhams to save some money if you are planning to shop in certain stores. 

9. Supermarkets.

Swap supermarkets when you do shop for budget-friendly ones Lidl and Aldi are so much cheaper and the quality is still very good. 

Remember to write a list before you go as I have been guilty of being caught up in the moment and at least with a list you can stick to it and not buy too much food.

10. Yellow stickers.

In my household, we buy our Christmas meat in the yellow stickers that are reduced at the end of the day and put it in the freezer. Saves an absolute fortune. 

Also nowadays people are braver and don’t all go for turkey – don’t feel pressure if you don’t want, there are so many meats to choose from. Even better if you feel up to it you could go vegetarian and save the pounds there.

11. Courier.

If you are sending presents to relatives or friends don't just rely on Royal Mail as a courier. Have a look around as there can be some services that are much cheaper.

12. Christmas post. 

When sending a Christmas card in the post to someone a cheaper way to do is to use second-class stamps. 

However, it may take longer but make sure you’re earlier, and then it should not be a problem and your purse will be happier for it.

13. Christmas tree.

I know it is tempting to have a fresh tree as they seem to be the fashionable thing to do. But really it is a lot cheaper to opt for a fake tree as this will save you money in the long term. 

Not to mention the positive impact of choosing a more environmentally friendly option as a pose to buying a fresh tree that is chopped down just for Christmas and then checked away in a few weeks’ time.

14. IOU.

We all know items in the shops are cheaper instantly after Christmas Day. One way to save some money is between you and say your friend is doing an IOU (I owe you) meaning instead of handing your friend a present at Christmas do it after.

Hope this helps. Have I missed any tips on saving money that you find helpful? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.

Cheers for reading X

You know your skint when...

Hey readers,

Sometimes now and again we all worry about money. I have been totally skint but I am so lucky to not have to be in this situation. I am truly grateful for being in a more comfortable position.

 Here is what I experienced when I was totally skint for months due to poor health.

1. You raid the 1p money jar.

2. You watch more TV than normal because you can't afford to do fun things. 

3. You dread it when someone wants to go for a coffee and become anti-social.

4. You live of value food.

5. Choosing between food and electricity.

6. Sleeping the day away because of your cold and hungry.

7. Not sleeping because you're scared of how to survive off your income.

8. Nicking the toilet roll from local college because you can't afford it.

9. You were your coat at home because it is freezing. 

10. So thankful for Freecycle or else I wouldn't have been able to afford a bed.

11. You use brown tape to cover the hole on your shoe because you can't afford a new pair of shoes. 

12. You water down milk and hope no one notices. 

13. You hate the middle of the month as you worry about how you will survive till the end of the month. 

14. You live of pasta. 

15. If you are totally skint then eating toilet paper is the alternative. 

16. You use washing up liquid as a substitute for shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. 

17. You youtube how to sort out holes in your clothes.

18. You go to your local library because it is free and warm during wintertime.

19. You heart sinks when it is Christmas around the corner or any other time which involves having to find extra funds. 

Cheers for reading X

Why I don't participate in extreme couponing

Hey readers,

You properly have heard of the American show called Extreme Couponing and the craze is here in the UK. Sadly though there are fewer coupons available here in the UK.

I love saving money, so I researched online about what all this fuzz of extreme couponing is about. 

Since 2008 couponing and finding ways to save money has been a big interest in a lot of peoples life. At the time recession hit hard and people wanted to save money as there was less disposable cash available, especially through loans etc from the bank.

Now there are loads of different ways to save money. A common one is searching and printing coupons, from magazines such as the Tesco Magazine which comes out monthly. 

The other way is to go on to the companies own website and if you sign up to a newsletter it gives you free coupons to print at home, such as Coca Cola or Covent Garden Soup. Next thing you have to do is find the supermarket with the lowest price for that specific product. 

An alternative way to save money is through top cashback sites and SwagBucks.

Then there is the good old yellow sticker hunting where if you got closer to the time the supermarket closes you can be lucky to grab some fab bargains with up to 75% of the original price of the item.

Now I do use some of these methods such as yellow stickers, SwagBucks, Store Rewards which are fab and fairly straight forward to get. Though the only downside with these apps is they take time to build up the reward.

The thing that I can't manage is extreme couponing, where you do the whole signing up to the company and also get a lot of people such as friends or relatives to sign up. Therefore instead of getting one bottle of Coca Cola, you can get four.

Now I am a mum of two young children so don't have a lot of time to faff about and get the permission of others to sign up, hunting for coupons or money back from items etc. 

Most of the stuff I tend not to use so I ask myself do I really need this, nine times out of ten the answer is no. I would much prefer to spend my time doing something a bit more exciting, to be honest with you. 

I think the key thing to be a successful extreme couponer is time to do the research of looking around for the best deal, printing out and travelling.

Now I do use coupons casually for the odd thing here and there but I don't buy multiple items as I do not have space to stockpile (where you buy large amounts of the same product and store them typically in a cupboard). 

Fair play if you do, but if I did have space I can't really be bothered to have to say 15 bottles of strawberry shampoo, 6 bottles of washing up liquid and so forth.

My other problem is that the products tend to be store cupboard or junk food most of the time. You may get the odd offer for yoghurt or Nakd bars but they are few and between.

 As someone on a low income, I need food to feed my family that is reasonably healthy and that I would definitely use.

I believe that nothing is free, there is a cost somewhere down the line. Yes, you can get a coupon but you need paper and ink to print it. 

If you are skint and you can't afford travel, I mean for me to get on the bus it would cost me £3.10 for my child, and £4.00 for me to travel anywhere.

Not to mention the fact that different offers are on at different stores, you have to travel here there and everywhere. Which I don't mind but with two young kids, going on the bus and then shopping is a depressing state of affairs.

I also want to point out that it is better to shop less frequently then go to loads of different places as it saves you in the long run. If you don't shop you will find a solution. Whereas if you are constantly in the supermarket the temptation is there and you just waste money just for the sake of couponing.

A lot of the time the supermarket's own brand is just as good (if not better) then the actually branded stuff, instantly you save a small fortune just by swapping.

Therefore, extreme couponing is not suited for me. 

I  don't knock people for doing it, it is their choice but for me personally, I don't have the time/money/need to warrant the item. That doesn't mean I don't use coupons and they can be beneficial but you have to weigh it up to do I really need this and if so go forth and buy.

What do you think about extreme couponing? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below. 

Cheers for reading X

Leading an eco-friendly life in a busy home.

Too busy to think about how to make eco-friendly choices at home? Try these one-step, one-time ideas to live greener, but think a bit less about it.

Leading an eco-friendly life in a busy home.

Modern life certainly comes with its challenges. The climate crisis has thrown another one into the mix, forcing us all to be more aware of what we consume and how we consume it.

 The most simple and cost-efficient way to start living more sustainably is definitely at home. Green living is becoming increasingly important to people across the UK. More and more of us are opting for energy-efficient appliances, environmentally friendly products and low-waste alternatives. 

A lot of households now actively work to lower their carbon footprint and make their way of life that little bit more sustainable. But with the business of life, how can we fit these changes into our daily routines?

How can we be more efficient?

Making your home more sustainable involves making changes that improve the energy efficiency of your property. This means that you waste less energy and save money in the process. 

Sustainable living means you will make the most of the resources you have, reducing your carbon footprint. This can range from the cleaning products you use at home to the energy supplier you choose to power up your home. 

Some of these changes require sustained change, but some are small, one-off things you can do, which will make a big difference. For example, don’t leave the fridge door open, unplug appliances if they are left on standby, and try to purchase as little plastic as possible.

While making these other changes, it might be a good time to switch your energy supplier. If you haven't managed to switch in a while, it's highly likely that you are overpaying for your energy. 

Not only is this a waste of money, but you can also make the switch over to a more green energy supplier with green energy tariffs. 

A green energy supplier means one that provides tariffs with 100% renewable electricity and aims to offset gas usage by investing in green projects.

 Also, you can switch to a tariff that saves you money, like an Economy 10 tariff for your electricity. This is a one-off task, so once you’ve switched you hopefully won’t have to switch again for a while. 

You can be content with the fact that your energy is coming from more renewable sources. If you lead a particularly busy life, switching suppliers is an easy way to be a lot more eco-friendly at home, without having to put in any hard work.

In short, you want to make sure that your gas and electricity come from renewable sources, rather than fossil fuels that are contributing to climate change. 

You won’t have to feel guilty about the energy you use at home, as you know that you’ll be leading a greener life in your safe haven. You can read more about ways to make your home greener on Ofgem’s handy website.

Go reusable.

Like I said, let’s avoid plastic when and where we can. Stop buying zip-top bags, plastic straws and food in a lot of plastic packaging. Let’s start buying alternatives, like beeswax. 

They last for ages, way longer than plastic, and are far better for the environment. Invest in glass tupperwares so you don’t have to throw away single-use plastic bags and boxes all the time.
 All these things you can do one time so you never have to worry about them again.

Consider composting!

If you like gardening, at least make it efficient! Keeping a compost bin means you won’t have to think about throwing food away, which we all know is really bad. 

Keep a compost bin where you can put peels, coffee grounds and other organic waste. If you don’t have a garden, or enough space to keep a compost bin, then you can always give your compost to public gardens or to friends and neighbours who have the resources.

Save water.

Water is one of our most wasted resources. Think about how many times a day you use water - it’s all the time! 

So let’s start thinking about how much water we use and when. Are you an avid tea drinker? Don’t waste water by filling up the kettle more and more every time you make a cuppa.

 
This also wastes so much energy and you’ll see the consequences on your energy bills. Take shorter showers or buy a low-flow shower head; only use the appropriate amount of water when you are boiling food; don’t overwater your lawn and your plants.

Ready to make all these small changes? Of course, you are! No matter how busy you are with life, work, family and friends, you can transform your eco-lifestyle with just a handful of different, more thoughtful choices. 

Things just got easier if you are struggling to pay for your energy bills.
 
Ofgem has just introduced new regulations for energy suppliers to introduce as of the 15th of December 2020. The new regulation’s purpose is to protect customers who are struggling to keep up with their energy bills. Energy suppliers will be obliged to give more time to customers who are struggling to pay their bills this winter.
 
For those on prepayment meters, more time will be given to top-up and additional credit will be given to those customers who need it. A debt repayment plan will also be introduced for all those that are currently behind on paying their bills. Energy suppliers will also reach out to customers that they deem more vulnerable and aid them in setting up this repayment plan.
 
For more details you can read the full article