Tips on a more sustainable lifestyle

To mark National Climate Week 2013 taking place this week (4-10 March) residents and being called on to ‘think green’. Small changes in the way we live can make a big difference to reducing personal carbon footprints, reducing carbon emissions and saving energy. Going green is not only good for the planet it can also help to save you a lot of money.

Here are some tips on how you can move towards a more sustainable lifestyle:

• Love food hate waste – use your leftovers to make delicious meals. Here are some recipe ideas
• Buy fruit and vegetables loose - Mother Nature gave them their own packaging - or learn how to grow your own.
• Washing detergents, herbs and spices, coffee and hand wash are all available as refills to help you cut down on the amount of packaging you throw away.
• Buy concentrated. Concentrated squashes and fabric conditioners last longer so you get more value for money. Avoid disposable items like paper plates, razors and batteries (try rechargeable batteries, they will save you cash too).
• On average a glass milk bottle from a milkman is re-used 20 times before it is recycled? Find your local milkman and have your milk delivered to your door.
• Cut down on junk mail by signing up to the Royal Mail’s Mail Preference Service. Register online or contact them on 0845 7034599.
• Lots of items can be recycled, go online and check what items in your home qualify.