Does saving the planet require great effort? Does it mean extreme measures such as taking up residence in trees? You will be pleased to know that you can do your bit without any major change to your lifestyle. You even get to save money in the process. You do not even have to give up your car! You can cut your fuel consumption by a quarter if you reduce your average speed. The most fuel-efficent vehicles can save you up to GBP900 a year and did you know there are tax exemptions for electric cars? If you insulate the roof of your home at a cost of GBP170, you will save GBP80-GBP100 a year. By stopping draughts, you can save GBP10-GBP15 a year on heating costs. Are you aware that there are government grants that half the cost of installing solar panels making them only slightly more expensive than slate? We do not always need toxic cleaning products that are cleverly marketed to us. Neat lemon juice at 65p a bottle works well on kitchen surface stains. White vinegar costs even less and can be used to clean fridges, windows and ceramic tiles. A lack of time prevents us from shopping around for better deals. In 'Collins Save Cash and Save the Planet', all the hard work has been done for you. There are practical suggestions for lessening our impact on the environment in the following areas: the home & garden, DIY, transport, work, health, food, holidays, banking. Global warming is becoming a reality and the number of asthma sufferers increases yearly. Find out about the latest research into human damage to the planet. Friends of the Earth is the country's most influential national environmental campaigning organisation with over 100,000 supporters in the UK alone. They aim to inspire and educate the public to become more personally involved in improving their local environment. Information is provided on how to sign up to Friends of the Earth.
Hi, I'm Nicola Baird, a London-based environmental journalist/author and mum of two young children. I've written seven published books including the best selling "Save Cash & Save the Planet" (Collins, co-written, 2005) and "Homemade Kids: thrifty, creative and eco-friendly ways to raise children" (Vermilion, 2010). You can see my blogs at http://aroundbritainnoplane.blogspot.com and also www.homemadekids.co.uk.
For surprising insights into eco-lifestyles, read the romantic comedy, "There's a Hippo in my Cistern", written by my football-obsessed husband (and brilliant, funny writer) Pete May (Collins, 2008).
"Coconut Wireless: love, life and gossip in the south pacific" is my first e-novel (2010). It is set in Solomon Islands (you know the one where JFK fought and was rescued) where I worked as a VSO (it's a UK-version of Peace Corps) journalist trainer from 1990-1992. Half of any money produced by "Coconut Wireless" will be given to support projects working with Solomon Islands women and children. I regret this a bit now - if I hadn't made this promise I'd be offering "Coconut Wireless" to you for free...
