It's no secret that the UK, in fact the entire world is in the midst of a tough and unrelenting recession. Despite recent promises that filtered down to us from the powers that be via the media, things still aren't looking good! Although we're now forecast to be making our way out of recession, growth forecasts are constantly being reduced as markets don't make the headway they were anticipated to by industry experts. For this reason budgets are still being slashed and purse strings tightened; the buttoned-down hatches are still firmly in place for a lot of businesses. Gas, oil and electricity prices haven't fallen and instead increased, which has made making savings where possible not only preferable, but also necessary for many families. Here's what you can do
This first suggestion concerning heating is far from ideal considering the distinct lack of spring weather we're long overdue. If you work away from home and are out all day though it's well worth setting it up on timer, leaving it off both during the night and during the day when you're out. Nowadays there are numerous heating gadgets available that allow you to pre-set your heating in advance, leaving the heating on for longer at weekends for example when people are more likely to be at home.
Next on the list after central heating usage is water usage. Water is again, something that has made its presence known throughout the media over recent months due to rising bills that seem to rise proportionally with profits. It does seem somewhat unfair that in the midst of a recession when common folk are struggling to pay their bills, big companies raise their profit levels from us, not taking a financial hit at all. However, despite these unfair actions we can reduce our water usage significantly without too much effort. Use the dishwasher more sparingly, turn the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and have showers instead of baths.
The next point we come to is electrics. The kettle, TV, stereo, iMac and all other manner of electrical appliances with a standby button should be switched off. In addition to saving energy and money, it also saves the environment - a triple bonus.
If you're less of a tech head and more of a creative type, you might like this next suggestion. Although it may seem a bit old school it really is easy to create brand new and imaginative looks with your wardrobe simply by using a needle and thread. Sewing is easy and therapeutic - why not start by learning some simple cross stitch and adapt your old clothes to create a new you for the high street as you improve.
For this next item we've actually had a little bit of help from industry. Energy saving light bulbs last for so much longer than ordinary light bulbs and in recent months the light quality produced has improved to the point where they're almost as effective at lighting your home as normal light bulbs.
Running with the theme of long-term solutions, solar panels that attach to the roof of your home and harness the sun's energy are now becoming more and more mainstream. Although they come with a hefty initial cost not only does the solar energy you collect come off your own bill, you also get reimbursed for any additional energy used by the board provided by your house, the returns really can be quite generous in Summer.
Finally, combining energy providers or even threatening to leave and move elsewhere can work wonders when it comes to saving money - call them up and have a chat, and while you're at it, ring up your phone and internet providers too!
This first suggestion concerning heating is far from ideal considering the distinct lack of spring weather we're long overdue. If you work away from home and are out all day though it's well worth setting it up on timer, leaving it off both during the night and during the day when you're out. Nowadays there are numerous heating gadgets available that allow you to pre-set your heating in advance, leaving the heating on for longer at weekends for example when people are more likely to be at home.
Next on the list after central heating usage is water usage. Water is again, something that has made its presence known throughout the media over recent months due to rising bills that seem to rise proportionally with profits. It does seem somewhat unfair that in the midst of a recession when common folk are struggling to pay their bills, big companies raise their profit levels from us, not taking a financial hit at all. However, despite these unfair actions we can reduce our water usage significantly without too much effort. Use the dishwasher more sparingly, turn the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and have showers instead of baths.
The next point we come to is electrics. The kettle, TV, stereo, iMac and all other manner of electrical appliances with a standby button should be switched off. In addition to saving energy and money, it also saves the environment - a triple bonus.
If you're less of a tech head and more of a creative type, you might like this next suggestion. Although it may seem a bit old school it really is easy to create brand new and imaginative looks with your wardrobe simply by using a needle and thread. Sewing is easy and therapeutic - why not start by learning some simple cross stitch and adapt your old clothes to create a new you for the high street as you improve.
For this next item we've actually had a little bit of help from industry. Energy saving light bulbs last for so much longer than ordinary light bulbs and in recent months the light quality produced has improved to the point where they're almost as effective at lighting your home as normal light bulbs.
Running with the theme of long-term solutions, solar panels that attach to the roof of your home and harness the sun's energy are now becoming more and more mainstream. Although they come with a hefty initial cost not only does the solar energy you collect come off your own bill, you also get reimbursed for any additional energy used by the board provided by your house, the returns really can be quite generous in Summer.
Finally, combining energy providers or even threatening to leave and move elsewhere can work wonders when it comes to saving money - call them up and have a chat, and while you're at it, ring up your phone and internet providers too!
About the Author:
So, fancy making your old wardrobe new again? The website www.xstitchcrafts.co.uk provides some great learning materials and designs to start you off.
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