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.
Author Biography
Andrea Smith writes for national newspapers and specialist environmental magazines and has a weekly column in the Leicester Mercury. She also works as an assistant for Dr Caroline Lucas, an MEP for the South-East. Andrea worked at Friends of the Earth as a feature writer from 2000/2001. Nicola Baird is an environmental journalist. She has worked at Friends of the Earth since 1999. Nicola has two daughters and lives in London.
