We'd all be more inclined to go a little greener if it was easier, and more cost-effective, but it can be hard knowing where to start. Now, help is at hand from internet provider, TalkTalk and gadget TV celeb Jason Bradbury, who have scoured the internet and today revealed the must-visit sites to help you convert to a greener lifestyle. Not only can you learn a few simple cost-effective steps towards reducing your impact on the environment, but there are many organisations out there running eco-friendly initiatives that could even make you money.
While many people are now in the habit of recycling packaging and turning off electrical equipment, many of the more dramatic eco-friendly efforts, such as installing wind turbines (like Conservative leader David Cameron), putting up solar panels or running cars on bio-fuels can seem relatively expensive affairs. However, with the help of a few simple guidelines you could equally do your bit and save money at the same time.
Gadget and technology expert, Jason Bradbury, said: “I’m totally into this. My house is a well-oiled recycling machine. Without wishing to sound too preachy, we all have a part to play in the eco-campaign; small changes made by many can make a big difference. As a man with a love of electronic devices, I've made huge efforts of late to cut down my power consumption and I’ve seen the impact in my electricity bill. At a time when energy costs more than ever before and the wider impact of its use is so evident, there’s every reason to take an interest in your impact on the environment.”
Green news
In-depth features plus a weekly video news round-up make www.treehugger.com one of the most informative green resources on the web, or log-on to www.planet-positive.org for regular updates on green events. There are also tools to teach you about your impact on the environment, delivered in a refreshingly un-patronising way.
Tips and tricks
At www.paystolivegreen.com there's advice on saving cash, conserving energy and improving your carbon footprint across all aspects of daily life, while at www.biggreenswitch.co.uk you’ll find all the facts and figures you need to help you convert to a greener lifestyle.
Whether you're looking to start recycling or wondering how you can do more of it, you'll find everything on the subject at www.reuze.co.uk.
There's a real family feel at US based website www.ourgreenerlife.com. It is full of helpful advice with regular updates on new ways to go green.
Covering a wide range of subjects www.sustainablestuff.co.uk offers in depth insight that makes great reading. There’s advice on making all aspects of your life a little more eco-friendly.
Travel wise
From green hotel listings to holiday ideas that'll reduce your environmental impact www.gogreentravel.com is certainly worth paying a visit.
An absolute must before you book your next break is a trip to www.responsibletravel.com – just about every type of getaway is listed, all with good green credentials.
Energy saving
Phone and broadband company TalkTalk, which compiled the best of the web recommends their customers save energy by switching off TV and computers when not in use as the first step in going greener. Communications Director Mark Schmid says, “It’s one of the simplest things everyone can do to make a positive impact not only on the cost of their energy bills but also their carbon footprint.”
Beyond this first simple step, sites like www.energysavingtrust.org.uk teach you how to quickly reduce your energy consumption and those monthly bills.
Energy providers www.greenenergy.uk.com only buy their power from officially certified sources of green energy – you can even take a stake in the company and profit from future growth.
If thoughts of generating your own power have crossed your mind then get some advice from people who have done just that at www.heatmyhome.co.uk
Re-use, recycle
As Jason Bradbury points out, when you pick up a new mobile phone, camera or laptop, don’t forget to dispose of your old one properly. It’s kinder to the environment AND can make you money. “As you upgrade your old handset for the latest multi-functional device, don't let your old one gather dust in a drawer,” he says. “Take a trip to www.envirophone.com and you can quickly find out a price for your now retired gadget. In addition to mobiles www.greentec.org.uk pay cash for iPods, gaming consoles and cameras.”
Your unwanted shiny disc collection, be it CDs, DVDs or console games, are all in demand at www.musicmagpie.co.ukHYPERLINK "http://www.musicmagpie.co.uk/" . HYPERLINK http://www.musicmagpie.co.uk/Tap in the barcode and their offer will appear. They'll even send a free postage label.
Grow your own
You might not be able to manage the more exotic items but if you’ve got anything more than a windowbox you might be surprised at what you can grow yourself. Visit www.growfruitandveg.co.uk for tips on how to get started.
It’s also worth checking out www.livingroofs.org, for information on how to make the best of this often unused space.
Community spirit
Share eco-tips with others and gather together with like-minded folk at www.organiclinker.com. The site lists useful resources by category and includes a forum where you can trade ideas and recommendations with people across the UK.
The online swap shop at www.uk.freecycle.org is a place where unwanted items find new owners.
Consider the alternative
All road-legal electric vehicles are gathered in one place at www.greencarsite.co.uk. With more free power points to plug these cars into popping up across the UK, it could be worth getting in ahead of the pack.
At www.envirogadget.com they've found all manner of eco-gadgets from those that are solar or wind powered to those made using eco-friendly principles.
Purchasing power
Forget about flat-packed furniture, just take a look at some of the superb items on offer at www.reestore.com and your home could be in for a real treat.
Energy saving equipment and eco-compliant devices to help you stay green around the home can be found at www.mygreenerhome.co.uk
If it can't be found at www.nigelsecostore.com then you probably don't need it! Nigel and his gang were amongst the first online with eco-friendly wares from eco iPod covers to organic underwear. The range on offer is quite staggering.
Next generation green
If we can teach kids that being environmentally friendly is the norm then we've climbed a mountain; take a look at www.kids-going-green.com and get them started early.
Packed with games and activities www.kidsforsavingearth.org is a fantastic resource that's great for kids. It’s both fun and informative.
