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Green Living

Green living is a lifestyle choice where we use resources in a way that causes the least damage to the world around us. It chimes perfectly with the natural home and enjoyment of nature. To follow every aspect of a green lifestyle takes commitment but you can find tips here that anyone can fit into their daily life – you don’t have to try them all to make a difference!

11 tips for effective eco friendly cleaning

7 ways to get to zero food waste before you buy it

20 cool eco friendly gifts

5 key elements of a green home

Consider eco-friendly construction methods and materials for a green home. You can make savings for yourself and the planet.

35 unique and practical ideas to recycle junk mail brilliantly

Recycle junk mail into something creative or practical, don't just drop it into a recycling bin. Be brilliant, ingenious and crafty :)

19 original ways to recycle newspapers

Clever ways to recycle newspapers rather than dropping them in a recycling bin. Ideas range from the practical to the crafty and creative.

7 easy ecofriendly New Year resolutions

Ecofriendly new year resolutions that are easy to commit to. Small changes to make a difference for you and the planet, plus save you money.

12 ways to reduce toxins at home

It’s not easy to reduce toxins at home but we spend most of our time there so attack the problem on all fronts and the little changes add up.

23 ways to save the world with beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has a multitude of surprising uses making it indispensable for every home.

20 ways to cut down on plastic

We need to cut down on plastic to reduce what we send to landfill, rivers and the ocean. These tips are for the little things that mount up.

6 recipes for natural cleaners that work

Natural cleaners get the job done without harming you or the environment. They’re just as strong as brands that end with the letter ‘X.

20 tips to achieve zero food waste

We need to aim for zero food waste to reduce the tons that are sent to landfill. Tips to tackle the snacks as well as healthy home-cooking.

15 ways to keep warm this winter

It's vital to keep warm in winter. Here are 15 easy tips to keep warm without wasting fuel. Some for now and some to help you prepare.

Eco tips

Check your local library to find out all the resources it provides. Libraries are a good place to read magazines and newspapers as well as borrowing books (and DVDs).

If you only need a tool or piece of equipment infrequently then instead of buying one, save resources by asking a friend or neighbour if you can borrow one. Or check online for a lending club, such as Streetbank.

Save electricity by running your washing machine on a cooler setting and consider line-drying your clothes instead of using a dryer.

Rub beeswax over pans and baking sheets rather than use butter or oil each time. Over time the pan develops a permanent coating.

Save paper – always refuse paper receipts.

Use natural cleaning products or make your own.

To avoid creating waste, choose products with the least amount of packaging.

If possible replace disposable products with reusable ones (eg. food storage, coffee filters, straws, etc.).

Switch to LED lights. They cost less to run and last longer than any other bulb.

Save and re-use the little sundries that come along with packaging, such as rubber bands, twist ties and boxes.

Use beeswax candles instead of ordinary paraffin candles. They burn cleaner, brighter and last longer. They also emit negative ions which improve air quality.

Share the little things in life, such as newspapers, magazines, books and DVDs, between friends and neighbours.

Choose drought-resistant plants for the garden to cut down on the need for watering.

Use dried tea leaves as a deodoriser. Scatter them over the carpet, leave for ten minutes then vacuum up. Place in the fridge to absorb odours (like baking soda).

Choose rechargeable batteries and a battery charger to cut down on disposables. Eventually recyclable batteries reach the end of their life too but they can be recycled – local recycling policies vary so check with your recycling facility.

Those little fruit and veg labels that supermarkets use can be recycled too. Peel them off and stick them onto a plastic container in the recycling bin.

Make your own compost

Avoid synthetic fragrances. Choose natural methods to make your home smell fresh.

Make your own toiletries or switch to natural brands.

Take time to work out how much you need before making a purchase. If you do this for items such as food and paint you'll avoid paying for quantities that will only go to waste.

Replace at least part of your lawn with a meadow as a wildlife habitat, and cut down on the need for watering.

Use charcoal deodorisers around the home to absorb rather than mask odours and toxins.

In the garden, use coffee grounds as a mulch for acid-loving plants or around the base of plants to deter ants and slugs.

If you order coffee when you're out and about carry your own mug to avoid paper waste – we all know this is an easy win, but do we all do it?

Go for the most significant impact on your waste by aiming for a zero waste kitchen.

Grow houseplants for clean air and give them rainwater occasionally as it has less impurities than tapwater.

Avoid creating waste. When ordering food avoid plastic utensils or straws by asking in advance.

Take holidays closer to home and avoid air travel if you can to reduce your carbon footprint.

Reduce toxins in the home – always leave outdoor shoes at the door.

If you're looking for a hotel go to TripAdvisor and select 'GreenLeaders' from the 'More' menu option above the search box.

Choose houseplants that reduce toxins.

Instead of buying paper napkins for each celebration buy cloth napkins that you can use again, or make your own.

Avoid chemical products for pest control. Rely on non-toxic alternatives.

Sprinkle dry tea leaves to deodorise problem areas such as your cat litter tray.

Share tools and gadgets that people use infrequently rather than each of your neighbours buying their own individual items. Plan ahead and co-ordinate new purchases with your neighbours.

Look at the types of products you use and switch from disposable to reusable, such as food and drink containers, razors and nappies.

Filter water for all uses, not just drinking. Install a water filter instead of filling up those jugs.

Use a recycled plastic water butt to collect rainwater for your garden.

Where there's a choice select products with minimal or no packaging.

Nature Holds The Key