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Green & ethical MoneySaving

Archives for August 2008

Working holidays for a family
Does anyone have any idea which UK organizations offer UK based working holidays for familes (2 adults, 2 kids - 15yrs and 10yrs)?? There appear to be thousands on offer overseas for families, and thousands on offer in the UK for adults/teens - but nothing for families in the UK! An ideas gratefully received... :confused:
Which light bulbs?
I have GU10 fittings in several rooms - the bathroom has recessed spots, the kids' room and the kitchen have light fittings from B&Q and Ikea. None of them are fitted with dimmer switches. I want to phase out the halogen bulbs, as they burn so hot and they don't last very long, and I was going to replace them with the…
Win some eco goodies
22 prizes up for grabs that are either recycled or will help you recycle more. Info on this thread: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=13752857#post13752857
Hot water - on Constant or Twice?
I've always subscribed to the view that keeping the water on constant is cheaper than on Twice, as it takes less heat to keep a tank warm than it does to heat it up from cold twice a day. However, bill increases have made me question this and I'm wondering whether anyone has done a comparison between the two setting to…
Renewable energy,advice needed for a company scheme
Hi, a slightly different tack to the usual "should I go for renewable energy" thread. I work for a company that's trying to be more environmentally friendly with different schemes and incentives and I have an idea for them. A lot of our customers are based in the countryside and are ideally placed for small scale hydro,…
Ecover on 3 for 2 at Waitrose
Offer from 27th August - 16 September Covers all varieties cheapest item is free
House covered in halogen bulb fittings help!
We moved into our home a few years ago and found that 9 of the fittings use halogen bulbs and 4 are normal bulb but screw type fittings, i have only been able to buy and use 2 energy saving bulbs. What sort of effect are these bulbs having on my bills and how do i go about getting the energy they use reduced? I can't see…
lidl led lightbulbs
lidl this week has led bulbs to fit standard fittings eg gu10 etc see here: http://www.lidl.co.uk/uk/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20080826.index.ar11
Cassette Tapes
I have loads of these to get rid of - some prerecorded, some home recorded - sorting out deceased relatives belongings. Can they be recycled/reused in anyway. Grateful for any advice.:o
Recycled Rubbish Bags/Bin Liners to fit Brabantia 50L bin?
Hi there We have a Brabantia 50L Bin at home that rtakes there code H size bags. Now we did have some of the Brabantia own label ones which are great but not very green i.e. not recycled Was wondering if anyone has used any suitable recycled alternatives? many thanks D
Televisions and radios etc- how many units of electicity do they use p/hr?
Sorry just curious again, can tell trying to save money! Just wondered if anyone might know how many units of electricity are used on average per hour from the television, computer and radio etc and how much approximately this costs? Really grateful for any replies, thank you.
Clock radios etc- how much could you save in a year if they weren't on?
Just wondered how much money could be saved in a year if clock radios and clocks on videos etc were turned off? Is it possible to work it out without constantly checking the meter or is this general knowledge? If it is so sorry for wasting everyone's time.
Energy Saving Light Bulbs?
I've just updated the light fittings in my lounge, to a much nicer looking than the old one. However the Halogen style bulbs that ( http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/product/1423/hp40f-mains-halogen-capsule-40w-g9-frosted/ ) example there. Are not very energy efficet... box said rating of G.... I'm struggling to find an…
save on electricity
I've recently got an electricity monitor, so i can plug in my various appliances and see how much ice they're melting. One thing that surprised me: I have a couple of desk lamps (bought from ikea) which plug into the mains. The plug on these lamps is a fair bit bigger than the ordinary 3-pin plugs.. i think it's because…
Forum for Composting Talk
The owner of another board I visit has just started a forum dedicated to composting. It's only been up and running for about 3 days, but I wanted to give them a plug. https://www.compostingforum.com
Subsidised Energy Saving Bulbs
Philips and Megaman are subsidising a new range of low energy bulbs which are exactly the same as their full price equivalents. Megaman Ultra Compact Candle Bulbs normally cost around £6-£7, but on this promotion, they are £1.69 each plus shippping. I bought mine from Lamps2udirect, but several other retailers are running…
Starlite coating
Anyone heard of this? I have seen a few people mention this as a way forward to keep heat in your home, its apparently been on TV many years ago and can withstand high temperature and also good as a insulator However it seems any reliable information is rare and particularly to see whether it actually works or where you…
Top 10 eco-building innovations for new and old buildings.....
Interesting, green and helps save you money (and energy). Buildings are responsible for more than 45 per cent of the UK’s total carbon emissions, according to the Environment Agency. Good site link below, might get some good ideas or just tweak some old ones!! http://www.greenbang.com/4262/top-10-eco-building-innovations/
Green alternative soaps - Does this sound familiar?
I have just laughed my head off at this - it is SO true. A friend (mentioned in another thread I just posted) is currently obsessed by every green scam she can get her hands - currently being disillusioned financially and cleanlinessly by washballs. So, most times, washing hands or dishes means using about 4 gallons of…
E cloth vs Spontex Kitchen Wonder?
A green but slightly naive friend of mine spend a small fortune (they worked out at £5 each, I think) on dishcloths. These were uber-green, apparently. Needed no chemicals. Used micro-fibres etc. Well, I picked up something in Tesco today called the Spontex Wonder Cloth. It was 99p. And it looked and felt EXACTLY like the…

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Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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