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Green & ethical MoneySaving

Archives for November 2009

Cheapest way to heat a room
Hi guys, i just have a quick question about heating out front living room. Basically, we have a relatively big living room but only one heater (central heating)... and a fireplace. Now that room is generally cold but with the winter coming its getting v v cold ! I just wanted to know what is the most cost effective way of…
Give a Climate Change "Expert" some money and .................
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1231481/Climate-change-expert-says-Tesco-plastic-bag-policy-success-years-supermarket-makes-25m-donation-university.html
Kitchen caddy ...convince family ?
We today had kitchen caddy delivered by local council for food waste. Now we have a few problems. Family think it is disgusting to have food waste sitting in it until it goes to big bin...............tried to explain no diffferent to sitting in kitchen bin :confused: . It has lid and will be emptied each night. I am…
new build provence
Hi We are negotiating to buy land in Provence with a view to a new build. We are thinking of building a straw bale house, with solar/heat pump ( which ?) underfloor heating and installing photovoltaic for producing electricity. I am most interested in your views, as like other people there is an awful lot of !!!!!!!! re…
cost of using timer on plugged items
Hi I have searched and I couldn't find the answer to this one... but that might just mean my search terms were poor, so please could you point me in the right direction if this has been asked already. I use timers to control lamps (for security) and to turn off the power to my DAB radio when I'm asleep. My boyfriend told…
25% off recycled clothes
Nice pressie for an eco friend or as a treat for yourself; 25% off recycled clothes voucher on this thread: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=27215837#post27215837
Domestic wind turbines
Has anyone here got any experience to share re domestic wind turbine systems? I'm considering installing one for our small rural holiday cottage in Scotland. According to this wind speed database... http://www.berr.gov.uk/windspeed-database/page27326.html ...it has an average wind speed of about 5 metres per second at 10…
Cost of maintenance with renewable systems
All, there is lots of talk on here about the cost of maintaining renewable systems like PV, but I can't recall anyone actually saying they have paid out for any maintenance. Therefore, if you have any kind of renewable microgeneration at home or work please would you mind sharing your experience of the maintenance (both…
Freegle
How long does it take to join a local group? My application is still "pending" after about 2 weeks and I've loads of stuff that could be of use to others!
West Yorkshire recycling bin cardboard?-oh and printer cartridges :D
I sold my first two computers(yay) I reused the packaging for two of the boxes, to put two fully built computers in. Along with this, I had other packaging-two big bulky cardboard boxes extra of packaging and several other bulky cardboard boxes for components. I was going to put this in our recycling bin and i saw it said…
Recycle old computer components
Hi all I have a load of old computer components like motherboards and cases and CRT monitors that I no longer need. Is there anywhere (in London) that I can take them, maybe a scrappy that might be able to give me even a little bit of money for them? I have tried eBay a couple of times, it seems nobody wants them! Being a…
Climate scientists accused of 'manipulating global warming data'
Some of the world’s top climate scientists have been accused of manipulating data on global warming after hundreds of private emails were stolen by hackers and published online. One of the emails under scrutiny, dated November 1999, reads: "I've just completed Mike's Nature [the science journal] trick of adding in the real…
Grants for eco heating?
Hi there, I'm new, not sure if anyone can help but I have just bought and moved into a small 1860's cottage, solid walls and wooden windows. It has an old oil boiler central heating system which really is on it's last legs. Can anyone pls point me in the right direction for getting any financial help to replace it with…
Sweet Vegan
Anyone bought from their website before? Ordered some stuff over a week ago and no news on dispatch. They're not answering phone calls or emails either. Also posted this in the shopping forum as didn't know the best place.
Got five minutes for urgent help pls? New tool
We've very close to launching a new tool and needs some quick volunteers to try it and bug test the final tweaks. If you've five minutes please go to this thread where all is explained - and feedback there too http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2083291 Thanks so much Martin
Hand Drier -vs- Paper Towels
Was sitting thinking earlier today (no prizes for guessing where!).... ":rolleyes:when I have finished using the facilities, is it more energy efficient/cost efficient to dry my hands using the hand drier, or paper towels? :rolleyes:" Anyone ever worked this out?!
Removing labels before recycling cans
Who removes the labels from tin cans before recycling? I always wash mine out and remove the labels, but wonder whether removing the labels is really necessary. I suppose I just think it looks messy chucking out a can with the label still attached but don't know enough about the actual recycling process to know whether…
The Compact Challenge 2010 (formally "Need help for a challenge")
This thread is for people that are taking on The Compact Challenge for 2010, wholehartedly, or even just dipping their toes in :) The basic principles of The Compact is that you buy nothing new, apart from essentials. Taken from sfcompact blog: Now, what classifies as essentials is entirely up to you, but the original…
paper shredders - suitable for cardboard?
Want a home use shredder suitable for cardboard. Anyone know if the easily available 20-sheet paper shredders (that they also say use for CD/DVDs) are up to job?
Free solar power system. Is it a scam?
Official MoneySavingExpert.com Insert If you landed on this page, perhaps via Google, looking for information about solar panels, please also read the full Free solar panels? guide on the main site Back to the original post........ Hi fellow MSE users. I have been offered a free solar power system by this company called "a…

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MSE News

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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