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Green & ethical MoneySaving

Archives for October 2018

its not green to throw carrier bags away, but what do you do?
If you use carrier bags, what do you do with yours? keep them? reuse them? throw them away? give them away? or only use reusable bags? what do you do?
Green energy advice and suggestions - Feline edition
Rather than clog other threads, as I've done previously, I'm looking for advice to help improve a cat rescue building I volunteer at, and also do the 'handy-man' stuff for. The building is actually a modified large stable kit that was built this year, just in time for the insane heat-wave, but that's a problem we've solved…
Quote for 29.7 kW system for Community Centre
Hi, I am trying to get my head around a quote we have had for a 29.7kWp Solar PV system for a Community Centre. It would go on a large south-facing roof with a pitch that I estimate to be about 25 degrees. The quote includes: Design, supply, commission and testing including all necessary DNO approvals, materials,…
SunReaper Solar Systems
Hello I have just moved to a property which has four water heating panels on the room. There is a switch with a 3A fuse next to the switch on the top floor and in the airing cupboard, there is a Solar immersion switch and another switch called the Roof Heater switch which has the instructions to be turned off during the…
"Green" Packaging
I've been merrily using as much plastic as I want in everyday life, cleaning it and putting it in recycling. Now I'm horrifed to find out that all this plastic could be going into landfill or is being burnt. So I'm been trying to "do better". Firstly, I'm trying to pick plasticss that are recyclable over non-recyclable but…
Free wood chippings/logs etc
Hi folks Arbtalk got in touch with us about a new tool its set up allowing tree surgeons etc to give away their waste wood chipppings, logs etc and businesses/individuals that can use them to access them. We felt someone on this board might find this useful if you're ever in need of them, especially on a regular basis. Let…
Solar thermal panels winter temp boost
Hi I bought a house with solar panels for hot water (not the PV ones) which was lovely in the summer but the water isn't hot enough to shower now. There is a switch next to the tank for hot water which raises the temperature sufficiently. My question is should I leave that switched on permanently in the winter or should I…
Solar: Grid meter behaviour when generating from solar
Hi everyone I've solar panels since June. I've always noticed something that has bugged me with the setup. My generation meter works as I'd expect. Solid green light when not generating anything and blinking once per watthour generated. My grid meter's LED is off until I pull anything from the grid, again blinking one for…
Solar - any time left?
I'm a bit late to the party on this but I read they can be done still until March 2019. Did any of the changes to the subsidy occur mentioned in this MSE link https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tips/25-11-2015/#solar or when they say there is still time, is this now on a reduced subsidy?
Solar panel newbie - is this quote reasonable
Hi, I’ve recently moved to a bungalow (in Edinburgh) and will never own a bigger roof so solar panels seem like a good option. I’ve had a quote from a recommended firm, I don’t know too much about solar panels but I would really appreciate it if anyone with more expertise could tell if this seems reasonable? Panels: Q-Peak…
Plastic to pay for your bus trip
Around the world, smart reverse vending machines are making it possible to swap plastic bottles, other recycling and litter for transport and even cinema tickets. It's like turning waste into currency! Would you do it? https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/videos/288942761832225/ Let's hope we see some of these fun…
Best low or zero carbon tech for new house
I’m rebuilding my house and living in the wonderful borough of Guildford a constraint on the planning approval states I need to save 20% carbon emissions through the use of onsite zero or low carbon technology. Examples given include Solar PV, Solar thermal, ground source or air source heat pumps, or CHP. I’ve tried doing…
Subsidy on EV cut
I just heard on the radio that the subsidy on electric cars will be cut, and removed completely on hybrid vehicles
Have solar panel quote, need advice
I had Project Solar visit me this week and give me a quote: Core components 14 x Evolution Max Life solar panels Included 8 x Tigo Optimized Included 1 x Growatt Twin Tracker inverter Included Voltage optimiser Included K2 mounting kit Included inc. access equipment (if required) Included Installation Fully installed…
Decently designed re-usable coffee cup needed
I hope someone might be able to get my drift here. I've been spending a lot of time lately looking at every possible design of re-usable coffee cup and I still cannot find one that I want. The first thing is .....the sip hole in the lid.Do people actually find that they use the sip hole that much??.....ok so maybe people…
Climate catastrophe
Well according to the scientists and clever people we really need to start looking after our planet sooner rather than later. We need changes to stop the world heating up and causing water levels to rise. So what do you guys think we need to do to ?
Growatt Inverters
So folks, daughter looking at get onto the property ladder and one potential hoos has PV - yey:beer: Not many details yet but looks like 12 panels on a broadly E/W set-up. 4 on east roof 8 on west with a Growatt inverter or inverters - vendor mentioned two TGMs. Don't know how old and stated as being owned but all would…
PAYF and REAL JUNK FOOD PROJECT
Not sure if this post is in the right place......here goes. A "payf' store has been operating in my local area but closed down last week. PAYF stands for Pay As You Feel. It was run by volunteers but premises proved to be unsuitable and , as yet, no new venue. Unsold fresh food was collected from large supermarket each…
Solar panel virgins - new home!
Hi All As always, I've come here for advice. We have bought a newly built home with solar panels. We are due to move in on 25th October. I believe the current suppliers are British Gas. Can anyone give me advice on best tariffs to go for? I don't understand the pay back schemes if anyone can shed a solar light on it for…
Buy another Immersun?
Anybody know if there is anywhere to buy another immersun? I want to control a third load to use up any more excess generation I have. I haven't seen any advertised (new or second hand) since the demise of the manufacturer! Failing that does anybody have any experience of using a different manufacturers diverter alongside…

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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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