If you’re struggling to squeeze your budget any tighter then it may be time to see if you can trim away a few pounds by wasting less. Cutting down on waste means that you stop spending money on things that you don’t actually use – and it can be great for the environment, too. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
What you eat
Cutting down on waste in cooking is all about two things: preserving your fresh produce and using up your leftovers. We recommend doing a big shop and then putting some of your fresh ingredients straight into the freezer to use later. Just check on the packaging to make sure that it’s safe for freezing. You can also consider pre-chopping your vegetables and freezing them in ready-to-use portions to make it easier once it’s time to get cooking.
When it comes to leftovers, consider taking last night’s dinner into the office with you for a warm lunch. And, of course, you can often freeze leftover dinner too. Check out the NHS’s guidelines for safe storage of leftover food.
Heating your home
Apparently, reducing the temperature in your home by 1 degree is enough to save about 10% on your heating bill. Simply adjust your thermostat and wait for the savings to role in – you may not even notice the difference, and if you do then it’s nothing an extra layer can’t fix. You should also set a timer so that you’re heating your home more efficiently.
Quick water-saving wins
There are a few different tricks for cutting down on your water wastage, which will all save you money if you use a water meter. Households without a water meter should consider how much hot water they use as this will be contributing to your energy costs. Here are out tips:
- Use water-saving gadgets in your toilet to save money every time you flush.
- Use a timer when you get in the shower to remind you to limit the amount of time you spend.
- Make sure you don’t have any slow leaks. Dripping pipes underneath the sink can easily be missed, but over time you can actually lose quite a lot of water.
Being smart about electricity
Electricity bills are one of the big monthly costs for most homes, but once again you’re probably spending out on electricity that you’re not actually using. Did you know that leaving appliances and devices plugged in when you’re not using them can cost money? Or that your tumble dryer is probably the most expensive appliance in the house? Try to turn off lights, unplug things that you aren’t using and try to use a washing line or clothes horse if you don’t need something dried straight away.
These are all small changes, but they can certainly start to add up – and they can also set you on a path for a less wasteful overall lifestyle. Everything from making your own lunch to reconsidering which appliances you actually need to be running can make a real difference to the cost of running your home.
