Save earth, save money

In light of Earth Day this week, we've thought up some small ways in which you can show the earth love and in the process save yourself some money…

There are some aspects of our lifestyles that we can easily change that not only benefit the earth, but have other advantages too. Give them a try:

Storage solutions:

Always throwing away those plastic containers you get at the shop when you buy ready-made salad, your favourite pesto, olives and the like? Keep them and reuse them for storage, picnics or even school lunches…

Also, have you noticed how many plastic mineral water bottles you tend to throw away? If you don't have to drink mineral water make sure you take a bottle from home — with you in the car, to the gym, to work — and you will save money, time, and of course the environment!

Just make sure you clean it well from time to time…

Happy healthy gardens:

Worried about the state of vegetables you are buying, or perhaps just their price? Well, if you have a little time why not create your own veggie garden? Make sure it's organic too for added benefits. If you need to know how to create your own garden, simply click here…

More good news is that you can also make your own fertiliser! Here's how:

Epsom salt fertiliser
Epsom salt is made up of magnesium and sulfate — both vital plant nutrients. This recipe can be used instead of vegetable fertiliser, but also house plant fertiliser and rose plant food.

What you need:

Instructions:
Combine the Epsom salt and water. Use the solution to water your plants. Repeat once a month. Easy isn't it!

Forget the trash:

Are you always using 'Post it' notes or writing on note pads or peices of clean white paper? Instead use your calendar in Outlook or make 'notes' on your PC or laptop. Personally, I add everything on my 'to-do list' to my calendar and then also have those irritating alerts to help me remember…

If you have to write something down, use the back of old printouts.

Don't collect junk that you just have to throw away! Refuse to accept pamphlets from pretty girls at the traffic lights; don't collect all those brochures (you will never look at) on holiday; take your own plastic or shopping bag to the store (you know you should); and just try and cut out all excess rubbish you don't need or want.

Tip: If you always forget the bag at home, keep two in your car — that way if you use one you still have another when you forget again!

Be a shining light:

Think before you use electricity unnecessarily. For example, you could hang out your clothes instead of using the tumble dryer. For more bright ideas click here!

Choose the alternative:

There are lots of alternative cheaper and better-for-the earth alternatives you can use around your home.

For instance: Using cleaning products with natural, non-toxic ingredients. Using non-toxic cleansers means less hazardous materials make it into the water and into landfills. Making your own cleansers from ingredients like vinegar and baking soda is also much cheaper than buying a pre-made product as well. White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. For example: Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Do some research and you will find there are loads of alternatives...

Appreciate the earth and save

Instead of driving to places close by walk or ride your bicycle. It will save petrol, reduce your carbon footprint, keep you fit, and ultimately save you money.

If it's a perfect day outside don't go to the movies rather go for a walk in the forest, not only will you save money but you will get healthy too! And while you're there hug a tree, and really appreciate it, get your kids to do it too. They may just think it's all fun and games but one day they may even realise why it's meaningful.

Start taking positive steps to helping earth and you might even see some savings!