A GREEN GUIDE TO SAVING THIS SUMMER

With energy prices still soaring, summer is the perfect time to make a few simple swaps that are kinder to both the planet and your purse. The longer days and warmer weather make it much easier to rely less on energy-hungry appliances and make the most of the outdoors, and the best part is, you don’t need to spend anything to get started. Here are five easy eco swaps that can help you save money straight away.

1. Ditch the tumble dryer

When the weather’s warm, this is by far the easiest swap you can make. Air-drying your clothes outside on a line, or on a washing rack, can cut your electricity bill if you usually use a dryer. Even if you don’t have an outdoor space, you can use an indoor rack near an open window.

Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in the home, so giving yours a break over summer can really help reduce those bills and your impact on the environment.

Your clothes will also last longer without the constant heat, meaning fewer replacements, less microplastic released into the environment, and you can keep your favourite items in your wardrobe for longer.

2. Watch your water user

It’s easy to use more water in summer without noticing. Whether that’s taking an extra shower, watering the garden, or topping up paddling pools… it all adds up! The good news is that a few small swaps can make a real difference.

Try keeping showers a couple of minutes shorter, and perhaps put a bucket under the running water while the shower is heating up – you can use this in the garden later in the day.

Outside, consider swapping the hosepipe for a watering can when watering your plants, and water early in the morning or later in the evening to help reduce evaporation which means your plants get more of the water.

3. Cooking

When it’s warm outside, the last thing you want is a hot kitchen. Summer is the perfect excuse to reduce how much you use the oven. Think salads, wraps, or simple dishes that don’t require much cooking.

If you do need to use the oven, try batch cooking in the cooler part of the day, then use the leftovers the next day rather than turning the oven back on. This not only cuts down on energy use but also helps reduce food waste, which is a great way of helping the environment without much effort.

4. Make the most of natural light

Longer days means you do not need to switch on the lights as often. Open your curtains and blinds fully during the day and let in as much natural light as possible. It sounds obvious, but many of us still switch on lights out of habit.

And don’t ignore ‘vampire energy’, which is when appliances use power on standby. Turn them off at the plug rather than leaving them on, and save some extra energy.

5. Keep cool

Before reaching for a fan or turning on the air conditioning, try a few simple ways to keep your home cool naturally.

Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day can help keep rooms cooler, while opening windows in the evening allows fresh air to circulate. Creating a bit of airflow can often be just as effective as using a fan and it won’t cost you anything.

At night, try wrapping some ice blocks in a tea towel and placing them under your sheets for an hour before bed. It will cool down your bed and can help you sleep through warm nights (you can even leave them in while you sleep).

None of these swaps are complicated, and you don’t have to do them all at once. But together, they can make a real difference over the summer months. A few small changes can lead to lower bills and less waste… and that’s a win all round.