Save money and live greener
Here are some of our best tips and advice on saving money whilst also living a greener life. We have also added links to other organisations who may be able to help you out.
Below you will find some handy tips on how to save money and live a greener life in the process
Cost Of Living Payment total support £900 for those in receipt of; Universal Credit, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance, Income Related employment support allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit.
– 1st instalment £301 from 25th April
– 2nd instalment £300 Summer 2023
– 3rd Instalment £299 Spring 2024
Disability Cost of Living Payment £150 for those who are in receipt of Disability living allowance, Personal Independence Payments, Attendance Allowance, Scottish Disability Benefits, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance, War Pension Mobility Supplement.
– Payment date 20 June 2023 and 4 July 2023.
Pensioner Cost Of Living Payment £150 – £300 for those who receive Winter fuel payment 2023 – 2024
– Payment date November 2023
Winter Fuel Payment £250 – £600 *this includes pensioner Cost of living Payment.
– Born before 29th September 1956
– Usually live in the UK
– Payment date November/December 2023
Construction
– Ciob The CIOB Benevolent Fund provides practical advice, information and financial assistance for Institute members (past and present) and their dependent families worldwide, if they are in need because of crisis, illness, unemployment or struggling financially
– B&CE’s Charitable Trust was set up for the benefit of workers in the construction industry and their families, to help alleviate individual financial strain.
– Lighthouse Club – The Construction Industry Charity This charity offers support for people who have worked in the construction industry for at least five years. They provide grants, advice and help with debt among other things.
To check for all other occupational grants available: Turn2Us
- Broadband & Internet Packages:
– Ofcom Cheaper broadband and phone packages
– Money saving expert
If you are struggling with your current energy contact your supplier direct to see support available, here are some of the providers offering assistance; if your provider can’t offer financial support, British Gas Energy Trust may still be able to help.
To check for other energy grants you may be eligible: Turn2Us
YES energy solutions are also offering a free energy advice pack when you call their free advice line.
Helping families to get online with donated equipment from Currys.
TV’s, radios, tablet, and computers to isolated and lonely people.
Helps children & young people and their families/carers.
Helps those with physical & Diagnosed mental health conditions, learning disabilities & People caring for an adult/child with a disability.
To look for all other white goods & household items available: Turn 2 Us
Citizen Advice (or call 0808 223 1133)
National Debt line (or call 0808 808 4000)
Benefit Calculators:
– Turn 2 Us – benefits
– Entitled to – benefits
– Better off calculator
– Gov UK – Benefits & Financial Support
Grant Search:
– Turn 2 Us – Grants
– Lightning Reach – Grants
Budgeting:
– Barclays Life Skills
– Budget Planner
Health Services & Support Groups:
– Addiction Support
– Alcoholics Anonymous
Help@aamail.org
0800 9177650
– Gambling Support
0808 8020 133 National Gambling Help line.
– Stop Smoking Treatment
- Food banks
- Love food hate waste
- Apps to locate unsold food and unwanted household items:
– Too good to go
– Olio
Bottled water
In the UK alone, we discard 7.7 billion plastic bottles per year, with the average person using 150 bottles a year. Think of the damage to our oceans and landfill, but also think of the cost of 150 bottles per year, £1 here and there soon adds up and there are a range of alternative options out there for you.
You could buy a reusable bottle which is a one-off cost (or find us at an event to get a free Ongo water bottle) and then you can fill it up forever, for free. Around the house, if you don’t like your tap water then why not get a water filter or distiller?
The magic of cold showers
We know that a cold shower will reduce energy bills, but did you know that there are many health benefits associated with taking a cold shower, here are just a few of them:
- Proven to decrease anxiety and depression
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve immune system
- Reduce muscle soreness
- Can sometimes boost healthy weight loss
- Better for hair and skin than hot shower
Sink water aerators
Installing a water aerator to your sink will help to save water. They control the amount of water flowing out of tap, saving your water bill and saving the amount of water you’re using overall. Plus less heating will be used when you’re using hot water.
They’re low cost and widely available, so shop around online and find the one that works best for your home.
Love food, hate waste
It’s estimated that 4.7 million tonnes of edible food is thrown away each year by UK households. Shockingly, 25% of this wasted food is as a result of people cooking, preparing or serving too much – this costs UK households £4.9 billion each year.
Food production and consumption are responsible for around 30% of global carbon emissions.
To explore simples ways to save food, save money and save the plan, check out this websiteHow do you travel?
Driving your car is an expensive and environmentally unfriendly way to travel compared to other alternatives. Can you make the decision to try one of these options in your routine?
- Walking/cycling are free and do not harm the environment
- Using public transport is typically cheaper than fuel costs and is greener than driving
- Car sharing can help reduce the amount of traffic on the roads
- Would an electric car be practical for you?
