Save Money and Help The Environment with New Devices

A Personal Article in Allotment Growing

Saving Energy is your Best Investment

Today we're exhorted on the TV to reduce our carbon footprint, reduce our energy consumption etc. I think this is a good idea but the truth is people are more likely to do what they think is in their own interest and hang the planet.

So, let me appeal to your self interest as well as your desire to have a planet for our children.

If you invest £100 in a savings account the best rate of interest you are likely to get is around 6.25% at the moment. But let's assume you could get 10%. In year one you'll earn £10, in year two (because of compound) about £11 and in year three £12. Take a quarter off for tax and you will earn £24.75 in interest. Not bad if you can find that interest rate.

So, let's look at what an energy saving lightbulb would save you. £16.00 a year for an investment of £2.00. Don't believe me? Take a look at my full article on energy saving lightbulbs.

Intelligent Energy Saving Plugs

You don't need to stop there. We have 3 freezers in our house. Everybody has at least a fridge and you can reduce the running cost of most of them by using a Savaplug, some already have the technology built in so check before buying.

You're reading this on a computer so the chances are you've got a printer, monitor, scanner in your set up. When you switch off the computer all those peripherals go into standby mode waiting for it to switch back on. Yes, you can go around and manually switch them all off, but do you? Thought not.

OK, why not get an intelligent plug that will detect the computer is off and cut the power to the peripherals. This device is simple to use, requires no thought or effort apart from plugging in and will save that power saving around 35 watts an hour. I reckon a saving of around £22.00 a year for an investment of £17.00 More information.

On the subject of standby , there's quite a range of devices on the market now that will turn off appliances when they're not in use. Just remember, these devices can save their cost every year. That's a 300% return on the investment over three years against the 25% from the best savings account. It must make sense to your pocket!!

Another thing that can not only save you money but is also more convenient and easier to use is the Eco Kettle.

The innovative Eco Kettle has a unique double chamber that gets you to measure out exactly how much water you want to boil, saving electricity, water, money and time, making it better for the planet and you still get to have a great cup of tea.

Like any quality kettle, it has steam control, boil-dry protection and because you only boil what you need it boils faster. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs say: "If everyone boiled only the water they needed instead of 'filling' the kettle every time, we could save enough electricity to run practically all the street lighting in the U.K."

So, even if you don't believe in climate change why not get the best investment rate of return and save energy.

Resources

Nigel's Eco Store

You can get energy saving lightbulbs everywhere now but Nigel's Eco Store offers a wide range of energy saving devices and ecologically and environmentally friend things. Well worth a visit even if only to see what's on offer.

Energy Saving Trust

We encourage energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy sources into the economic fabric of our society. To achieve this we promote the use of cleaner fuels for transport and better insulation and heating efficiency for buildings and homes and champion small-scale renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.

Friends of the Earth

This organisation is at the forefront of the campaign against Climate Change

Centre for Alternative Technology

CAT aims to 'inspire, inform, and enable' people to live more sustainably. A solutions driven organisation, offering practical solutions to environmental problems, our key areas of work are renewable energy, environmental building, energy efficiency, organic growing and alternative sewage systems. We have been in existence for 27 years. CAT services include a visitor centre open 7 days a week, practical and informative publications, a mailorder service of 'green' books and products, educational services for schools, consultancy for individuals and businesses, residential courses, membership and a free information service