Green Update

What did I do after my last post?

1) Water Butt - Bought a 220 ltr butt running off the garage roof (fixed). Given the high rainfall here in Cardiff this 'Summer', this has virtually been permanently full of at least some water at all times. All the water I use from this saves perfectly clean drinking water (and the energy used to make it so) from being used for watering the garden/indoor plants. Also, as the bathroom is next to the garden I have been using it to fill the cistern after flushing the toilet for the same reason - though this is more a when I can be bothered sort of thing, which I can see rapidly tailing off during the onset of winter...

2) Wall Insulated where radiator attaches with reflective foil, also central heating pipes insulated.

3) Insulate ceiling - guy coming round tonight to quote.

4) Bought LCD TV as my trusty 11 year old TV finally and suddenly died last month. RIP JVC TV!

5) Virtually no holidays this year! Not by choice, just cos the weather was too crap for the planned camping holiday! Went to West Wales and the Midlands (Woo!).

6) Started the garden to supplement our food supplies: Self-sufficient in Mint, Rosemary, Thyme and Oregano. As well as huge quantities of Tomatoes, Rocket and other lettuces, and about 6 meals worth of potatoes. A small start, but very satisfying nonetheless. Not to mention zero packaging, food miles and the fact that it was all organic!

7) Froze our energy bills for the next year and a half with E.on back in May before all the prices rose.

8) Bought a mountain bike - most journeys in Cardiff are now either walking or biking. Even the poker nights are a car share between us three 'West-siders'!

9) Cooked meals, often make enough for two meals as well as for lunch at work the next day. Saves money, power, washing up - time!

All of these are fairly modest things, and mostly aimed at saving us money - but they also help the environment, right?

Are you doing your bit!?