Product Description

Does saving the planet require great effort? Does it mean extreme measures such as taking up residence in trees? You will be pleased to know that you can do your bit without any major change to your lifestyle. You even get to save money in the process. You do not even have to give up your car! You can cut your fuel consumption by a quarter if you reduce your average speed. The most fuel-efficent vehicles can save you up to GBP900 a year and did you know there are tax exemptions for electric cars? If you insulate the roof of your home at a cost of GBP170, you will save GBP80-GBP100 a year. By stopping draughts, you can save GBP10-GBP15 a year on heating costs. Are you aware that there are government grants that half the cost of installing solar panels making them only slightly more expensive than slate? We do not always need toxic cleaning products that are cleverly marketed to us. Neat lemon juice at 65p a bottle works well on kitchen surface stains. White vinegar costs even less and can be used to clean fridges, windows and ceramic tiles. A lack of time prevents us from shopping around for better deals. In 'Collins Save Cash and Save the Planet', all the hard work has been done for you. There are practical suggestions for lessening our impact on the environment in the following areas: the home & garden, DIY, transport, work, health, food, holidays, banking. Global warming is becoming a reality and the number of asthma sufferers increases yearly. Find out about the latest research into human damage to the planet. Friends of the Earth is the country's most influential national environmental campaigning organisation with over 100,000 supporters in the UK alone. They aim to inspire and educate the public to become more personally involved in improving their local environment. Information is provided on how to sign up to Friends of the Earth.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #159929 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

The Guardian, April 23, 2005
From underfloor heating and solar energy, through greener funerals and cleaning with lemon juice, there are some great ideas here.

The Guardian, March 9, 2005
Published on 100% post consumer waste paper, which is about as good as it gets.

About the Author
Andrea Smith writes for national newspapers and specialist environmental magazines and has a weekly column in the Leicester Mercury. She also works as an assistant for Dr Caroline Lucas, an MEP for the South-East. Andrea worked at Friends of the Earth as a feature writer from 2000/2001. Nicola Baird is an environmental journalist. She has worked at Friends of the Earth since 1999. Nicola has two daughters and lives in London.

Customer Reviews

Full of useful tips on everything for everyone!
Beautifully designed, and very easy to navigate, this book covers every area of your life and tells you how you can make it greener and save money at the same time! The suggestions range from simple things like energy efficient light bulbs to more complex and expensive projects like installing solar power, so no matter what your budget or ability you will pick up some useful tips. It also includes lots of sources of further information to find out more. If everyone did just a few of the suggestions in this book, it would make such a difference!

A must!
A really simple, comprehensive book on being a more environmentally concious person. It tells you what is going wrong on the world and what you can do to help by making small changes to your lifestyle. It's easy to read and well written. Everyone should have one - I will be buying one for friends and family for presents!

Save loads of money and be good to the planet
What a great book!!!!! I must say it again. What a great book!!! I have just read if from cover to cover and I have learnt so much. It is from the friends of the earth and it covers from gardening, food, diy, in the home, shopping, recyclcling and waste and communiity. I have learnt that a lot of the everyday things that you use have chemicals in it that you would not want around you. I have learnt a lot about what I can recycle and reuse. The references section has lots of websites and contact details of many companies. If you are just intested in just saving money then this book is for you. If you are just interested in saving the planet then this book is for you. If you are just interested in living a healther life then this book is also for you. I am interested in all these things.