Beat the Budget

28 June 2010

1. Cut energy bills

There are loads of no-cost measures you can take to slash your bills - from line drying clothes, to lagging your tank. Read our top tips and How Can I Stop Climate Change? (Burley/Haslam)

2. Generate your own energy

Feed In Tariffs pay you to produce green energy - think solar PV and micro wind turbines. Read more at the Energy Saving Trust.

3. Free holidays

Try house-swapping in the UK - exchange with a friend or relation, or try a scheme such as the Guardian Home Exchange. 

4. Buy in bulk

Cut shopping bills - buy in bulk, and maybe share an order with a friend. For organic and fair-trade goods, try Suma.

5. Free toys 

Get your kids to swap a box of their toys with a friend for a month. And check out local toy libraries.

6. Free clothes

Also known as 'Swishing', clothes swap parties are great fun and a great way to get new clothes for your wardrobe.

7. Cheaper car travel

To enjoy the benefits of a car without the cost, consider joining a car club or a car sharing scheme.

8. Buy second hand

For greener bargains, try charity shops, car boot sales and Ebay.

9. Freecycle 

Get almost anything free on Freecycle - and donate your pre-loved stuff to others, not landfill.

10. Smarty pants

Save cash with reusable nappies - find out more with our Nappy Facts and in Homemade Kids (Nicola Baird)

Bake your own bread, cakes and biscuits for cheaper food - and less packaging!

Emma France, Friends of the Earth supporter

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