Havering Friends of the Earth

Green Resolutions

by Tim Stout; first published 9-Jan-2026

New Year is a good time to think of the environment - John Robinson

As the cost of living continues to rise and concern about extreme weather and pollution grows, many assume that environmentally friendly choices are expensive. In reality, actions to reduce our impact on our natural world can also save households significant amounts of money and are often healthier too.

It's easy to forget that our planet is our shared home that we all depend upon for our health and wellbeing, so damaging nature affects us all. New year is the ideal moment to make changes that benefit our finances, our health and our community.

Reducing energy use at home can cut bills significantly and reduce demand for fossil fuels. Simple steps such as lowering the thermostat by one degree (while being mindful of vulnerable people), not heating unused rooms, sealing draughts, using LED bulbs and improving insulation. Washing clothes at lower temperatures and line-drying instead of using a tumble dryer not only reduces costs but helps clothes last longer.

Food choice is another area where savings quickly add up. UK households throw away huge quantities of food, so planning meals, freezing leftovers and keeping an "eat me first" shelf can save significant amounts of money and reduce food going to landfill. Eating more plant-based meals is usually cheaper than meat-heavy diets and healthier too. Choosing seasonal produce can further reduce costs while lowering the environmental impact of transport and storage. Growing food at home, such as herbs on a windowsill or garden vegetables, cuts grocery bills and tastes better. Home-grown flowers from seed also support local wildlife.

Many car journeys are under a mile, so walking, cycling or public transport are easy alternatives that not only reduce fuel costs, parking charges and congestion but are healthier.

Consumer habits also matter. Keeping things longer, repairing instead of replacing them, or buying second-hand is usually much cheaper and prevents landfill waste. Laundry or alteration shops can repair clothing for a fraction of the cost of buying new and Repair Cafés are well worth seeking out. Using local shops and trades helps support our community.

Finally, simplifying our lives can have surprising benefits. Cancelling unused subscriptions, decluttering digital storage and selling or donating unused items can free up money or help others.

Living in balance with nature doesn't have to mean sacrifice. Often, it simply means making smarter choices.