Save money and help the environment

Here are some ideas to help you save emissions and save money in the process. 

Money

If you're struggling financially, there may be support for your financial and wellbeing needs.

If you have an emergency and can't meet essential needs, use our emergency support scheme.

Heating

Place an old pillowcase or pair of tights filled with stuffing in draughty door or window gaps.

Save £65 per year by turning down your combi-boiler flow temperature to 60°C.

Stop heat wastage by putting specialist foil behind a radiator that's on an external wall.

Use radiator thermostats to keep rooms at comfortable temperatures.

Only heat a home when you're in it.

Food and shopping

If you're struggling to afford food, you can get help to access food.

Food waste is responsible for around 10% of global greenhouse emissions. In London, 70% of this food waste happens in our homes.

If you have a microwave, use it. It uses less energy than an oven.

Buy just what you need to avoid wasting food.

Adopt simple food habits to remove a lot of the stress around food, and save you time and money.

Take simple advice to store food.

Most of the food that we waste in London is edible, yet less than 1% of this edible food is shared or re-used. Download the Olio app to enjoy free good food from your neighbours that would otherwise go to waste.

Local shops, cafes and restaurants often have lots of food that is going to waste at the end of the day. Too Good To Go lets you buy this leftover food from shops, cafes and restaurants for a fraction of the normal price.

Community Fridges bring neighbours and local food businesses together. We have 6 fridges running in different community spaces in Southwark, with more on their way.

Borrow DIY and household items

Canada Water's Library of Things rents out items like drills, sound systems and sewing machines affordably to help you save money and reduce waste.

Household appliances

Devices left in standby mode still use electricity. You can also save energy by switching the lights off every time you leave a room. The Energy Saving Trust estimates turning off your lights and devices could save you £85 a year.

A standard shower uses a lot less water than a hot bath. So if you normally go for a long soak in the tub, try swapping for a shower to save you money.

Every time you use your washing machine and dishwasher they use water and electricity. A simple way to save money is by always making sure they are full when you use them. Try to use the most efficient settings available to reduce the cost of running them.

Modern detergent cleans well at lower temperatures. Try 30 degrees, not 40 or 60. You might even be able to wash as low as 20 degrees if your clothes are not stained. Find out which temperature to wash at, and what happens to your clothes, and bills, when you change.

LED lighting

On average, lighting your home makes up 11% of your electricity consumption, so you can save money by replacing your lightbulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs.

Green energy advice

The Energy Advice Centre at London Southbank University (LSBU) is a partnership between Southwark Council and LSBU. The centre can provide free advice on:

• changes you can make to save energy around your home
• grants and funding for green home upgrades like solar panels or air source heat pumps
• retrofit measures to your property (including double-glazing and loft insulation)

An expert advisor can help identify which measures are best for your home. For example, switch to LED light bulbs or upgrade an air source heat pump. Provide basic information about your home and how you want to make it sustainable.

The student-led service cannot recommend contractors or installers for home upgrades.

Visit the Energy Advice Centre on Thursdays between 10am and 1pm at:

Clarence Centre for Enterprise and Innovation, 126 London Road, Southwark, SE1 0AE

Get free energy advice online