It’s getting cold out there

I am sure it hasn't escaped your notice that winter is here…in fact it feels that autumn bypassed summer this year and now we are back to winter so soon (or so it seems!). So now we find ourselves faced with the dilemma of warmth and light against ever increasing gas and electricity bills and worry.

This Bog is more about winter energy and money saving tips so a few ways to hold off putting your heating on are:

• Put a jumper on
• Have a cup of tea
• Do star jumps
• Go out for a brisk walk (if you have a dog you also get the added bonus of brightening up their day!)

Even if it prevents you from putting the heating on for an hour – you will notice the difference over the course of winter.

Also ask your local Council about the Universal Home Insulation Scheme where the Scottish Government is giving free cavity and loft insulation.

Here are an additional 5 tips which can save you money and also help our environment along the way:

• Use energy saving bulbs (that goes without saying really!)
• Don’t light rooms that aren’t in use
• Put one less light on than normal (if you have 3 in your living room, then just put 2 on and see how you go)
• Switch of appliances that go on standby at the mains and switch off computers/TVs/cookers when not in use
• Turn your thermostats down by 1°

As Happy Green Guru, I am on a quest to help businesses realise that by reducing their waste, energy, water and transport use they can save money, gain a competitive advantage and reduce environmental impacts. I am really looking forward to 2012 to help more businesses realise this and hope you all have a great Festive Season and a Happy New Year.

Forever Green,

Happy Green Guru J

Green paths

My inner green was positively neon this month, and it was nothing to do with radioactive waste, you will be pleased to know!

I am spreading the word, building contacts and slowly, but surely, my Environmental Management company, Green Expectations is getting out there. ‘Out where?’ you may ask.  ‘Out there’ is at network events, Facebook, LinkedIn, Business panels and I am even considering Twitter. I am on the right path, that slightly overgrown green path I have found myself on, I may add. Don’t worry I like that path, it makes life interesting and I would recommend any slightly overgrown green path over a tarmac road to anyone!

I do realise that businesses aren’t blown away by the prospect of making them greener, but they are excited about the fact that I can save them money and increase their customer base. That is the crunch, that’s the key, that’s what turns a pitch (fork) into a deal.

I am still Happy, still Green and still a Guru* so please get on my green path with me this month and think about waste. Not pleasant, but we produce waste every day and just one BIG thought before you buy can eliminate that unnecessary packaging/disposable item/food waste that goes to the bin on a daily basis. THINK – Do I need it? Is there an alternative? Will I eat it?! That’s it, just think before you buy.

Forever green,
Happy Green Guru

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru

Happy Green Guru

That's me! I have always been interested in the environment and what better way to channel that positive energy than set up my own business. Fed up of telling people what they can't do, I have set up an Environmental Management company that tells people what they can do! I provide businesses with the necessary guidance on how to implement environmental procedures that help them reduce costs, be kinder to the environment and gain a competitive edge. After all GREEN is the new black, or so it seems! Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, which is a good thing for our planet, but hard if, like me, you really want to help but can't find a way in to help. However the enthusiasm that businesses have for their Environmental Management Systems is contagious as they have realised the social, economic and environmental benefits that go along with it, and I am happy to persevere in order to show other businesses how easy it can be.

I am a happy person by nature, that can sometimes annoy people, I know, but I wouldn't say I am too happy - can anyone ever be too happy?! As a Happy Green Guru I would encourage everyone to find their inner green and do one thing this week - discover the beauty of walking! We know most people living in the Western World can drive, woohoo for us, but walking gets you on the ground, your nose will awaken with the smells of cut grass and flowers, your ears will love the chirping of the birds and you may even get to talk to one or two of your neighbours that you generally tend to wave at from the car most days. It really is that simple, walk to the shops, walk to the post box, walk to the cinema.....just walk!

Forever green,
Happy Green Guru