Best energy-saving tips from Smart Mums

by Holly on February 17, 2012 in Smart Mums

We’ve brought you some brilliant tips from our smart mums over the last few months, saving you both energy and money, but some stand out even brighter than the rest. Here are our favourite 10 tips from the smart mums so far…

All Baby Advice has a very simple rule but it could save a lot in the long run. “Luckily this winter it isn’t that cold, so it was maybe a bit easier to accomplish, but I am happy to say that most of the time our British Gas thermostat is on 18C.”
Mummy Matters underlines the importance of some basics, and suggests making the switch to energy saving light bulbs throughout the house. She says: “Not only are they greener, they are cheaper to run too.”
Eco Thrifty Living swapping the tumble dryer for hanging the washing up to dry. “Make sure you do it in a well-ventilated area though, otherwise condensation may cause you problems.”
Nurture Store ensures her kids absorb the energy-saving message by making it fun. “Organise an energy-saving treasure hunt. Send the kids on a hunt to find any appliances left on stand-by so you can switch them off and save energy and money.”
But it doesn’t all have to be fun! Kat from 3 Bedroom Bungalow isn’t afraid to opt for good old-fashioned nagging when required: “constantly having to go behind my children and turn off the lights”.
Be honest if it doesn’t come easily! Karin from Cafe Bebe, who admits that she is very bad at saving energy. Like her, you can make it a mission to improve, and every step you take will save you cash in the long run.
Take a tip from the (more austere) past, before almost every home had a dishwasher and tumble dryer! Mirka from All Baby Advice remembers the lessons her own mum taught her – she grew up turning the tap off while brushing teeth and making sure lights weren’t on in empty rooms, and now her kids will too.
Great tip from Penny at Alexander Residence – hit them where it hurts (in the nicest possible sense): “I have explained to the kids that leaving the fridge door open after raiding it costs money, this means there is less money to spend on nice things to put in it.”
Cheryl from Mad House Family Reviews is trying to do fewer loads of laundry: “Obviously, I don’t mind washing dirty clothes but my daughter in particular has a tendency to pull out two or three t-shirts in the morning until she finds the one that she wants, then throws the unworn clean ones in the wash when asked up to tidy up her room. Not only a waste of electricity but also my time and energy!”
Mummy From The Heart reminds us that while it’s great to personally save money, being conservative with energy has far-reaching benefits for everyone and it’s crucial that the next generation absorb the message now: “Be a champion example for your kids. You must have heard of the saying ‘kids learn what they live’, so I need to work with [my husband] to show the children how we can all do our bit and how easy it is. Setting a strong example is an intrinsic part of being a parent.”