It is 2013, and we all have a responsibility, collectively and as individuals, to do all we can to save the planet. At least, that is what the media tells us, and the borderline propaganda that the governments of the world want us to believe. The fact that a UK Member of Parliament has this week questioned whether global warming and climate change is down to human influence is certainly going to get people talking.

Regardless of whether we believe the science or are cynical about the whole thing, the fact is that there is much we can do to be greener ourselves. We’ve all seen the adverts for solar panel installation, and baulked at the cost.

Irrespective of the cost ‘paying for itself’ in terms of energy bill savings over the next 10 years or so, we are still in a recession, or at least recovering from it, and people tend not to have a spare £10,000 just lying around to pay for something that won’t break even for the best part of a decade.

With that in mind, how can we go green without breaking the bank?

Think Bathroom

For years, we were told that we should take showers instead of baths because they use far less water. However, we later learned that, actually, because people stand under showers for so long, the difference could sometimes be negligible at best.

One way to tackle this is to continue using showers, but buy a product to control water flow. Companies such as Agua Flux offer a range of shower faucets and other products that will dramatically reduce the water you use.

Other ways to save in the bathroom include cistern controllers that limit the water your toilet uses.

Local Green Initiatives

Around the world, councils at the local level are starting to push the green agenda more than ever before. Probably the biggest thing they’re doing is offering loft insulation – and even cavity wall insulation in some cases – in order to reduce energy wastage as well as your heating bill.

There are different rules depending on the cost of your home and circumstances, but if you can take advantage, it is worth doing so.

Get in the Garden

After the bathroom, the garden is probably the place where you can best make an impact on the environment without spending a lot of money. If you have an effervescent garden, then it is likely you use a lot of water from the tap to keep it looking fresh.

A water butt is a great product for saving water when it rains for the times when it doesn’t, and with the increasing number of hosepipe bans in place around the world, could be the difference between a garden in bloom and a desolate wasteland.

A wormery, from a company like Worm City, is another great product that you might consider, as it will enable you to recycle your own waste at home, as well as produce your own compost for your garden. They are great fun for the kids, too!

Going green at home does not have to cost the Earth. Save the planet instead, with these cost effective yet powerful ideas.

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Robert is a business consultant who is passionate about the environment and green initiatives. Although a personal passion, he also advises his clients around the best ideas for going green in the workplace, and how to promote their sustainable practices to customers.