10 green resolutions to save you money

By taking green steps at home, you can save money and make life easier. Being smart about waste, consumption and resources won't only win you the thanks of forthcoming generations: you'll feel the financial benefit immediately.

1. Make money from old electronics
As your electronic goods become obsolete and are replaced, it's vital to remember that devices such as cameras, laptops, mobile phones and batteries should be kept out of standard waste sites – they pose an environmental risk that exceeds the usual concerns over landfill space.

Aside from the hundreds of "we buy your phone for cash" schemes, several programmes exist which will actually reward you for getting rid of your electronics, such as the Royal Mail's Simply Drop incentive for cameras, phones and MP3 players. Recycle4Charity help you to get rid of the goods without paying a recycling fee, and Boots will give you for gadgets.

2. Green technology adds value
While making your abode eco-friendly can bring you a warm feeling of self-satisfaction as you help the environment, overhauling your home with green technology can even add to the price of your house. The Cooperative Bank have reported an increase in spending on products such as energy-efficient boilers and lighting across the UK.

Simple eco-improvements regarding insulation, water efficiency and heating accrue value and make for attractive prospects. Custom-built eco homes are, on the whole, more expensive than standard properties: make your improvements a selling point.

3. Make your lighting more efficient
In 2009, incandescent bulbs began to be phased out and – in response to criticism of existing low-power lighting solutions – the next generation of functional and ultra-low power bulbs was introduced. LED bulbs, which are immediately brighter and more convenient than the majority of standard CFL low-energy bulbs – are dropping in price and increasing in efficiency. Indoor motion sensor switches which simply screw into your light fitting also help increase efficiency, reduce energy, and save you money.

4. Increase your driving efficiency
If you'd like to improve the fuel efficiency of your car and make a positive environmental impact without shelling out thousands of pounds, prepare your existing vehicle to make sure it's at its best. Remove unnecessary weight from the car and ensure that tyres are properly inflated – underinflated tyres increase your fuel consumption by 1% for every 6psi that they need. Drive slower and in a higher gear, and your vehicle will also consume less fuel.

5. Make money from jumble
A combination of tight personal finances and retro scenester chic has led to a resurgence in the popularity of that classic British institution, the jumble sale. Giving you the opportunity to save waste and earn some money for your unwanted (or, as you should rechristen them, “vintage”) possessions. Hip jumble spots like the Wills Moody Jumble Sale and Jumble Music abound in London but just about every town and village plays host to more effortless events on a regular basis – shift some bric-a-brac and avoid clogging up landfill.

6. Save water in the bathroom
We're not just asking you to turn your taps off while cleaning your teeth. Water-saving devices known as Hippos will reduce the capacity of your toilet's flush, increasing efficiency and saving on bills. Contact your water company before you buy – even though the Hippo is extremely cheap, some providers offer them as part of their overall commitment to reducing water waste.

7. Overhaul your laundry
Washing machine manufacturers and detergent companies are getting wise to the fact that an environmentally-focussed reduction in consumption isn't necessarily a bad thing for business, and have started to tailor their products accordingly. While at one end of the scale it's possible to switch exclusively to eco balls for washing and vinegar as fabric softener, companies such as Persil are taking the green angle and producing detergent which gives familiar results at energy-saving low temperatures.

8. Go meat-free for two days a week
Go one step further than Meat-Free Mondays and try to switch to vegetarian food for two days a week. Your water footprint will be reduced – the water cost of rearing animals such as beef cows is far in excess of that for vegetables, and many of our global water problems are being blamed on an increasingly meat-heavy diet.

You'll also feel better, learn how to cook more interesting food, and save money on shopping bills. Simon Rimmer's books The Accidental Vegetarian and The Seasoned Vegetarian contain plenty of good ideas for the part-time herbivore.

9. Get energy-savvy in advance of the smart meter
These devices enable you to discover your hidden energy costs – providing readings telling you how much power you're using on appliances, without realising it. Although Wattson is the most prestigious of the energy meters – looking extremely cool as well as providing a useful function – the efergy Elite clocks in at less than half the price and will save you up to 15% on your annual bills.

10. Use cheap, 'natural' cleaning products
There might be a mental block stopping some from sluicing white vinegar over prized worktops, or even adding to the washing machine with delicate fabrics, but the cleaning properties of the substance are legendary and manifold. It's useful for stopping mould and bacteria in their tracks and adds shine to stovetops and smooth surfaces. Baking soda is a natural aroma-eliminator, and a combination of the two will unblock drains and stop any nasty whiffs. And if you can get hold of any borax, even better – it's a handy detergent. Harmful chemicals are avoided and, crucially, you'll save money on grocery bills with these inexpensive natural substitutes.