When I first heard about 10:10, I was really excited and decided I wanted to get involved. I wanted to see how the little changes I could make would impact my carbon footprint.

I had always thought of recycling and energy efficiency as being the “right” things to do, but I never quite had the time to get around to it.  That was until I noticed my energy bills going up and money didn't stretch quite as far anymore.

I had always thought of recycling and energy efficiency as being the “right” things to do, but I never quite got around to it. That was until I noticed my energy bills going up and money didn't stretch quite as far anymore.

This was not the first hike in prices, I'm sure, but it was the first time I genuinely noticed it. This got me thinking: how much am I over-spending on unnecessary things?

I knew there had to be a way to save money and cut carbon, without drastically altering my lifestyle.

Where to begin

So in March, I sat down and put together a list of all the things I could change.

I started by heading out to the O2 store and buying four 10:10 Tags, for myself, my partner, my mum and my sister. I wanted to remind myself of the commitment I was making and encourage them to get involved too. It wasn't much but it was a start.

I decided it was time to reacquaint myself with the recycling bin my local council gave me. I even bought a dual bin for the house, and was amazed at how easy recycling was - no trouble at all really.

I had been hearing everywhere that slowing down would save on fuel ... after one week, I still had 100 miles left in my tank!

Going further

Next I moved onto my daily commute. I drive to work and in my current situation my car is something I can't do without - but it's an efficient model.

I'd been hearing everywhere that slowing down would save on fuel.  So I tried cruising the motorway at 60, and driving more smoothly through town. 

The result? After one week, I still had 100 miles left in my tank. £15 of petrol used to last me four days – now the same amount keeps me going for two weeks - just by reducing my speed.

Saving pounds and pollution: great!

Insulation top-up

By August, I’d had a few more bright ideas, and took advantage of the British Gas initiative providing free home insulation to customers. 

I had cavity wall insulation already, but I had no idea how well my loft was insulated - I suffer from bad vertigo, so had never even been up there!  They arranged a home visit and got to work straight away.  Apparently it was in dire need of an upgrade, which they arranged for me at no extra cost.

It's not every day you get an offer for something to seriously improve your day to day life, and knock off emissions – all for free!  Thanks to British Gas my house has been toasty ever since. 

I had no idea how well my loft was insulated - I suffer from bad vertigo, so had never even been up there!  They arranged a home visit and got to work straight away.

Soap and water

My next discovery was the Bobble - it's made from 100% recycled plastic and has a carbon filter built in. I work an eleven-hour shift and try to drink my 2.5 litres of water a day - this used to mean buying a large bottle of water every day costing £5 a week.

Now with the Bobble I fill up from the tap. And at home we bought a water filter, so my wife and son can enjoy cold, filtered tap water too.

By January I had moved on to considering my shopping choices, as my sister introduced me to Lush.

I no longer buy shampoo in a bottle or soap from a pump dispenser, and have been amazed by how much you can save without compromising on quality.

I also do all my shopping now using reusable bags, so I don't use the plastic ones given out. I just hope I keep remembering to take them - but so far so good.

I’ve been amazed, astounded and surprised at every turn of carbon-cutting adventure. I still do all the things I used to, but now without the waste. So, am I overspending on unnecessary things? Not any more!