7 Top tips on how to reduce your Energy bills and Carbon footprint through what you wear.

As I have said before our carbon footprint has now become a day to day priority for many of us, and more pressingly for most of us, so has our fuel bills. We hear of numerous ways by which to reduce our carbon footprint through, ‘how we travel’, ‘how we act in our homes’ and ‘how we eat’, however we don’t hear so much about how, ‘what we wear’ can help reduce our carbon footprint and our energy bills.

Much of what I am about to tell you will appear ever so familiar to advice given to us by our parents or grandparents, advice often given in jest, however it is solid advice, that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and the dreaded energy bill this winter.

1. In winter wear an extra jumper, jacket, scarf or gloves, rather than turning up the heating. This is simple advice but applying an extra jumper will mean that you don’t need to turn the heating on or up.
2. Exercise on those cold winter mornings wearing sportswear that can be worn more than once. Loose jogging bottoms and a cotton sports t-shirt would be ideal. In the cold winter mornings it is difficult to get out of bed if it is cold outside, and when you do the heating almost certainly goes straight on. Instead pull on your running gear and head for a run or walk outside. The heat generated by your body through the exercise will soon warm you up and when you return there will be no need for the heating, just a lukewarm shower to cool you down and freshen you up. Wearing loose jogging bottoms and t-shirt allows the hot air to circulate round your body to heat you up faster. Also as the clothes are loose they will not become as sweaty or let’s face it smelly, so you won’t have to wash them after one use hence reducing your electricity bill. This all has the added bonus of getting a little bit fitter, possibly loosing any excess weight and giving you a spring in your step for the day ahead.
3. Thermals and underclothing can significantly increase body temperature and body comfort in the winter months. A set of winter warmer body wear will cost you significantly less than an increased energy bill. ‘Long johns’ may not be the most attractive of underwear but it sure will keep you warm and reduce the need for heating. When all is said and done I would rather be toasty and have more money in my pocket.
4. Wear warming colours and dress children or loved ones in warm colours too. Surrounding ourselves with warm positive colours can change our mood dramatically. If we are surrounded by cold blues and greens we feel cold. However if we surround ourselves with warm red’s, orange’s and yellows we shall feel warmer. The mind is a funny thing and the inclusion of warm colours around can warm you up so that the heating doesn’t have to.
5. Wear a fashionable cap, beanie, hat or ear muffs. Up to 55% of human body heat is lost through our heads. Without doubt the easiest way to keep ourselves warm over winter without turning on the heating is by wearing some type of headwear. This is not only practical; it is a sensible and stylish choice. There are so many wonderful hats of all types available that we can stay warm and make a great winter fashion statement.
6. Wear your hair down or simply grow it if you have short hair. Hair is our body’s natural insulator so it is sensible to keep this natural insulator as long as possible. Without our natural insulator, our body has less ability to keep warm. For those of you thinking we don’t wear our hair, think again! Our hair can be the foundation for the fashion statement of the winter.
7. If you have washed your hair, use a towel to towel dry your hair. Also wait for your hair to completely dry naturally before going outside into the cold winter weather. Many of us I am sure have experienced the effect on our bodies when we have wet hair in cold temperatures, our bodies become cold. If we wait until our hair is dry and we are wearing a hat to go outside, then less heat is going to be lost through our heads. ‘Don’t let your hair wear you, wear your hair to keep you warm and funky this winter.’

Stay warm this winter without breaking the bank.