On energy, add "Bulb" to list of energy suppliers; and I'd suggest only considering those energy companies that generate their own green electricity rather than those that buy it in.
One of my 2018 resolutions was to change bank. After procrastinating for years, I eventually did it just before end of year deadline, switching from Barclays to Nationwide (a Mutual, and a top pick by "Which?"
On banking, MetroBank is included in ethical shopping although it has a couple of rather "iffy" sounding founders and not very great customer reviews..
Ethical Shopping in Tring and Tring's Zero Waste/Zero Plastic Shop
Among a host of excellent independent shops in Tring ("Use It Or Lose It" ) is Tring's Zero Waste Shop.
Otherwise known as HealthFare. (next to Metcalfe's DIY Shop)
Take your own refillable/recycled containers for your next purchase of basmati rice, lentils, chickpeas, seeds, dried fruit or porrage oats (including gluten free)
Or, if, like me, you forget your container, Zoe has paper bags made from recycled paper.. AND...
you can refill your shampoo, hair conditioner, shower gel, body wash from bulk containers of "Faith in Nature" AND...
you can refill your container of washing up liquid, toilet cleaner, sanitising hand wash, non-bio laundry liquid, from a range of bulk containers.
So What Are My New Resolutions?
Improving on one of 2018's is one .... not just repeat having avoided buying anything from Amazon in 2018 (yes, I have used Internet shopping,but not for anything available in Tring,)
So in 2019, I shan't be buying books for my Kindle (except for holiday reading maybe) -- instead I'll be starting to use Tring Library again (check out its opening days and times on-line) and the excellent second hand Oxfam bookshop in Berkhamsted.
Good luck with your New Year Resolutions!
Thermal imaging is on offer again this winter by our volunteers. Thermal imaging shows where heat and thus £££'s are being lost from buildings.
Anyone living in HP23 postcode area can ask for a survey, whether for your house, or a public building.
Renters can have a survey as well because there are often some simple things you can do as a renter to reduce your energy bill.
Surveys are done midweek evenings, and followed up by an electronic report which suggests practical ways to reduce heat loss that are specific to your building. We request a discretionary donation of £15 for the survey and report.
Are you or a friend/neighbour interested?
E-mail briankazer@hotmail.com to arrange an appointment.