Collaborative Post | Considering growing your own produce at home? This is something that many people have turned to since the pandemic and are now reaping the rewards! There are many benefits to growing your own produce at home beyond being an enjoyable pursuit - keep reading to find out what these are. Improved nutritional value
Growing your own fruit and veg at home could provide much greater nutritional value than store-bought produce. This is because fresh produce is often harvested at peak ripeness, which means you are getting maximum nutrient content. Additionally, you know you are getting produce that has no harmful synthetic pesticides. This means that you can enjoy a healthier diet, and you should find that having your own produce to use encourages you to eat more fruit and vegetables. Cost-effective gardening Many people are looking to cut back on costs in 2024, and growing your own produce is an effective option. You can make significant savings on your organic produce costs over the long term, and setting up a plot at home can be inexpensive. You simply need to find a suitable space, pick easy-to-grow plants, buy seeds, and create your own compost from kitchen scraps. Environmental benefits People are becoming a lot more eco-aware and making changes in their lives to reduce their environmental impact. Growing your own produce is one of the best steps to take as you are reducing your carbon footprint by reducing demand for transported food and food packaging waste. Additionally, composting helps to prevent waste. You can also use polytunnels to improve your sustainability as these will extend the growing season, which means you can grow more fruit and veg throughout the year by protecting plants from harsh weather. Physical and mental health benefits Gardening can be an excellent activity in terms of both physical and mental health. Obviously, there are many physical tasks involved that can keep you mobile and active, but the mental health benefits cannot be overstated. In addition to spending time in nature and getting sunshine and fresh air each day, growing your own produce can be incredibly rewarding and good fun. Many people find that gardening boosts their daily mood and even helps combat depression and anxiety. Enhanced flavour and taste As mentioned before, home-grown produce is often harvested at peak ripeness, which is not always the case with store-bought. In addition to nutrient contents, this also means that you are getting superior flavour and taste. A few examples of fruits and vegetables that taste much better when grown at home include tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, and leafy greens. As you can see, there are many good reasons to start growing your own produce at home. From enhanced nutrition and financial benefits to environmental and health benefits, growing your own product is a highly worthwhile activity that might just become your new favourite hobby. Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. Collaborative Post | The UK has set ambitious goals for tackling climate change, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This drive extends to our homes as the residential sector contributes a significant portion of the country's carbon footprint. Fortunately, developers such as KeepMoat are providing a plethora of sustainable new build homes across the UK. But whether your property is new or a period build, you can transform it into a sustainable living space, while saving yourself money on utility bills. ![]() Eco-friendly home improvement (Photo by Douglas Sheppard on Unsplash) Benefits of an energy audit
Before diving into specific improvements, consider getting a professional energy audit. This comprehensive assessment identifies areas where your home loses energy, allowing you to prioritise upgrades with the biggest impact. Think of it as a short-term investment that can save you money in the long-term on utility bills. Embrace Energy Star-certified appliances The Energy Star rating is an international energy-efficiency standard. This means you can identify appliances that can save energy and reduce utility bills and your carbon footprint. From refrigerators to washing machines, an Energy Star certification can offer you the best sustainable value. In new builds, the latest, most efficient Energy Star models should be chosen as standard. Water-saving measures Every drop counts! Install low-flow showerheads that can save up to 60 litres of water per shower! A faucet aerator is a low-cost solution that mixes water with air, thereby reducing flow but maintaining the necessary water pressure. Consider fixing leaky faucets promptly and utilising water-efficient dishwashers and washing machines. Additionally, think about capturing rainwater in a barrel and use it to water your garden. Harnessing natural light Embrace the power of the sun! By maximising natural light, you can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. Strategically placed skylights, light shelves and well-positioned windows can bathe your home in natural illumination, lowering your energy consumption while boosting your mental health. Planting trees for a greener future Planting trees around your home offers a wealth of environmental benefits. Trees act as natural air filters, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Additionally, they provide shade, reducing your home’s cooling needs in the summer. Even a small tree planted near a south-facing window can make a big difference. The Woodland Trust offers excellent resources and advice on choosing the right trees for your garden. Government grants and incentives The UK government offers a variety of grants and incentives to encourage homeowners to make energy-saving improvements. The Energy Saving Trust provides a comprehensive list of these schemes. From boiler replacement grants to insulation grants, these programmes can help you offset the cost of eco-friendly upgrades. By incorporating these eco-friendly home improvement ideas, you can create a comfortable, stylish and sustainable haven for your family. Remember, small changes can create a big impact. Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. Collaborative Post |There are lots of things to consider when choosing a location to retire, such as distance from loved ones and your budget. However, quality of life is important too, and you may be wondering whether it’s best to live in a country village, coastal town, or busy city. One area of the UK that is becoming popular among retirees is the East of England as it offers pretty much every type of living you would want, from peaceful seaside towns to cities with a fascinating history. It also presents more affordable options compared to other parts of the UK, making it an attractive choice for those who need to be mindful of their spending. In this article, we cover three locations within the East of England that stand out as top choices for retirement. ![]() Photo by Jean-Luc Benazet on Unsplash CambridgeCambridge is a city that needs no introduction. Thanks to its prestigious university colleges and stunning architecture, it’s one of the UK’s most historic places. The city came out on top as the best city for retirees, especially for things like Crime Index and life expectancy. The surrounding villages of Grantchester and Histon are also great choices, offering a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the city. For those looking to travel during retirement, Cambridge has many lock-up-and-leave properties, allowing you to go see the world while everything is taken care of for you at home. SuffolkFamed for its chocolate box villages and pretty coastline, Suffolk offers a quiet way of life that is anything but dull. It was named as the best place to retire in the UK several years ago and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’d prefer to explore wild beaches, head out on a country stroll, or have a look around an Anglo-Saxon burial ground, Suffolk has it all. The county town of Suffolk, Ipswich, is also a great spot for retirees. Not only is it affordable but you’ve got the same coastal lifestyle as other famous towns, as well as a foodie culture and maritime history. Ipswich has always been a ‘one to watch’ and has recently seen an increase in development, including a larger range of dining options, excellent transport connections, and a range of modern new build homes. St AlbansLocated in Hertfordshire, St Albans has been crowned as one of the best places to live in 2024 due to its wealth of historic attractions and thriving community. It is a highly sought-after location with some very impressive houses to choose from, including retirement villages and bungalows.
There is plenty in the community to get involved with here, such as senior social clubs, which cover a wide range of activities from quizzes to crafts and food tasting. Aside from this, St Albans is surrounded by incredible countryside and features a scenic walking route down the River Ver. Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post. |
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