The eight green ways to survive the recession

Make repairs: Repairing your gear is a lot greener than replacing it - and you'll save a bundle of money, especially if you do it yourself.

Be energy-efficient: Use green light bulbs, insulate windows, put appliances on power-saver mode and even sew door snakes to cut down on draughts.

Conserve water: Reducing the amount of water you use will reduce the amount of money you spend on water bills.

Watch your mileage: Keeping tyres inflated, taking heavy objects out of the car and not letting your car idle are all eco-friendly ways to reduce emissions.

Rent, borrow or buy secondhand: For instance, you can watch movies online or buy them used at a fraction of the price of new ones.

Make your own: You can make your own shampoo, your own chair - or just about anything if you put your mind to it.

Reuse: Why bin it if it can be put to a new use?

Eat at home: Eating at home is cheaper and healthier than restaurant or takeaway food, and you can make as much - or as little - as you like.

Source: planetgreen.com