Save money and the environment by keeping warm, naturally.

Handy Hints by Holly Royce

Heating bills are a huge concern in winter months, both for the household budget and for the environment.

One of the main questions going around the 1MW community at the moment is, ‘how I can keep warmer without the use of a heater or an electric throw?’.

This Handy Hints post is dedicated to keeping warm, naturally.

Here are 8 tips for keeping warm, naturally.

1. Close all of your windows properly. This is one I always forget, then wonder why it’s so cold at night. Even making sure windows are latched makes a difference in the amount of cold that can sneak in!

2. Use cheap clear shower curtains over the windows that receive sunlight.
So we’re making sure the windows are close at night, what about during the day? A cheap, clear shower curtain will keep cold air out- but let the warmth of the sun come in. If you are REALLY cold, you can even cover your windows with clear plastic sheets and make it airtight.

3. Put up curtains. A pretty easy one. A set of heavy curtains can block heavy drafts of air. Open them when the sun is shining and close them when it’s not. Genius!

4. Seal your doors. It may sound extreme but it really works! Think about investing in some weather-stripping or a door sweep. Or alternatively, you can stuff a towel at the bottom of the door as a draft dodger.

5. Let as much sun hit your house as possible. Look around your windows. Are there any obstructions that are blocking you from those sweet sunrays (think shed, pot plants, etc.)?

6. Closed off any unused rooms. Seems obvious, but many of us forget to do it. Closed doors make barriers between you and the frigid outdoors AND stop the air circulating as much, reducing heat loss.

7. Put down a rug or carpet. Rugs and carpets help prevent heat loss through the floor. They look fancy and they provide a softer, warmer surface to walk on.

8. Dress warmly. Yes, Mum and Dad you were right – dressing warmly makes all the difference. A large percentage of your body heat is lost through the head region, so a hat is a crucial friend at a time like this. Scarves and turtlenecks also work wonders.

Eight seems like a bit of a strange number to finish on, so why not comment the post with your best tips on how to keep warm without a heater. We’ll publish the best two on our Facebook and Twitter pages to spread the word!

We are daughters, mothers, sisters and grandmothers getting on with practical climate action to live better for us and the planet. Join the movement at www.1millionwomen.com.au