Credit crunch cloud has a green lining

It seems that even the credit crunch cloud has a silver lining, or at least green one. Indeed according to new research from cahoot, Brits are starting to live greener lives as a by product of their efforts to keep their living costs down.

According to cahoot's, research 72 per cent of us are trying to cut our energy bills by turning off electrical items, such as PC's or TVs, when not in use, while 60 per cent are switching to energy efficient light bulbs. A further 58 per cent are turning down the heating and wrapping up around the home, while 48 per cent are ‘mothballing' unused rooms - to avoid having to heat them.

Others are changing their bath time rituals with almost half (43 per cent) hoping to slash water and heating bills by shunning baths for showers and almost one-in-ten (9 per cent) sharing bath water with family members.

Matthew Timms of cahoot, commented: "The credit crunch has put money saving at the front of everyone's minds. So it's great to see that the simple sacrifices people are making are at least helping us to live greener as a result.

"With no statements or branches and with 24 online and e-mail access cahoot is very much a ‘green' bank. With a minimum of fuss and added convenience we believe that are customers not only value the service they receive but appreciate the added bonus that we are ecologically friendly."