Cut down on the amount of petrol you are using.

Increasing numbers of people are turning to alternative methods of transport, just to try and keep their fuel costs down. As you will know, petrol has almost doubled in price over the last ten years. For a small car with a 1.3 litre engine, it once cost around £40 to fill up the tank. Today, that has jumped to an average of £76! It is no wonder people are struggling to make ends meet. The cost of living has risen dramatically and yet our wages have not increased to match the rise.

Here are some ways to cut back on fuel.

Shop once a week, rather than making many trips back and forth every few days. Lots of small journeys can use just as much fuel as long trips. In fact, when driving in heavy city traffic, fuel consumption can increase because you spend more time in the lower gears, stuck in traffic.

Car-pooling for the school run and the drive to work can save a significant amount of money. And with the use of social media, it will not take long to post a message and team up with other parents or workers who are keen to car pool with you.

Walk! National statistics suggest that on many occasions, we will drive a short distance instead of walking. It takes five minutes to walk a mile at a reasonable pace. Why not make a pledge for yourself - for all journeys of 1.5 miles or less, you will walk, not drive.

Studies indicate that just ten minutes of walking a day can improve your health by reducing risk of heart disease, keep your bones strong and your lungs flushed with fresh air. So, get out of the car, save money, be kinder to the planet by reducing your carbon emissions, and get healthy as you walk!