The SMARTY way to get ready for winter

You might love it, you might hate it, but days are getting shorter and winter is on its way. If you feel the gloom begin to bite, don’t get sad – get ready.

Perhaps, like us, you get a buzz out of doing the right thing. So, why not do your bit for the environment? A few simple changes will make your home more energy efficient – and save you some cash.

How good does an extra £30 a year sound? You could save that by not leaving electrical stuff on standby. And, did you know you can knock 10% off your energy bill by turning down the thermostat by just 1-degree? The Energy Saving Trust has a simple, impartial webpage with tips on how to save energy at home.

Slow cookers can save you time as well as money. And they’re not just for a cheap cut of meat. There are some amazing vegan recipes out there too. Throw just about anything in, let it simmer for a few hours, and end up with a yummy meal without much effort.

Or maybe it’s dark mornings that bother you most. If getting out of bed in the winter is a toughie, sunrise alarm clocks are a great way to ease into the day. They gradually light your room in the minutes before your wake-up time. The clock’s glow shifts from red to orange to bright yellow — the colours of sunlight — so waking up becomes a gentler, kinder experience.

There’s plenty you can do to jazz up dusky evenings and dim mornings. If your commute is in the dark why not learn something new with a podcast? Or stream a new boxset. SMARTY’s unlimited data plan means you can do this without worrying about your allowance. And, even better, we’ve just dropped the price -- forever. It was £25, it’s now just £20 per month.

Winter-schminter, don’t get blue - get busy.