It wasn’t that long ago that the ‘Go Green’ message was limited to a few Greenpeace activists and a small, but growing political party. Over the past few years however, the ‘Go Green’ message has become more mainstream, and in some instances obligatory. Realising the promotional potential this message had for customers and voters, both businessmen and politicians have been keen to emphasise their green credentials and encourage others to follow suit.

When he was in power, Tony described climate change as “the biggest long-term challenge facing our generation.” Taking up the baton, Gordon Brown has taken an even stronger stance on climate change, proposing to increase the UK 2050 targets for cutting Co2 emissions from 60% to 80%.

Despite the government’s insistence on environmental change, hybrids have yet to replace our 4×4s. In fact, the government has had to force many of us to recycle, putting fines in place for those who break the rules. However, being green isn’t just about being energy efficient, it’s also about being ‘money efficient’, and with the looming recession we could all become eco-warriors, if only for financial reasons.

A recent study revealed that a third of Scots would consider sharing a shower or bath in order to save money. 40% of those surveyed also revealed they would grit the cold Caledonia winter without heating in order to save money. Such drastic measures may not be necessary to survive the credit crunch this winter however thanks to energy-saving website Together.com

Proudly supported by companies like Tesco, Myspace and Barclaycard, Together.com is committed to helping individuals make greener changes to their daily lives. From switching to energy-saving lightbulbs, or recycling an old mobile phone, Together.com promotes the small “easy ways to fight climate change”.

The latest energy saving bright idea, is to bring back the furry, draught-excluding snake that used to live in so many of our doorways. Although the energy-saving reptile may not save more than a few pounds a year, the scheme is part of a wider plan which could save you hundreds of pounds per year. In the face of rising energy prices and shared shower-times in Scotland, changes like these are likely to be surprisingly popular!

While it may not be a moral conscience that finally propels the last contingent of the UK towards greener living, it looks like these energy-efficient changes may be entirely to our benefit. If you’ve been waiting for Ernst and Young to tell you that we’re in a recession, now might be the time to go green and bring back the furry doorway snake.