Now more than ever budgets are being squeezed and prices are increasingly getting higher. It’s not ideal, however there’s no need to hide your head in your hands. We have some ideas on how you can boost your income for minimal effort.
Recycling your used oil and turn it into biodiesel
Biodiesel is a fuel created from refining used cooking oil. The diesel which you buy at the pump by law, has to include a ratio of 4.75% biofuel to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions so the demand for your used cooking oil is in high demand.
The process is called transesterification. A process that changes the structure of the oil so it behaves like diesel. Don’t worry, you don’t need to don your lab coats and get the bunsen burners ready. There are companies out there that will buy your used oil off you and turn it into biodiesel.
Below is a list of companies that we have come across that can help. By all means, it isn’t exhaustive, so we recommend doing a Google search to see if there are any local companies that can help.
Food waste
Hopefully you won’t have that much food waste, but some can’t be helped such as potato peelings and left-over fish from preparation.
When it comes to food waste you probably won’t be able to sell it to anyone, however it could boost your local credentials by donating to local charities and food banks, which in turn could see more people coming through your door.
Composting
Your local council may take your food waste, and if they do they will probably charge extra for it. If they don’t collect it or you understandably don’t want to pay for the service then you can donate it.
Compost comprises of two different types, Green and Brown. Green compostable items include organic matter such as fruits, vegetables and peelings, bread and grains. Where as Brown can include anything such as newspaper, cardboard and eggshells.
These don’t have to be separated and can be mixed to give a rich compost that can be used in your own vegetable patch or donated to a charity, local gardening club or organisation that can make use of it. It also means you’re throwing less away that would normally go to landfill.
Food banks
You’ll be surprised what food banks and community kitchens can make with left over food. If you know of a local food bank then give them a call to see if you can help, or click here to see a list of Food Banks from the Independent Food Aid Network. You could also contact The Trussell Trust here who may be able to help.
Turn your efforts into a good news story
Everyone loves a bit of good news, especially when it helps the environment or your local community. Get in touch with your local newspapers and press and explain what you’re doing and tell them you’d love for them to run a story. You can even get the people and organisations you have helped involved as they would also love and benefit from the coverage.
Your local community are your customers, helping them out and shouting about it will in turn help bring new customers through your door and increase your turnover.
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