As citizens of the world, it’s fast becoming apparent that in order to preserve this blue planet, we must each make personal choices to mitigate the harm that we do to it. This doesn’t have to be expensive, and being a responsible Earthling can, in fact, save you money. Here’s a small incomprehensive list of…
My pointless NHS taxi – a waste of public funds
Through the stained glass, I could see what looked to be a grey-haired man in his sixties, eyes squinted, peering in. I opened it, to which he enquired, looking very confused: “Are you Madeleine Sutherland?” I confirmed I was. I had, fifteen minutes earlier, called up NHS 111 service to ask for advice about a…
Learning a new language can take dogged determination – but it will pay off
Picking up a new language is a skill that most English speakers sadly pass up during their formative years of education. Like a lot of school-related work it can seem arduous and somewhat pointless. When the rest of the world can already speak English – why bother? However, aside from being a useful way to…
My husband has been diagnosed with autism – and it could be threatening his livelihood
Throughout my schooling career, there has been one line that stuck out to me. One day, on a breezy autumn afternoon, my science teacher stood up and declared: “Revision is the new rock and roll! You rock through it, get good grades, and roll through to a good job with good pay!” Looking back, I…
Why our ‘gig economy’ needs a Universal Basic Income
The ‘gig economy’ is thriving in Britain right now. Companies that initially sold themselves as ‘a bit of extra money on the side’, such as Uber and Deliveroo, are increasingly providing the bulk of some people’s income. I took a degree in illustration and would love to be able to pursue it full time one day.…
The not-so-obvious things that can damage your credit score
When you’re a student, you don’t think about the stuff that could damage your credit score. And even once you’re unleashed into the ‘real world’, it often doesn’t seem a relevant topic at first. I know that I, personally, have avoided credit cards like the plague, being all too aware of the potential dangers of…
Why the UK needs ‘Baby Boxes’
Every expectant mother in Scotland is eligible for something called a ‘Baby Box’. In the Scottish Government’s own words: “The Baby Box is a welcome gift for every baby born and living in Scotland. It’s packed full of all the essential items your baby will need to give them the best possible start in life.”…
How to grab birthday freebies and discounts
Your birthday is an event that comes once (or, if you’re the Queen, twice) a year. Other than being a blatant reminder that you’re getting older, and are thus another year closer to death, it’s also a good excuse to spoil yourself with some much needed treats. However, if splashing out isn’t your thing, it’s also…
Smiles cheaper – the secret to white teeth…on a budget
I’ve always been an avid drinker of tea. Green tea, red tea, camomile – you can’t beat a soothing cup of something hot. It’s one of life’s few simple pleasures. When I got my braces at the age of seventeen, I was cautioned against this habit; while the benefits of drinking green tea are plenty,…
Why you should join a union
In the United Kingdom, trade union membership is falling, it’s down from 25% in 2014, to just 23.5% in 2016 – making up just 6.2 million members. It’s at the lowest that it’s ever been since its peek in 1995 which saw over 13 million people signed up for collective representation. Yet, in a climate of…
