Green Hosting Posts - Our News

How to prepare for moving to Green Hosting

20th Apr 2023

If you're thinking of moving your website to Green Hosting, that's great news. We are here to answer your questions, offer support and make the process as smooth as possible.

An illustration of hills and wind turbines, the Green Hosting logo and text saying 'How to prepare for moving to Green Hosting'When you transfer to us, you may wish to handle the move yourself or we can do it for you. Either way, there are some things that are useful to have ready in advance to make sure the transition happens quickly and without unnecessary hitches.

Here's a useful checklist to prepare for moving to Green Hosting:

Take an inventory of what you have and what you would like to transfer.
So you can get a clear picture of the work involved (especially if someone is transferring the website for you) it is useful to check and list all the things you need to transfer. Are you moving one or more websites and how many e-mail accounts? Do you have add-on domains? What are the files and databases?

Make sure you have access to your current website files and e-mails
Do you or someone who looks after the website for you have the log-in details for your current website hosting account and e-mail accounts? Check that the log-in details work and that you can see everything that you wish to move (website files, databases, e-mails etc).

Make sure you have access to your domain account
Do you have the log-in details for your domain account? This may be part of your website hosting account or with a separate provider. You will need to be able to change the settings of your domain to 'point' it to Green Hosting once your website and e-mails have moved to us.

Check which Green Hosting plan you need
You can see our hosting plans here. You will need to choose a plan than can accommodate your current usage (disk space and data transfer) or additional usage if you are expanding your website for example. If you're not sure and can't see what your current usage is, we can help you find out. You can easily upgrade or downgrade your Green Hosting plan at a later date.

We understand that moving website hosts can be daunting too, so here are a few FAQs that we hope will put your mind at ease:

I'd rather not handle the transfer myself, can Green Hosting do this for me?
Yes, we will need to establish all of the above and with those details we can take care of the transfer for you. See our testimonials page for clients' feedback on our transfer service.

How much does it cost for Green Hosting to handle the website transfer?
Transfer from another web host is £25 per website and £10 per e-mail account. For websites hosted at WordPress.com this is a more complex and involved process and starts at £99.

My current website hosting is due to expire and I want to move. How close to the expiry date should I do this?
We suggest a minimum of two weeks before your current hosting expiry. This allows time to transfer the website without being in a rush. It also means you can make sure the website is running smoothly and check that nothing has been left behind at the previous hosting account.

How much down time will there be?
When we handle the transfer for you, we aim for no downtime. We do this by making sure that the website and e-mails are all in place at Green Hosting before changing the domain nameserver details. We will agree a suitable time for this to happen so that it doesn't coincide with anything else you have scheduled for your website.

How do I get started?
Sign up for one of our hosting plans and select 'Website Transfer Service' (or Transfer from WordPress.com) in the checkout. We will then get in touch with you to arrange the transfer.

When will Green Hosting start charging me?
As soon as you sign up for your hosting account with us, you will pay for the first month or a whole year (plus website transfer fee if needed), depending on how you choose to pay. Paying for a full year gives a discount and you can get a further 20% discount on all annual plans by using the code WINDPOWER in the checkout.

If there is anything else you'd like to know, please get in touch.


Supporting nature connection, local food growing and clean energy

5th Apr 2023

Last May we shared how we are focussing our efforts on supporting clean energy and nature, in addition to what we do via our core services and business practice. Nearly a year on we feel that these issues are just as important as ever, if not more. So here's an update on how we are expanding on what we already do and the causes and organisations we are backing.

Nature holds the answers

A green box showing an illustrated flower, the Green Hosting logo and the text 'Supporting nature connection, local food growing and clean energy'It is now commonly understood that access to green spaces positively affects our wellbeing. Better still, real connection, such as conservation activities and growing food and flowers in harmony with nature brings a whole new level of understanding about the natural world and our place in it.

Keep nature healthy = keep ourselves healthy.

I (Vic) am a keen nature lover. I garden at home and I spend time walking with our dog in various natural environments. Additionally, over the past few years I have been involved in local urban community gardens and gardening. I know how fortunate I am and I know all too well that there are many people who do not have this kind of access to nature. On top of this, nature is being threatened by harmful legislation, corporates prioritising profit over the planet and the continuation of destructive developments like HS2.

What we can do

There are individuals and organisations everywhere who are experts in nature conservation and organic food growing, particularly the unsung heroes in inner-city community gardens. Here you will find a wealth of knowledge and experience that anyone can tap into for free, not to mention a fierce passion for the environment and a deep care for people and their access to healthy food and time outdoors. On a wider scale there are regional and national charities working hard to shine a light on eco injustices and tackling them head on. These are the people we look to for guidance on how best to support.

So below, is an outline of where we are focussing our support this year and will review again next year to see what is effective, how we can best help and more we can do in our capacity as a small business.

In nature conservation and access to green spaces:

Local food growing

The food system is quite broken. Out of season fruit and veg are flown thousands of miles to be packaged and then to a supermarket shelf. Soils are massively depleted, harmful chemicals are sprayed on crops and bees are farmed at industrial levels to pollinate fruit grown in unnatural environments. At a time when people are going hungry, there needs to be more accessible, affordable food that isn't just healthier for the people but for the planet too.

  • We support campaigns and fundraising activities for community gardens, affordable allotments and localised food growing. Equally, we support campaigns against corporations who aim to monopolise and control food sources as well as those who pollute the air, earth and waters through harmful farming practices.
  • Provide voluntary website services to Growing Forward, a project in Nottingham that supports people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing through gardening activities and time spent in nature. I (Vic) am also a member of the board of directors for this Community Interest Company.
  • Continue to promote our clients who provide green spaces for people to grow local food and interact with nature. Check out Green Squirrel, Elmbridge Community Eco Hub, Growing Forward and Greens Windmill
  • We grow food at home in our small garden, even if sometimes this is simply herbs and salad leaves. The quote "Growing a garden is a beautiful, radical act" is so very true and framed on my office wall.

Clean energy, here in the UK and overseas

Current renewable energy solutions may not be perfect but we believe we should continue to support it's growth.

  • We spread the word about the issues of renewable energy here in the UK and the the work of the people at the front line of them. Possible are a great organisation working hard to influence legislation and gather public support, especially to remove blocks on onshore wind farms.
  • We continue to learn about community energy schemes and opportunities here in the UK. Big energy companies are making huge profits when many households are truly struggling financially to pay their steeply rising energy bills. This isn't working for the people. There has to be a better way. Power for People and this article by Ethical Consumer are great places to find out more.
  • Through monthly donations from our Green Hosting sales, we continue to support Renewable World. We have written an updated article on why we support this charity which tackles poverty and the climate crisis via renewable energy projects in some of the hardest to reach and lowest income communities in the world.

Sustainable Development Goal 15

Through the activies listed above, we are working towards Sustainable Development Goal 15 'Life on Land'. See our Impact page for details about the sustainable development goals we focus on.


Folksy trusted provider and discount for members

31st Mar 2023

The UK's biggest online craft fair, Folksy has launched a new directory of ethical and trusted providers and we're in it!

We are delighted to be listed alongside some great suppliers and services for artists, designers and makers. You'll find us under the 'Packaging, Apps & Services' category (or scroll to the bottom).

We are offering a 20% discount to Folksy members on all of our Green Hosting plans. So if you're looking to switch web hosts or create a new website then head over to Folksy to get your discount code.

If you're not a Folksy member and you're interested in signing up to Green Hosting, we can give you a discount too. Just drop us a line.

Check out the Folksy Trusted Suppliers Directory here and see the fabulous Folksy marketplace here.


Why we continue to support Renewable World

20th Mar 2023

Back in November 2019 we were looking for additional ways to continue to support clean energy via Green Hosting. We already did this by using renewable energy for our website hosting service and for our office base. We promote the use of renewable energy, design websites that run efficiently so as to consume less energy and provide information and guidance on ways others can do this too.

Next we wanted to contribute to action that was having a very direct and real impact on people who may not have access to the same resources and abundance of choice as we do. This is when we found Renewable World, a charity that tackles povery and climate change through off-grid, renewable energy solutions for low-income individuals, families and communities in remote places.

Expert understanding and partnership approach

A Nepalese woman carrying a metal container and smiling into the camera and the Renewable World logoRenewable World have expert understanding and experience of how access to energy and running water impacts individuals' and communities' opportunities as well as their income, independence and health. They also know that the way to make energy and water solutions (and their positive effects) truly long-term and sustainable is to work alongside communities. This is why they do not simply install systems and leave but partner with communities to ensure they are engaged in choosing, building and maintaining their renewable energy solution. They also provide training in a range of fields including technical, financial, agricultural, business and more and ensure that those involved are equally represented across men, women, young people and marginalised groups.

Renewable World focus their support in remote areas of Nepal and Kenya, some of the most underserved communities in the world. Working with people here to develop and sustain energy and water solutions helps build resilience, brings about social change, contributes to climate justice and helps mitigate climate change. Read more on our page about Renewable World about what these energy projects mean in the every day lives of the people who use them.

Their impact

Since their inception in 2008 Renewable World have reached around 110,000 people and over 150 communities. They have delivered energy solutions capable of:

- generating 1.54GWh of energy per year.
- pumping 336 million litres of water per year.
- mitigating 7524 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Their achievements can be read in detail on their Impact page and in their 2021-22 annual review. Now they have a new ambitious target of increasing access to to clean, affordable and sustainable energy for 500,000 people by the end of 2030.

We wanted to be a part of this

In 2019 and today, this inclusive approach and impressive results meant that the work of Renewable World was something we wanted to be a part of.

We donate at least 1% of our monthly Green Hosting sales income to Renewable World each month. This money goes directly from us to the charity, without fees being taken by a third party. To date we have donated over £1300. Renewable world state that £20 per month could provide a community with agricultural training and tools, helping them increase their income by growing cash crops, and benefiting up to 500 individuals.

Here's what Renewable World said about our donations

"We are very grateful for the support that you offer us. A monthly contribution is especially valuable, much better for a healthy cash flow!"
Emily Jesshope, Fundraising and Events Manager

So, thank you to our clients who continue to choose Green Hosting. Alogside us, you are the ones who are supporting Renewable World and their wonderful work. See our Impact page to see all of the other positive things you are supporting too.


Become a Green Hosting affiliate

14th Dec 2022

Green Hosting clients! You can potentially earn money from your Green Hosting account by becoming an affiliate.

An illustrated flower with the text 'Become a Green Hosting affiliate'Being an affiliate means that you can earn comission each time someone signs up for a Green Hosting account after clicking your unique affiliate link.

It is super easy to set up and implement and is all managed withing your own Green Hosting client area login.

There is no extra cost or work for you. All you need to do is add the affiliate link to your website, newsletters or social media and of course, the more you share it, the more people will have the opportunity to see and use it.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Being an affilliate does not cost you anything more than you're already paying for your Green Hosting plan.
  • We offer 10% commission on each new Green Hosting sign-up. Your commission earnings on each of our annual plans would be:
    • Breeze (£60 p/a) = £6
    • Kaver (£90 p/a) = £9
    • Zephyr (£120 p/a) = £12
  • You can easily check your commission earnings and contact us to request a withdrawal once it reaches £10.
  • You will have a unique affiliate link which you can use alone or within a Green Hosting badge, to include on your website and other communications. If you would like a different style/size badge just let us know and we will be happy to create one for you.
  • The affiliate link still works for 3 months after initially being clicked. So, if a visitor doesn’t sign up for Green Hosting straight away but returns and signs up within 3 months, your commission will still be added.
  • Within your client area login you will be able to see real time statistics about your affilliate account. This includes number of clicks, number of referrals and conversion percentage as well as information about each sign-up (date, product, amount paid and commission earned). You will not be able to see any details of the customers who used your link.
  • You will receive monthly reports via e-mail containing some of the above information.

If you would like to join our client affiliate programme, contact us and we will set it up for you.

Not a Green Hosting client?

If you're not a Green Hosting client yet, but thinking of signing up, be sure to use our discount code.

You might also find our FAQs and checklist useful so you're all set before you sign up.


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