The cost of everything is rocketing and many things show no sign of coming down again so we’re all having to take some tough decisions on which corners to cut.

And, while some of the price hikes can be explained, others make little or no sense.

That basic food stuffs are getting more expensive isn’t surprising as prices have been held artificially low for many years and a whole series of obvious factors have now kicked in to force costs up.

Seeking to explain the stratospheric rise in energy prices, particularly electricity, is not as straightforward. I’m sure we all understand why increasing production costs, again due to a host of outside influences, forced unit prices up, but surely there is no justification for them to be held at the current rate, let alone increased still further.

If salt was needed for the wound, we had it with energy companies announcing multi-billion pound profits.

So, add in fuel costs and interest rates and it’s clear why we’re facing a cost of living challenge and all having to take difficult decisions.

'You only need to watch people in a supermarket these days to realise a great deal more thought is being put into decisions...'

However, the more I think about it, the more I believe this will prove to be a blessing in disguise. The harsh reality is we will all need to make dramatic changes to the way we live if, as a species, we are to survive.

And, there is absolutely no doubt the price of electricity, fuel and food has already led the vast majority of us to reduce wastage and, in so doing, take a small step towards increasing the life of our planet, or at the very least, our time on the planet.

I realise it’s only a baby step and many more far-reaching actions will be required but no-one can deny cost is the major factor in influencing behaviour and you only need to watch people in a supermarket these days to realise a great deal more thought is being put into decisions taken in shopping aisles.

Equally, whether it’s at home or at work, we are all being actively encouraged to switch lights off as much as possible and think before turning the thermostat up.

Sadly, as has always been the case, there is bound to be a section of society which feels the pinch more acutely and greater government intervention may be required to ensure the most vulnerable are supported.

Ultimately, although I suspect no political party will claim it as a policy, budgets will continue to be squeezed and, as a result, we will all be just a little more eco-friendly, which has to be a good thing.

What do you think? Email opinion@thekmgroup.co.uk or let us know in the comments