MAKING YOUR HOME MORE SUSTAINABLE
Working towards making your home more energy and water efficient is one of the best ways to have a positive impact on the environment.
Being eco-friendly means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. This way of life is becoming increasingly important, as we only have one planet and no plan(et) B!. There are various little things that would help to make sustainable changes to lessen the negative effect that our daily lives usually contribute to and it is possible and easy to be more eco-friendly in different areas of our lives without drastic changes.
From a small change, like using a recyclable water bottle in your daily life, to a bigger investment, such as installing solar panels to make the switch to renewable energy for your home. Most people struggle to make a meaningful change because they simply don’t know where to begin. Here are a few ideas on how you can help by contributing to reducing the effects of climate change being more eco-friendly in your daily life.
Small changes, big results!
Reduce plastic packaging
Takeaway food and drink often come in plasticfood containers with disposable utensils. They're a big part of the plastic pollutionin our waste system.And as we know, disposing of them doesn’tmean they disappear. A lot of disposables are landfilled, blown or washed intowaterways or end up as yet more plastic pollution in our rivers and oceans.
Invest in energy efficient light bulbs
Now morethan ever is the right time to make the switch. Not only do they use lesselectricity, but they also don’t need to be replaced as often as the old-fashionedlight bulbs did.
Insulate your home properly
A well-insulated home holds in heat properly, meaningthat it’ll take less energy to keep reheating your living space when you reallyneed to. It’s one of the smartest ways to save money. Think about your roof (the heat goes up), windows and walls.
Repair or purchase local
It might seem a bit of a simplistic point to make – butisn’t it better to think locally if your house need work doing to it? Whyemploy a tradesman who must travel from far to come and repair your toilets,when there might be someone around the corner who can do it more inexpensivelyand without traveling extensively. The use of community WhatsApp groups as wellas local groups help and are an amazing resource.
Use water-based paints
Whendecorating, opt for water-based paints that contain natural pigments. Mostpaints currently used in home decor are oil-based and not as eco-friendly asthey could be.
Think green when cleaning
We never really think about our cleaning products being harmfulto our environment… well think twice. Once they’re washed down the drain theygo into the water supply, and it can often take a lot more energy and hard workto purify the water again.There are some simple natural switches you can make likebicarbonate of soda, lemon juice or vinegar which can all be used in place ofbleaches and detergent to kill bacteria and leave homes grease and odour free.
Invest in an eco-kettle
Next time you boil water with your kettle, think aboutwhat you will be using the water for: cup of tea for one or 3? Just use thewater you need. Investing in an eco-kettle can be a great, they boil quicker,use less energy and look smart!
