Is one of your goals to live a greener life? We’re repeatedly told we need to change our ways. We’re told the world will eventually run out of resources, there will be more plastic in the sea than fish, and there won’t be enough food for an ever-increasing population. Such headlines lead us to think about the things we’re doing and how we can make a difference.
If you want to make your home greener and do more to protect the environment, there are plenty of things you can do. The good news is that some of them will save you money in the long run.
Saving Energy
Turning off the lights when you leave a room and changing to LED or CFL lights will make a big difference to your energy bill. Around 12% of an average home’s energy bill is made up of lighting costs, and energy efficient bulbs use a quarter of the energy of regular incandescent bulbs. They also last up to ten times longer.
Check your heating and cooling temperatures are set correctly. Two of the biggest energy consumers in your home are the refrigerator and freezer. There’s little point in making them work harder than necessary. Don’t leave the doors open because even if it’s just for a few seconds, it will waste a lot of energy.
Consider shifting to a combi boiler as they are more resourceful. As well as providing space heating you get water on demand. This means you can get rid of your hot water tank. Check out combi boiler prices and book an appointment with a plumber.
Unplug all your electrical appliances when not being used. They consume almost as much energy in standby mode as when they’re being used.
Ditch the Toxic Products
Look for eco-friendly alternatives for those toxic cleaners you use in your home. Better still, make your own. The harsh chemicals we’ve become so used to cause health problems and pollute the environment.
Using microfiber cloths will mean you can skip many cleaning products altogether. They are designed to attract the dirt and are great for cleaning glass, brass, wood, ceramics and stainless steel. Wash them after each use and reuse them over and over again.
A Greener Garden
Growing your own vegetables, herbs and salad greens is easier than you think. Your garden will also help reduce soil erosion and air pollution. Use organic and eco-friendly garden products and make your own compost using kitchen scraps.
Water your garden in the early morning or evening when it’s much cooler and the water will evaporate slowly. Use your gray water, from sinks, bathtubs, showers or the washing machine to water the garden. Place your grass clippings on the lawn as they act as a natural fertilizer when they decompose.
One last tip worth considering is to reduce your use of plastic. You’ve all seen the reports of plastic filling our oceans, so do something about it now. Stop using disposable plastic razors. Change your plastic cups, plates, and cutlery for reusable ones. Use reusable food containers rather than plastic wrap. Lastly, choose to use rechargeable batteries over the single-use kind.
