Do you recycle without thinking about it too much? Maybe you feel as though you could contribute more to the environment but don’t quite know how to go about making a positive change. Either way, this is the guide for you.
Look into A Smart Meter
It’s very easy, during the winter months, for you to leave your heating turned on longer than you should. Boilers and home heating systems are quite possibly one of the best ways for you to rack up a huge bill. If you want to deal with this then one thing you can do is get a smart meter installed. This is a device that can be programmed to only come on at certain times of the day. They are a great investment if you have any concerns about your carbon footprint. On top of this, they are also ideal for those who are concerned about the rising cost of energy.
Invest in an Energy-Efficient Lightbulb
Even though energy-efficient bulbs have been around for quite some time, it’s surprising how little some homes utilize them. In the past, there have been concerns that they do not put out enough light. Some say that they take a long time to heat up and light a room. Improvements to their technology happen all the time and this indicates that now is a better time than ever for you to make the switch. Not only are they great if you want to lower your energy usage, but they also last a long time. This means you don’t have to replace them much at all, so keep that in mind.
Solar Panels
If you own a home and want it to be eco-friendly then one thing you can do is invest in solar panels. They are the best long-term investment and even though they do cost money initially, over the long term, they can save you a great deal. The ROI on them is amazing. Some people are lucky enough to be able to go off the grid entirely, so give that some thought if you can.
Insulate your Home
If you have an older home then you really will want to invest in some insulation. Well-insulated homes hold in the heat more, meaning it takes less energy to keep reheating your space when it’s cold. This is one of the smartest ways for you to save money. Some good places to start include your walls or even the roof. If you have not done so already, now is the time for you to start thinking about double-glazing.
Underfloor Heating
While many people are not concerned about their radiators or heaters, some prefer to take a more minimalist approach when it comes to heating. Underfloor heating can be a good consideration if you want to save money. It’s often used in newly-built homes but at the same time, it’s super easy to install if you have an older property.
Keep Repairs Local
It may seem like a very simple point to make, but it’s a good idea for you to think local when the time comes for you to get any work done. The main reason for this is because the contractor doesn’t have to travel as far and this can lessen their carbon footprint. You may even be able to find someone who doesn’t have to drive at all if you need simple jobs done. This is a great way for you to save money and you would be surprised at what a difference it can make to the environment. If you want to redecorate your home, then this leads to the next point.
Choose Water-based Paints
When the time comes for you to decorate, it’s wise for you to try and choose water-based paint. You need something that contains a natural pigment if possible. Most paints that are used in home decor, use an oil base and they are not as friendly to the environment. Some people find that water paints often have a way bigger variety of color choices as well so make sure that you keep that in mind.
Wooden Window Frames
Double-glazing is great if you want to save energy. If you want to take things to that next level then one thing you can do is opt for wooden windows. UPVC emits a lot of polluting compounds into the environment, so by opting for an alternative, you can make sure that you lessen your impact. The great thing about wooden windows is that they are just as durable and they look great.
Compost Food Waste
Turn any food waste you may have into compost. You can buy a compost bin for a very affordable price from a lot of DIY outlets. Some people may even be getting rid of theirs, so you can get one for free. Either way, if you take the time to compost your food waste then this means you can dig it back into your soil and create an eco-friendly solution for your garden. Not only will you be reducing the total waste that goes to a landfill, because you will also be able to grow your own vegetables and fruit much more efficiently, which will cut down on the amount of plastic that your home produces through packaging. Remember, if you do have waste to get rid of, look up a skip bin usage guide so you can make sure you’re being as environmentally friendly as possible.
Think Green
When the time comes for you to clean your home, it’s wise for you to think green if possible. Everyone has their favorite detergents that they have been using for years. That being said, you have to give some thought to the damage that it could be causing to the environment. When you wash detergent down the drain, you may find that it takes a lot of hard work to get that water clean again. There are some very simple changes you can make here, but they can have very big benefits. You can opt for lemon juice or bicarbonate of soda if you want to remove grease. You can also keep your home odor-free by including this as part of your cleaning regime too.
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