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More households are starting to think green. Not only does going green help to save the planet, but in most cases it helps to save money and it can even be good for your physical health. Here are just 10 ways to start being greener around the home.
Start recycling
Lots of neighbourhoods have taken steps to make recycling easier by introducing special bins for recyclable waste. Some have even brought in laws enforcing recycling. However, even if you don’t have special bins or there are no local laws, it’s still good practice to get into and is a great way to protect the planet. There are recycling companies that you can arrange to pick up your waste if you don’t have a bin system. There may also be individual items that you recycle for cash such as old electronics (try companies such as Boomerang Buy Back).
Use less plastics
You can also take steps to use less plastics. This could involve taking out bags with you shopping in order to cut down on plastic bags or choosing more packaging-free groceries such as raw vegetables rather than chopped up vegetables in plastic bags. You can even go so far as to adopt a synthetic-free interior design scheme – this could include using natural upholstery fabrics, wooden furniture, metal furniture and even stone fixtures.
Switch to LED bulbs
Traditional filament bulbs burn up a lot of energy. LEDs use up much less energy, whilst providing just as much brightness. They’re a little pricier to buy, but you’ll save money in the long run by using up less electricity. Almost all stores now sell LED bulbs, with some stores even doing away with traditional bulbs.
Insulate your home
Insulation helps to trap heat in your home, preventing you from burning up as much energy for heat. As a result, insulation can lower your energy bills. There are all kinds of ways to insulate your home. If you’ve got a loft, investing in loft insulation could be a great way to stop heat escaping. As for homes with large windows, switching to double glazing could also make a big difference by preventing heat from escaping through windows. Other forms of insulation include cavity wall insulation, pipe insulation and floor insulation. Whilst most of these insulation methods are expensive to implement, you’re guaranteed to make savings in the long run. There are also methods for those on a budget or those who don’t have permission to make improvements – for example, winter curtains can be an effective way to stop heat escaping though windows in winter whilst draft excluders can prevent heat escaping through gaps in doorframes.
Upgrade your heating
You may also be able to save money in heating and use less energy by upgrading your heating source. Modern boilers and radiators are much more energy efficient that those that existed 20 years ago – upgrading to a new heating system could be a great way to conserve energy. You can also opt for natural heating methods instead of relying on gas or electricity. The likes of Heatilator sell wood burning stoves capable of heating up an entire home. Whilst natural fire may seem more dangerous, it can actually be safer as well as greener, preventing dangers caused by gas leaks.
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Switch to sustainable power
It’s also possible to switch from mains electricity to an off-grid sustainable option. A growing number of homes are now embracing solar panels. Whilst these can be expensive to install, it could give you the option of running all your home’s electricity off the sun, preventing you from ever having to pay an electricity bill again. It’s also possible to generate electricity through hydro-power and wind power although neither are quite as effective as going solar. Solar panels can generate electricity in all weathers – whilst they’ll generate more on a clear day, they’re still able to absorb rays even on the cloudiest of days making them suitable for all climates. Solar Choice is one installation company to try.
Buy eco-friendly appliances
Certain appliances may use up less energy than others. Many modern ovens use up less gas whilst many modern refrigerators use up less electricity. You can even use up less water by opting for a multi-flush toilet. Consider if you have any appliances in your home that are in need of updating – switching out these old appliances for new versions could make a significant dent in your energy bills.
Collect rainwater for garden use
It’s also worth thinking of ways to make your backyard greener. If you’re into gardening and you regularly use mains water to sprinkle your lawn with or water plants with, consider collecting rainwater as an alternative water source. Relying on rainwater won’t just save you money on your water bill, but it could be healthier for your plants – rainwater tends to contain lots of natural nutrients that are superb for promoting plant growth.
Start a compost pile
Rather than buying fertiliser, consider making your own soil by collecting garden waste in a compost pile or compost bin. After several months, this compost will be great for planting new shrubs in and it will save you a lot of money.
Grow your own food
It’s even possible to start growing some of your own food. Starting up a vegetable patch could allow you to enjoy some of your own fresh vegetables, saving you money on groceries and forcing you to eat more organically (and therefore healthily). You don’t even need a backyard to get involved in growing your own – there are lots of foods that you can grow indoors. Alternatively, you could try renting an allotment.
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