Do you own your own home?
Do you consider yourself an eco-savvy consumer?
Maybe you prefer solar over coal, sort your recycling and are mindful of how many plastic bags you bring home from the supermarket? If so, you’re not alone. Consumers around the world are choosing what to spend their money on, and often it’s the eco-friendly and sustainable products that are winning the bottom dollar.
The most common place for people to think green is in the home.
After all, that’s where the impact of sustainability can be felt, and more importantly, experienced. So if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint and green your pad, let’s take a look at seven ways to make your home a more eco-friendly sanctuary.
Invest in Efficient Heating and Cooling
One way to lessen your home’s impact on the environment is by investing in some really efficient heating and cooling products. Sure, you may be laying down a little cash to start with but in the end you’ll see the savings where they count – on your energy bill. Even an outdoor heater can be a sustainable purchase. Did you know that inefficient heating and cooling not only pumps loads of carbon into the atmosphere via increased energy use, but it also stacks dollar upon dollar onto your bill each month? So invest in eco-friendly climate control for peace of mind, and a heavier wallet or purse.
Turn it Off!
Did you know that leaving appliances on standby still means that they’re consuming power, costing you money and heating up the earth? This may seem like a tiny little trick, but you’ll be amazed at what a difference it can make. Your TV? Turn it off at the switch. Your microwave? You get the idea. Make it part of your bedtime routine.
Effective Insulation
Assess your insulation situation. Inefficient insulation can cause your home to leak cold air in the summer and warm air in the winter, meaning you end up spending more on climate control and emitting more carbon into our atmosphere. You may need to install some eco-friendly insulation.
Use Your Blinds to Your Advantage
Did you know that by hacking the way you use your curtains and blinds you can reduce your energy costs and associated environmental impact? Here’s the tip – open them wide in winter to allow that warming sunlight into your place. Then close them at night to keep the heat from the heating system in. Keep your house closed up in the summer to keep the cool air in, meaning you’ll rely on the air con less.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
Most appliances come with a rating system, that lets you know just how energy efficient they are. When shopping for these items, keep their energy rating system in mind. If your current appliances have poor ratings then it may be time for an upgrade!
Compost!
The amount of food waste that ends up in landfill, creating greenhouse gases, is insane. Create a simple, home compost system. If you don’t have a garden, seek out a friend or local community centre that does – they’ll be grateful for a donation!
Solar Panels
Installing solar panels allow you to harness the never-ending energy of the sun.
You can power your own home and even end up sending excess energy back to the grid. Solar panels are surefire way to make your home eco-friendly.
There You Have It!
There you go! By upgrading your home, whether by installing solar panels or updating your appliances, you can ensure that your place of residence is a sleek, green, carbon neutral machine.