Are you looking to make your home more environmentally friendly?
Read on to find out what you can do to reduce your energy use, how to cut back on plastic, and what simple changes you can make to create your own eco friendly home.
1. Recycling
With recycling bins provided for our households it’s never been easier to recycle! Check all your packaging and put whatever can be recycled into the correct bin.
When shopping you can check what items come in recyclable containers before you buy.
Bigger items, such as furniture, can always be donated to various charities. Something you have no use for anymore could be someone else’s upcycling passion project! And of course this works both ways. You could even make your own pieces out of recycled wood if you were feeling inspired!
2. Reducing your Energy Use
Consider whether you need your thermostat set as high as it is. Could you put on a cosy fleece and turn the heating down and still be just as comfortable? You can buy beautiful blankets to snuggle up in that would compliment your decor!
Another useful tip to save on household energy is to avoid putting clothes in the drier, with spring around the corner there’s bound to be some great drying days for hanging your clothes out on the line.
3. Energy Efficient Lighting
Replacing your light bulbs with energy efficient lighting is a super way to make your home more eco friendly. Although their initial cost is higher than normal light bulbs they end up cheaper in the long run as they conserve energy and last longer.
Don’t forget about natural light either! Open your windows throughout the day to let it in reducing the need for artificial lighting altogether. Plus you get the bonus of filling your house with fresh air.
4. Solar Energy
More and more people are investing in solar panels for their homes. After the initial cost they will reduce your energy bills and be a huge help to the environment.
There’s also lots of available options on the market: from solar powered garden lights to a complete 5kw solar system designed for your home.
5. Organic Materials
Organic materials such as rattan and bamboo are on trend for 2020. Source furnishings made from organic and sustainably grown materials and your home can be both luxurious and kind to the environment.
6. Eco Friendly Insulation
Insulating your home is one of the best ways to both save money and live greener. With insulation in your walls your eco friendly home will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing the need to use cooling and heating systems.
Another way to insulate your house is to use area rugs to prevent air leakages. Not only is this cost effective but it will add a stylish touch to your decor!
7. Eco Friendly Flooring
Be eco conscious when building or installing parts in your home. Green builders opt to use clay bricks as opposed to cement as they are much more durable and efficient.
Hardwood flooring never goes out of fashion so it may be your first choice, however ensure you go for reclaimed wood or other sustainable materials when picking the floor you want.
8. Growing your own Food
If you have your own garden you can plant fruit trees (numerous varieties will grow in the UK) which you can harvest and freeze for eating all year round. You could also start a vegetable patch.
If you have less space, it is possible to grow some veg (radishes, potatoes) in pots outside.
Don’t worry if you don’t have space outside though! Make use of window boxes and windowsill containers to grow herbs and spices amongst other things.
Once you’ve got into gardening you could start making your own compost with your home grown vegetable peelings!
Gardening dramatically improves the air quality around you (look at buying air purifying plants) and you’ll be doing your bit to help tackle global warming.
9. Harvesting Rainwater
A really green idea is to install a rainwater collection tank outside your house. You can use the collected water for things like watering plants or washing the car. A future store of water could also be handy in an emergency situation.
Inside your home you can reduce daily water wastage by up to 30% just by installing a low flow showerhead and a dual flush toilet.
10. Plastic Free Cleaning Products
There are plenty of eco friendly cleaning products now on the market. Not only will you reduce your plastic consumption as you will be provided with refillable containers but you will be reducing the amount of toxic chemicals getting into the water bodies that affect the environment and your health.
If you’re feeling creative you can make your own cleaning products – a couple of hours in the kitchen will enable you to whip up more than a fortnight’s worth of your own eco friendly supply. Most home made products include vinegar, citric acid and bicarbonate of soda.
Following these suggestions will certainly help the environment and save you money. Good luck on your journey to green living!
