Everyone in the world is becoming much more aware of the need to become more eco-friendly. Though this is not the easiest thing in the world to do. Many people tend to do the basics such as recycling their rubbish without too much effort. However, this is not enough. When you look at the wider picture there is lots more than can be done.
Some things are big whilst others are just as easy as recycling. The first stumbling block is often not knowing what to do. This article will help you think of a few new ideas.
Solar panels
For any home that wants to become eco-friendly, solar panels are one of the most useful tools to have attached to your home. They are an essential feature if you want to make your home greener. They are a long-term investment and will cost a lot upfront, but the pay-off costs will be worth it in the end when the savings roll in.
Contact local solar roof companies to get prices for solar panels. Some people are lucky enough to find that solar panels can make them enough electricity for them to go off the grid completely and to stop paying money to the corporations.
Smart Meters
It is really easy during the winter months to use the heating more and even leave it on for longer than you normally would. However, our boilers and heating systems are some of the biggest ways that we use energy as renters and homeowners.
The best way to combat this is to install a smart meter in your home. These clever devices are programmed to only come on at certain times of the day so that the house is warm when you need it but less energy is wasted. You can even program it so that the heating turns on for when you wake up or for when you get home from work.
This is a real bonus for anyone who is concerned about their carbon footprint. As well as those that want to decrease their rising cost of energy bills. It is a good way to manage your energy consumption.
Energy-efficient light bulbs
This is one of the easiest ways to become more eco-friendly in the home without changing too much. They have been around on the market for a while now, but it is only recently that the general public has started to take them on board. It has become more documented about how effective they are and how they can save money at home.
In the past, there have been complaints that these bulbs don’t emit enough light or that they take too long to light a room properly. Improvements in their technology have happened throughout the years and these energy-efficient light bulbs have become much more effective especially when it comes to lighting the room. They use less electricity, they don’t need to be replaced as often, and are so much better for the planet.
Insulation
An insulated home holds heat in properly, meaning that it will take less energy to reheat your living space. It is one of the smartest ways to save money. Good places to start include the walls and roof of your home. The other big loser for your home is your window. You can invest in double glazing to make sure that you can keep all of your heat in.
Another way to ensure you keep your heat in is to install underfloor heating. This is another place where homes lose heat. Underfloor heating is not only a minimalist approach but can save you trying to heat your entire home. They are a worthwhile investment for those looking to save money and the planet.
Green cleaning
Whilst everyone will have their own favorite detergents and cleaning products, it is likely that the ones you utilize the most will be harming the environment unintentionally. Once these products are washed down the drain, they head to the water supply and it can often take a lot of energy and hard work to purify the water again when it is treated.
There are lots of simple switches you can make. Bicarbonate of soda, lemon juice, and vinegar all make fantastic replacements for bleaches and detergents to kill bacteria. They will leave your home grease-free and have a nice odor.
As well as this, you could also switch to steam cleaners as a way to disinfect your home and kill germs. These don’t use any cleaning products and are a green way forward.
Cooking and Food
You should think about the appliances you use in the kitchen and how you use them. For example, if you use the oven to cook dinner then you should refrain from opening and shutting it to check on the food. When you do this, you let out a lot of heat and it takes a lot of energy to keep heating your oven up to the optimum cooking temperature. To combat this some people, invest in halogen ovens. These don’t require preheating and can cook food in less time.
Another way to stay green when cooking is composting your food waste. You can turn any food waste and kitchen scraps into compost. It is simple to do and only really requires a compost bin that can be purchased from any DIY outlet. Some refuse services will even offer to give them to households free of charge to place in their kitchens. Scrape any leftover food into them and let them be. Over time it will transform into compost that can be used in your garden.
Eco-friendly homes
There are a lot of ways to make your home more eco-friendly. This is not only good for you and your bills but also good for the planet. There has been a large push for more eco-friendly options in the home and this will continue in the coming years as the discussion on climate change intensifies. Research which options are most suitable for your home and see which ones you can afford. You don’t need to do everything at once. Take your time and choose right.
