The environment has dominated conversations and news bulletins over the course of the last few years, and more and more of us are keen to do our bit to protect the planet. We need a collective effort to make a difference, but every individual has a responsibility to make changes. If you’re keen to embrace greener living, here are some ways to make your home more eco-friendly.
Saving water
Be honest. How often do you leave the taps running while you brush your teeth or stand in the shower with water streaming down long after you’ve finished washing? Many of us look forward to a refreshing shower on a hot day or an indulgent bath after a busy day at the office, but often, we use far more water than we need to. To reduce usage, save money and decrease waste, try and take short showers rather than baths, turn the taps off while you’re cleaning your teeth, use a bowl to wash pots and pans and consider investing in a 1000 litre water tank. Water tanks are designed to collect rainwater, enabling you to take full advantage of natural resources to lower bills and reduce usage. You can use rainwater to wash your car, water the plants in the garden and supply your dishwasher and washing machine.
Reducing energy usage
Many of us are guilty of wasting energy. We leave the room without switching the lights off, we have a whole host of appliances running at the same time and we go to bed without turning TVs or computers off at the socket. Being more mindful of your energy usage can have benefits for the environment, as well as for your wallet. If your bills are too high, one of the most effective ways to bring them down is to limit the amount of gas and electricity you use. If you don’t already have a smart meter, it’s a good idea to think about having one fitted in your home. This device enables you to see how much energy you’re consuming at any given time, and it can encourage you to try and save energy around the house. You can also set a daily budget, and the screen will tell you how much you’ve spent per day.
There are some very straightforward steps you can take to bring energy usage down. Turning the lights off, switching sockets off and making sure you only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load can all make a difference. It’s also advisable to consider replacing old electrical appliances with new, smart versions and to swap traditional bulbs for LED lights. You can also cut costs and make your home more efficient by updating dated heating and cooling systems and by using a thermostat to regulate the temperature. Adding insulation can help to cut heating costs in the winter.
Switching to renewables
According to the Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology, most cities in Australia receive between 6 and 8 hours of sunshine per day. With sunlight widely available, Australians are well-placed to capitalise on the financial and environmental benefits of renewable energy sources. In some cases, it may be possible to access funding to help with the cost of installation, but even if financial assistance is not available, you can start saving the moment your solar panels are fitted. You should find that your energy bills decrease steadily, enabling you to save a substantial amount of money in the long-term. Renewable energy sources are cleaner, and they are sustainable. If you’re not already using renewable energy, it’s advisable to carry out some research, weigh up the pros and cons and think about whether switching could benefit your family and lower household costs. It is estimated that over 2 million homes in Australia now have access to solar power.
Recycling
Globally, we produce a staggering 3.5 million tons of solid waste per day. This equates to a 10-fold increase in the last decade. Today, most of the waste we generate can be recycled, yet many households are still chucking plastic bottles, glass jars and cardboard boxes in regular bins. Recycling is an easy, effective way to reduce waste and to lower the amount of plastic and other non-recyclable goods that are needed. When you’re sorting out your bins ready for collection, take a bit of time to separate recyclable items. It’s also beneficial to buy products made from recycled or sustainable materials.
Reducing food waste
Research suggests that Australians throw away enough food to fill more than 9 Olympic-sized swimming pools every year. Many of us are lured in by tempting offers at the supermarket that encourage us to buy more than we need, and we don’t make use of the stores we have at home before buying more. To reduce food waste, plan a menu in advance, have a good look at what you’ve got in the fridge and in your cupboards before you go shopping and don’t go crazy with portion sizes. Try and resist offers like 3 for 2 or buy one, get one free if you know that you’re not going to use the extras you’re buying. If you do have leftovers after cooking dinner, freeze them for another night or pop them in a container in the fridge or in some Ecoy products and take them into work for lunch the next day. Being more economical with food will save you money and benefit the environment. If you tend to get pulled in by discounts and deals at the supermarket, try shopping online. This way, you can focus on the items on your list and you can also keep an eye on your running total, which makes budgeting easier.
Are you keen to go green? If you’re on a mission to protect the planet, there are some very simple steps you can take, starting with creating a more eco-friendly home. From recycling and reducing energy usage to cutting down food waste, saving water and switching to renewables, the changes you make will impact the environment, your wellbeing and your monthly budget.
