Living in an eco-friendly home doesn’t mean you have to transform your pad into a tree house. Even if you are restricted to a tight budget, there are ways you can help to protect the environment. The smallest of changes can make a big difference and still save you cash. There is no better time than now for going green. You can reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing your comfort by following the 10 tips listed below.
10 Ways to Make Your Home Environmentally Friendly
1. Energy Saving Light Bulbs
Manufacturers in the UK have replaced the traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy saving, compact fluorescent, light bulbs. These new compact light bulbs are brighter, last longer and are available in a variety of sizes. Your savings can average around $4 (£2.50) a year per bulb by using the energy saving light bulbs throughout your home.
2. Save on Heat Cost
When the weather turns cold, you want your home to remain warm inside. A poorly insulated home loses much of its heat through the roof and the walls. Replace the old insulation with new and improved insulation to save on energy and reduce your heating bills.
3. Decrease Use of Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers are energy guzzlers that use a large amount of electricity. Whenever possible, hang your laundry outside and let air dry on a clothesline. Within a month, you should see a huge reduction in your electrical bill.
4. Fit Aerators to your Taps
Stop letting your hard earned money go down the drain. Reduce your water bill by fitting aerators to your taps. These energy saving gadgets work by mixing the water flow with air. Your taps will have a fuller flow, but less water usage. If you are replacing your old taps, buy new ones that are already fitted with aerators. To save even more on your water bill, replace your regular toilet with a low flow toilet that uses less water with each flush.
5. Solar Panels
Fit solar panels to your home to save on energy and lower your electrical bill. Solar panels work by harnessing the sun’s energy and converting it into electricity. Investing in solar panels can be expensive, so consider the benefits and possible savings before purchasing.
6. Draft Proof your Home
Cold air flowing through your home can quickly raise your energy bill. Draft proof your home by sealing off all door and windows where the cold air can come in from. You can easily find the supplies you need for sealing a home at all Do-It-Yourself stores.
7. Double Glazing
To help lower the cost of your heating bill, have your home fitted with double glazing. These are two layer glass windows with a spacer between the panes. They are sealed permanently together to keep the heat trapped inside your home.
8. Motion Sensor Light Bulbs
It’s easy to get in the habit of leaving the lights on even when you have left the room. This results in the usage of unnecessary energy and can quickly increase your electrical bill. By using motion sensor light bulbs, you can save on your energy bill. They will detect when no one is in the room and automatically turn off after a certain amount of time.
9. Composting
You can help to protect the environment by composting old food and table scraps. Purchase a recycling bin for fruits and vegetables that have become over ripe and toss in leftover foods from your meals. You can use this organic waste as compost for the plants in your garden.
10. Collect Rain Water
Every year the UK and US receive an abundance of rain. Instead of being an annoyance, the weather can be used to your advantage by helping to protect the environment and save on your water bill. Collect the rain in a water barrel or water butt that is attached to your external drainpipe. When the water butt is full, you can use the rain water you have collected to water your garden.
Just by making some of these changes, you can help to protect the environment while saving on your energy bill. To help more with your savings, search online for a Carbon Footprint Calculator.
