Simple Ways to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
Simple Ways to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
If you’ve been noticing the trend for eco-friendly homes, you’re certainly not alone! But this push is for a good reason. Not only will it benefit our beautiful environment by saving water and reducing carbon emissions, but making your home eco-friendly is also a smart choice because it saves you money. We share with you the best and yet simple ways you can reduce your home’s impact on the environment. What follows are simple ways to make your home eco-friendly.
Use energy-efficient appliances
It’s important to use appliances in your home that are energy efficient, so pay attention to their energy rating when you buy. Each extra star in the six-star rating system means your appliance is achieving 20% better energy efficiency than the one before it, which is significant. Want to find out the rating of your current appliances? Visit this online energy rating calculator.
A common kettle is an appliance you wouldn’t necessarily think would need to be energy-efficient, but it can be a significant culprit. Some eco kettles allow you to boil water less often, by acting as a thermos, and other allow you to boil the exact amount of water you need. No more boiling three cups of water just for one cup of tea!
Install water-efficient devices
Although many have been updated, some homes may still have plumbing fixtures that aren’t water-efficient, and this is a definite no-no when it comes to having an eco-friendly home. Having water-efficient devices fitted will save water, save money and it won’t affect how you experience your home at all. For instance, there are water-saving showerheads available that still provide the water pressure you love. Also, fit tapware and a toilet with the maximum Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS) rating. If it’s time to update your plumbing with water-efficient devices, engage a reputable plumber to take care of this for you.
Solar panels
Granted, this is a more expensive thing you can do to make your home eco-friendly. But, you will make long-term savings on your electricity bills as well as helping to reduce carbon emissions in the meantime. It’s win-win!
Fit energy-efficient bulbs
LED light bulbs are not only better for the environment, but they can also lower your electricity bill. You’ll need to replace them far less often than incandescent bulbs too! Choose LED bulbs with yellow-based light for a more natural, cosy glow.
Create an indoor garden
For improved air quality, bring nature indoors. Plants purify the air and make your home feel more inviting too. Some of the plants with the best capacities for air purification are even quite easy to care for.
Go green to clean
Try replacing those paper towels you so often turn to, because they are easy to use for clean-ups. It’s much better to use more dishcloths that you can throw in the wash. Fewer trees will be needed for keeping your home clean!
Chances are you’ve built up quite a collection of chemical-laden cleaning products, and your supply cabinet could use an overhaul. Consider natural alternatives in future for cleaning your home.
Prep your home for the seasons
Insulation is the best way to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. But, there are some other things you can do. For winter, take care of any draughts with draught blockers and felt weather-stripping. You can also try reversing your ceiling fan direction to force the warm air towards the ground. For easier sleep in summer, without having to resort to the air-conditioning, keep your fan on high and invest in some lyocell fibre sheets. Buckwheat or rice pillows will also give you a cooler night’s sleep.
It’s important to stay up to date with developments in energy-efficient and water-efficient devices. Like all technologies, they are continually improving, and we are learning new ways to live in better harmony with our natural environment.
