FIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE ECO FRIENDLY New houses are being built with the environment in mind, with insulation and double glazing becoming more common. For older properties, though, it’s not always easy to implement such changes, financially or practically. Here are some simple changes to.reduce your carbon footprint and make a home more eco-friendly. 1. Reduce your energy consumption An easy way to be efficient is simply to turn things off when you are not using them, such as lights when leaving the room or the television when the programme ends. When you do need to use lights, use energy saving bulbs. LEDs are good for your energy bills and last longer than some traditional variations. Lots of electronic products now have low power options, so don’t replace old items with the first thing you find, look for energy-efficient alternatives. 2. Re-use and recycle Whether or not a new item uses energy in the home, plenty will have been used in its production and shipping. Re-homing an unwanted second hand item cuts your carbon footprint. If you can’t find what you are looking for online, try garage sales and second hand shops. Of course, this can extend to many items in your home including second hand clothes, reusable water bottles and coffee cups, as well as sourcing locally grown produce. 3. Minimise drafts Take a walk around your home and check out where cold air is getting in. Obvious culprits include windows and gaps underneath doors. Keeping the cold air out can be as simple as draft excluders and well-fitted doors over the fireplace when it is not in use. For windows, consider DIY plastic film that acts like double-glazing. Invest in thicker curtains for the winter, to keep the warm air on the inside. 4. Use sustainable materials and products When renovating or building, choose materials that are recycled or sustainable. For example, you can use reclaimed wood for flooring or countertops, or consider using bamboo for cabinets and furniture. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also durable and stylish. By making your own cleaning products, you can save money and reduce your ecological footprint. Simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda are effective and natural cleaning solutions. 5. Green living Solar power is big news now, but investing in rooftop panels isn’t practical for everyone. There are smaller solarrelated steps you can take instead. If you spend time outdoors, try solar-powered patio and path lights instead of using the mains power supply. Many mobile phones can be charged via solar-powered charging packs now, so see what else you can switch. Even if you can’t implement all the suggestions above, start with one or two, and know you are taking steps towards having your own eco-friendly home.
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