There are many reasons why everyone should be looking for ways to make their homes more sustainable. It is good for the planet if we all work together and bring down our carbon footprint, everyone will benefit. It is also good financially too. Using less fuel and energy will lower your bills, which can only be a bonus. To help get you thinking, here are a few ways you can contribute to the global lowering of carbon emissions agenda:
Buy What You Need
A lot of people do it, buy more than they need. Food waste is the worse. There is a specific use by date attached to the products, which means that anything over this date gets thrown away. To help do your part, try and cut down on the amount of food you throw away. If everyone only bought what they needed, it would have a knock-on effect all the easy down the production line, reducing carbon emission by the tons.
Washing Machine
You can save a lot by lowering the temperature you wash on. If possible, washing on a cold wash is the most environmentally friendly. However, reducing the temperature from 105°F to 90°F is a great way to reduce your energy usage, and only wash clothes when the washing machine is full. Avoid half loads. Also, hang your clothes to dry rather than using a tumble drier.
Get Solar Panels
If you own your own home and are concerned with your carbon footprint, why not invest in some solar panels. It may set you back, to begin with, but over time they wl pay for themselves. Also, when you are generating a lot of electricity on good days, you can sell your surplus back to the grid. Have a word with your energy provider to see how you would go about doing this. You may as well make some money on your micro-generation plant.
Servicing and Repairs
It is generally a good idea to get your heating system and AC units servicing and repairs. If they are not working efficiently, then you will be wasting energy on their use. Using AC repair services and having an annual service of your boiler can find issues before they become problems, and in the long run, it will save you time and money.
Walk Instead of Drive
Getting out of the car and walking is a great way to reduce your petrol or diesel usage, you will also benefit from getting some exercise. Although it is not always practical, consider walking the kids to school, walking to work, or walking to the local convenience store rather than driving there. If you have to make a trip in the car, why not do several things at once, rather than making lots of different trips. So, go to the supermarket, but on the way see your parents or friends, and go to the appointment. The more streamlined you can make your driving experience, the cheaper and more economical it will be.
