It is estimated that emissions from residential homes make up about 10 percent of global greenhouse emissions, although this doesn’t account for other factors like what we eat and wear, or the waste we produce.
Adapting your home to make it more eco-friendly
Not everybody is in a position where they can design a house from scratch, but there are lots of things you can do to ensure your home is as eco-friendly as possible.
Energy efficient light bulbs
If you haven’t already, invest in energy-efficient LED or CFL lightbulbs. They may have a higher initial cost, but use less energy and last longer – meaning long-term savings.
Install a smart meter
A smart meter reads in real time how much energy you’re using. They make you more mindful of how you use power-hungry appliances, and can help you limit the amount of heating you waste.
Think about your water consumption
Try limiting the number of baths you take, shorten time spent in the shower, and install a water butt to collect rainwater for washing your car or watering the plants.
Make sure you fix any dripping taps, don’t leave the tap running when you’re washing up or brushing your teeth, and be mindful of how you use the washing machine.
Check your insulation
Start by checking windows and doors, particularly if you live in an older house or have a conservatory.
If you can’t afford to replace old windows and doors, look at ways you can improve their thermal efficiency with draught excluders or thick curtains, and try and ensure you don’t have a heater in front of a window.
Don’t forget to check your roof insulation. Modern energy-efficient materials have transformed the efficiency of this type of insulation and could make a big difference.
Install solar panels
If you can install solar panels, they will provide clean energy. They may even make you money (if you generate enough to pass back to the grid).
Solar panels may require an expensive initial investment, but usually pay for themselves within a reasonable period.
Rethink your lifestyle
If all the above feel like big changes, there are plenty of little steps you can take too.
Start by looking at any disposable products you use like washing products, cleaning products, clothing and even disposable plates. What alternatives are there that are either sustainably made, composed of recycled materials or recyclable?
Next look at your habits. How much waste are you creating and how are you disposing of it? Have you got a compost bin where you can put leftover food scraps and compostable items? Do you routinely find yourself using plastic, particularly single-use plastics?
Buying or building an eco-friendly house
If you’re buying a home, there are various things you should look out for, not least a property’s energy rating. You will also want to check whether the prospective property uses renewable energy.
Also look for greener central heating options. Heat pumps are greener and cleaner than gas boilers and oil-fired boilers.
Finally, think about the materials used in the building’s construction. For example, if you’re buying wood-framed windows, is the wood sustainably sourced? As for the production process, do they use chemicals, produce a lot of waste, or utilise plastic packaging?
There are an increasing number of house building materials that are either recycled, sustainably made, or both. It is worth doing a little research. And don’t forget to inform your estate agent or developer of your eco-friendly criteria.
Take the first step
If you’re a regular user of plastic plates, bowls, and cutlery, FOOGO green’s range of sustainably made, compostable tableware may be the perfect way to complement and improve your eco-friendly lifestyle.
Our range of utensils are made from sustainable materials and are completely biodegradable.
Take a small step in the right direction by visiting our online store today.