It is crazy to think that just a few years ago, we didn’t really care about being environmentally friendly. Now, thanks to in-depth reports and the power of social media, more of us than ever are concerned with helping the planet and lowering our carbon footprint. You may have already started taking steps towards this in your own life. Perhaps you sponsor an endangered animal, or maybe you have gotten on board the recycling bandwagon. Whatever it is, knowing that you are doing something good for the planet can really give you that feel-good factor. But, as with everything, there’s always more you can do – and most of it begins in the home. In terms of the whole world, the UK doesn’t rank too badly in terms of its energy consumption – but it is also far from the most efficient place. Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean turning your whole life upside down; here are some easy tips.
Get the most out of your appliances
One mistake so many families make when running their household is not using appliances to their full potential. The two most common examples of this are running the dishwasher when it’s only half full, or using the washing machine for just a couple of items of clothing. Obviously, overloading your appliances can be just as bad as you risk causing a breakage. But you will find that your costs go down, as does your carbon footprint when you start using appliances only when you have to.
Switch to solar energy
Many people are intimidated by the prospect of solar energy. In some cases, it is easy to understand why. In a country like Britain, where we don’t get a lot of sunlight, many people are sceptical about how solar panels work when there is any – well, solar energy! But in reality, it doesn’t need to be 35 degrees and completely cloudless in order for solar panels, such as the ones from a company like Semper Solaris, to work. Most will run just fine as long as they are exposed to daylight, and you will find that your house runs pretty much the same as it ever did. Solar energy is a renewable energy source, essentially meaning that it is in unlimited supply – unlike fossil fuels. So, with that in mind, they are a great option for the environmentally conscious family.
Turn off the red light
Switch all the lights off in your living room or bedroom and you will probably see them – various little red lights, some flashing and some still. They are standby lights and they exist on nearly electrical appliance in the home, from your television to your microwave. Most of us don’t give them a second thought. But did you know that your appliances could still be using up precious energy even when they are in standby mode? A television that is over ten years old will cost you around £15 a year when left in standby mode, sometimes more. So to be sure that you’re only paying for what you use, it’s best to switch off and unplug.
XOXO
Debbie
