6 Ways To Make Your Home More Sustainable
Did you know that the government has pledged to bring down greenhouse gas emissions by 2050? While a large focus will be on the cars we drive, how often we fly and, on the emissions big businesses produce, there is also a shift to look at ways we can lower our carbon footprint in our homes.
From making changes to the products we buy to creating an ecosystem at home to recycle more and even sharing what we consume with locals. With new technologies allowing us to become kinder to the planet, here are 6 simple ways you can improve your footprint and even help lower your bills!
1. Buy nature-friendly products
Innovative products are hitting retailers to help people become more sustainable at home – from helping you buy locally sourced food, to cleaning and beauty products, it has never been easier (and affordable) to be eco-friendly. For example, the UK’s number one toilet hygiene brand, Bloo, has just launched Pro-Nature, a new rim-block with 100% recycled plastic basket for nature lovers in two fragrances, Mint Eucalyptus and Grapefruit to leave your toilet clean and green.
2. Make food last deliciously longer
The UK has a massive issue when it comes to food waste with 7.3 million tonnes of food being wasted every year. Leftover food doesn’t have to go in the bin. Get nostalgic by looking online at ways ancestors used to repurpose food. From creating soups to turning a loaf into breadcrumbs to creating broths and freezing meals ready for another occasion – there are lots of delicious ways you can make your food last for longer. Author and chef Jack Monroe has compiled a handy A – Z of leftovers for some inspiration.
3. Fashion doesn’t have to be fast
With the rise of fast fashion and the demand for cheap clothes quickly our shopping habits are having a massive impact on the environment. Due to the demand in fast fashion, there can be a large amount sent to landfill each month. In 2018 it was reported that around 895,000 tons of clothes were sent to landfill in the UK. To reduce your impact in this area consider donating your clothes to a charity shop and pick up some great pieces at affordable prices. But if you can’t bear to say goodbye to your clothes, try transforming them with a colour upgrade using DYLON Dyes quick and easy to use hand dyes.
4. Decorating to save the plant
Most paintings commonly used for decorating are made from oils and chemicals that are not very environmentally friendly and harder to dispose of. By switching to a water-based alternative you will be reducing your carbon footprint and cutting down on the chemicals in your home.
5. Invest in energy-saving tech
By investing in energy-efficient tech like light bulbs, taps, showerheads, and smart metres, can help lower your bills. Also, draught-proof your home ahead of winter by filling in the gaps between your doors, windows and chimney. Local DIY stores can help advise on what will work best for your property, take some pictures along too.
6. Upcycling furniture
Furniture can be costly and difficult to dispose of. Whether it be due to a house move or redecoration, you can find some good condition second-hand furniture at online marketplaces. Even better, if you’re feeling creative upcycling is a great way to breathe life back into old furniture that would otherwise be thrown away. Columnist Marcie Kobernus has some great upcycling examples and ideas on her Instagram page.
