Top 5 Tips For A Greener Home

Green is the new black, in this day and age we’re being encouraged to be as environmentally friendly as possible and everything we do has to have the benefits of the planet in mind. Ten years ago when no one had heard of the term ‘carbon footprint’ and we horded supermarket carrier bags like they were going out of fashion it was only hippies that cared about the planet, now it’s everyone’s responsibility to make our planet as clean and green as possible for future generations.

What can you do in your home to make it greener?

Lights

If you look round the shops these days you’ll notice you can’t even buy incandescent light bulbs any more. There are still plenty of people out there who aren’t using energy saving light bulbs. You don’t have to replace light bulbs very often which is why there are still so many people still using the old style bulbs, whilst it’s true you shouldn’t throw things out unnecessarily in this case the pros out weigh the cons. Get rid of those old light bulbs and swap them for energy efficient bulbs. They last longer and use a lot less energy making your home greener.

Many novelty lights don’t have energy efficient bulbs and although they might be low wattage it’s worth asking yourself if you really need that string of fairy lights on every night or those tiny fluffy lamps in the corner. Keep anything with novelty bulbs for special occasions like when you’ve got friends round.

Don’t let the heat escape

Cavity wall insulation might seem expensive in the short term but it can certainly save you in the long term. By lining your walls and your roof with that extra layer of insulation you’re keeping that heating you’re paying for in your house. Adding insulation is also going to help improve the value of your property should you ever decide you want to move.

Check those doors and windows, obviously we all know double glazing is best for keeping the heat in but you also need to inspect for any drafts or anywhere that heat could escape from. A few draft excluders can be a great way to keep that heat from escaping. Don’t forget the accessories; a good quality pair of curtains can be great for adding that extra level of insulation on a cold winter’s night.

Compost

This might not be feasible for everyone but a compost bin can be a great way to make sure you’re not throwing away anything that doesn’t have to be. By throwing it in a compost bin it will bio degrade leaving you with rich healthy compost for your garden.

If you do live in a block of flats why not see if you can arrange a group compost bin? This way you’re encouraging your neighbors to get green too and you’ll be able to contribute towards a communal garden.

Put another layer on

Obviously when it’s the middle of winter and there’s three feet of snow outside you’re perfectly justified in turning the heating on but when it’s the middle of summer or it’s just a bit chilly grab an extra layer before you reach for the thermostat. We lose more heat through our heads and feet than anywhere else on our body so if you’re wondering around with nothing on your feet go find a pair of slippers before you crank the heat up.

You’re going to be more prone to feel the cold if you’re just sat around so get up and make a cup of tea, give the dog a treat or water a plant before you decide if it really is cold enough to have the heating on or whether it’s just you.

Chose your appliances wisely

You can’t just start throwing out your appliances but next time you are replacing something check its energy efficiency level. The cheaper the appliance the less energy efficient it’s going to be but it’s often worth paying the extra and getting something that isn’t going to eat all your power.

It’s also essential you don’t leave things on standby; a television on stand by will use almost as much electricity as a television just left on and so will a computer. Make sure it’s turned off so you’re saving as much energy as possible.

These tips aren’t just going to make you a greener person they’re also going to make you a richer person too. Most energy saving ideas will also save you cash as well as helping our planet.

by Tushar Mathur

From Talking About Green