There was an article recently highlighting the importance of being eco-friendly at home, which includes building a vegetable garden, and that is great if you have space, but if you’re stuck in a small house with no room to breathe it can be very difficult to keep on top of being environmentally conscious. So, here it is, for the everyday father, mother, man, woman, and child, very simple ways to cut down on harming the environment with some figures so you can see how much you would save on your utility bills!
Cutting Down On Electricity
Are you still using the standard light bulb? If you replace it with Compact Fluorescent Light bulb (CFL), this will save you approximately 66% in terms of energy output. Swapping one light bulb for a CFL will save 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions!
By changing all of your household appliances to their lower energy counterpart uses between 10% and 50% less energy!
Don’t look in your fridge! By peeking inside your fridge to have a browse before deciding what you want will cost you $12 to $24 each year! If you want to put a price on planning in advance what meals to eat, that is it!
Using the microwave instead of the oven will use 50% less energy, but if you don’t have a microwave, use all of your oven shelves at the same time.
When using the washing machine, washing your clothes with colder water or a lower temperature saves 40% less electricity.
If you use electrical heat tracing on your pipes, it cuts down on heat supply as it regulates itself and prevents your pipes from freezing in winter.
Here’s a fact about people – one person generates the same amount of warmth as a heater of 100 watts. So if you need to cut down on your heating bill, invite people around and have a winter party.
Unplug your TV at night!
Getting Eco-Friendly
Using Tinting for Homes to help regulate your internal home temperature. The windows reflect UV light, so your home will stop overheating.
By opening the blinds to let the sunlight in, it will save you 10% on your overall heating bill.
To save $40 on your heating bill, turn your thermostat down by one degree.
To avoid cleaning products that are ridden with chemicals, use vinegar on mold and bacteria in the toilet, and soda crystals or bicarbonate of soda with boiling water will unclog your sinks.
Growing houseplants will not only make your home look lovely, but it will also increase the air circulation.
Sleep on organic sheets as cotton linens account for around 25% of the use of all insecticide. Instead, try organic cotton or bamboo that is sustainable.
Water Consumption
Don’t use the faucet when brushing your teeth to save on water.
182 liters of water is lost every week from a leaking tap, and 757 liters from a toilet every day. Get handy with a spanner.
Opt for the shower over the bath. It uses 14% less water in comparison to a bath.
Yes, basically we have to do our own role with regards to cleaning up our environment. Conservation is one thing but we also have to consider those solutions that can last longer, sustainability that is.