Reports suggest that the events of the past year have seen people becoming even more concerned about climate change, with plenty of us looking for ways to make our daily lives that little bit kinder to the environment.
We’re all responsible for keeping the planet happy and healthy, and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle is one big way we can all do more. Our efforts should start at home, with even our home design ideas being better for the environment.
This article suggests four ways in which we can all be greener homeowners, to get help you get started with a fresher, more sustainable life.
Reface vs. Replace
When it comes to renovating high-traffic areas of the house – such as the bathroom or kitchen – we often assume whole items will need to be replaced. However, construction and production of new materials can have a significant impact on the environment. Where possible, it’s much better, cheaper and quicker to simply reface surfaces and furniture, rather than replace them entirely.
For example, granitetransformations.co.uk offer a ‘top that fits on top’ for breakfast bars, splash backs or even bathroom flooring. You’ll still be able to have your old style, but the reface will add a new lease of life to your old pieces, and reduce the amount of energy (and CO2) used for the renovation.
Upgrade your appliances
While you can reface hardware, it’s a bit more difficult to upgrade appliances without a full replacement. But this small investment can save you – and the planet – in the long run. If it’s been a while since you bought your freezer, dishwasher or oven, there may be more energy-efficient options now available. Finding efficient replacements won’t only protect the environment, but will also save you money on your monthly bills.
Cut down unnecessary energy usage
Of course, not all of us can go out and instantly afford to buy a brand-new fridge. Thankfully, while you’re saving the pennies for your new appliance, there are plenty of other ways to cut down on unnecessary energy usage around the house day to day.
The first is to ditch the standby option. When electricals aren’t in use, unplug or switch them off by the socket, rather than just with the power-down button. Those pesky standby modes use more energy than you think.
Another option is to swap to LED bulbs, and these are often much more energy efficient.
According to The Energy Saving Trust, washing clothes in a cooler temperature could also save around 40% of energy used every day.
Get insulated
Without proper insulation, you could be wasting 25% of the heat you’re creating in the house – and it usually escapes through the roof. By draught proofing your property and maintaining good-quality insulation, you could save yourself money while also keeping toasty in the cooler months.
There are plenty of other ways you can be more environmentally conscious at home. Everything from recycling, to having shorter showers can make a world of difference. With this new and heightened awareness, we are in a great position to help make a positive impact.