10 Ways To Be More Sustainable At Home
With environmental concerns ever at the forefront of global discussion, the ways in which people are living are shifting increasingly in favour of reducing their ecological footprint. The world is undergoing a process of revolutionising many aspects of daily life in order to preserve the planet as best as possible. One of the most impactful places to start is how we live right at home. From our energy consumption to our waste management, there are innumerable ways to be more sustainable in our everyday lives. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 ways to be more sustainable at home to help you become more eco-friendly within the confines of your own four walls.
Look Into Sustainable Home Heating
The heating of our homes contributes significantly to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making up over a third of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Heating is one of the most critical areas that need to be tackled in the effort to reach 2050’s net zero emissions target. One of the ways to be more sustainable in running your home is by helping to cut down on heating-related emissions and upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system. Heating solutions such as MVHR systems and underfloor heating are fantastic cost-effective solutions to cutting down heating-based emissions from your home. Additionally, regular maintenance, proper insulation, and sealing drafts can also make a noticeable difference in your home’s energy efficiency.
Shop Sustainably
Shopping sustainably involves making conscious choices about the products that you choose to purchase for your home. There are an incredible number of ways to be more sustainable in your shopping habits. You can look for items that have been manufactured by sustainable businesses to reduce the carbon footprint associated with production or transportation. You can choose to buy items second-hand where possible in order to cut down on the amount of wasted goods being thrown away. Even simply opting to go food shopping with reusable bags instead of making use of plastic ones goes a long way to helping to cut down on the amount of waste being produced and help to keep the environment that much greener.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The classic mantra we’ve all been repeating for years still holds true today and is one of the primary ways to be more sustainable in our lives. You can reduce the waste being sent out to landfills by choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and opt to make use of reusable items whenever possible. Reuse containers for storage or repurpose items instead of discarding them, or make use of a dedicated travel cup for your morning coffee instead of a paper one. You’ll find that with a little imagination, you can apply ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ to a lot of your practices at home. Recycling, when done correctly, can significantly reduce the environmental impact of waste. Familiarise yourself with your local recycling guidelines to ensure you’re disposing of materials properly.
Cut Back On Your Car Usage
Transportation is a major contributor to carbon emissions. All the way through from construction, to use and eventually disposal, cars have a monumental environmental impact. One of our top 10 ways to be more sustainable at home and significantly reduce your carbon footprint is by making use of public transportation, carpooling, cycling, or walking whenever feasible. It’s also a good idea to plan your errands in advance in order to minimise unnecessary trips. Anything that cuts down on the usage of cars wherever we can through changes in our transportation habits is sure to have a positive impact on the environment and bring us closer to achieving fully sustainable living.
Use Your Washing Machine More Effectively
The laundry room is a prime area for skyrocketing your home’s carbon footprint. Aside from consuming monumental amounts of energy to clean our clothes in heated water, even the detergents we use have a costly environmental impact – always consider how a product gets to us in the first place and what happens to it once we dispose of it. One of the ways to be more sustainable with your washing is by washing clothes in cold water to save energy. Many modern detergents have now shifted to be more effective in cold water in order to eliminate the need for consuming as much energy as washing machines historically have. You should also air dry clothes when possible, reducing the need for running your tumble dryer. You can also try to ensure that each load in your machine is a full one to maximise efficiency.
Conserve Water Where Possible
One of the simplest ways to be more sustainable at home (and save on your bills at the same time) is to minimise your unnecessary water expenditure. Particularly hot water. Be mindful of water usage while washing dishes or taking showers – try washing your dishes in cold water rather than hot, or showering at a lower temperature for less time. Make sure you promptly fix any leaks you discover and look into purchasing more energy and water-efficient appliances. Every little helps in the battle against climate change.
Pack Waste-Free Lunches
Packing waste-free lunches is a simple thing to do. Utilising reusable containers and utensils and cutting down on pre-packaged foods is an easy way to cut down fairly significantly on the amount of waste you’re sending to landfill, which leads to less pollution and a healthier planet. It may not seem like much, but that adds up quickly when you factor in the number of lunches you’re having at work or school. When we opt for waste-free lunches, we’re not just eating; we’re contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
When it’s time to replace your old appliances, always opt for those that score highly in their energy efficiency ratings. These appliances meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will significantly bring down your home’s environmental impact. While many of these appliances may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy savings and environmental benefits make them a wise investment in any home, and are one of the ways to be more sustainable at home more passively.
Participate in Local Sustainability Initiatives
Getting involved with local sustainability initiatives is a practical way to help out with reducing the environmental impact of your whole community, while building a more robust, close-knit community in the long run. By volunteering for local initiatives, you’ll be able to support the environment and foster a sense of pride and connection among locals at the same time.
Educate Yourself, Friends and Family
At the end of the day, in the battle to cut down on our environmental impact, knowledge is power. With this topic being one that’s always shifting and evolving as new practices are devised and eco-friendly technology improves, it’s important to keep yourself and others in the loop. Share your sustainable practices with friends and family, and encourage them to adopt similar habits. Stay informed about environmental issues and advocate for sustainable policies in your local community. By collectively working towards a more sustainable future, individuals can make a significant impact on the global environment.
By implementing these ten practical strategies wherever you can, you’re contributing to a healthier planet without compromising your quality of life. Every small change adds up, and collectively, we can create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. At Pipelife Eco, we’re helping to make homes more sustainable with modern, innovative heating solutions. If you have any heating queries, then give us a call. We’re always ready and available to help at Pipelife Eco, so if you’re looking for any assistance you can get in contact with us for expert advice.