To mark Earth Day (April 22), sustainability advocate Pat Kane is sharing her tips for living more sustainably at home.
It can be a bit overwhelming when you think about sustainability and the home, so my suggestion is to segment your home into areas – think kitchen, laundry, bedroom, and bathroom, and start with just one area at a time.
Here are my top tips to help you navigate the world of sustainable homes by looking into key areas to help you turn your pad into a more planet-friendly one.
Energy:
- Turn off appliances on standby to reduce energy consumption.
- Lower your thermostat slightly to save energy.
- Use timers and sensors for lights and heating.
- Maintain your roof and ensure proper insulation.
- Seal drafts to conserve heat.
- Air-dry laundry to save energy.
- Opt for thicker curtains to regulate room temperature.
Waste Management:
- Understand local recycling and composting guidelines.
- Go paperless whenever possible.
- Choose sustainable alternatives to traditional products.
- Try new habits like using shampoo bars to reduce plastic waste.
Water:
- Turn off taps when not in use.
- Use leftover kettle water for plants.
- Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need.
- Fix any leaky taps.
- Use a cup to brush your teeth to save water.
- Use your washing machine for full loads only.
We all have a responsibility to make better choices when it comes to our homes – whether it's to save the planet for future generations or to protect our own family bubble in this uncertain economic climate.
By understanding the issue and then exploring the energy, waste and water being utilised and generated you can become aware of small changes which you can make – and guess what? Small changes made by everyone can have a big impact.
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