If you want to become eco-friendly, there are lots of ways to do so- without having to change everything in your life. Growing your own fruit and veg, not running the tap when brushing your teeth and recycling are just three small and easy ways to make a big difference. Being eco-friendly isnโt just good news for the environment; it can also mean good news for you and your wallet as well.
Each year Britain generates approximately 290 million tonnes of waste; waste which is then taken from homes around the country by trucks, and later taken to landfills. A big way of minimising the amount of household rubbish we put in landfills, reducing pollution and helping the environment is by making small changes in the way you live your every life.
www.kierhomes.co.uk is one property developer doing its bit for the environment by recently announcing a free bike and cycle helmet scheme at its Connect21 development in Peterborough.
Connect21โs new houses and apartments were built using eco-friendly materials and benefit from easy access to open spaces and specially-created wildlife habitats areas in and around the development.
The developer is hoping that the new initiative – open to anyone who purchases a new home at Connect21 – will encourage locals to leave the car at home and help the environment by cycling to work.
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Being green isnโt just about being nice to the environment; itโs about saving you money, too. Here are our top tips on how to make your home green, saving energy, and hopefully saving some money in the process.
1. Wash at lower temperatures
Washing clothes can place a serious strain on the environment. By washing at 30 degrees instead of 40, you can reduce your washing machineโs energy consumption by up to a third.
2. Swap bulbs
New energy efficient light bulbs use up to 66% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Not only that, but they also last up to 10 times longer. Over the lifecycle of a bulb, replacing a traditional bulb with a new compact fluorescent bulb can save around ยฃ20.
3. Insulate
One of if not the most important green living tip is to insulate wherever possible. Heating and cooling account for almost half your energy bills, and with heat escaping through the roof fairly easily, itโs important to insulate lofts and walls. With reduced heating bills, you should be able to recoup the cost of a ยฃ300 loft insulation within two to three years.
4.ย Program your heating
Program your thermostat to come on just 30 minutes before you wake, and turn off after you leave the house in the morning. That way the house is only being kept warm when it is entirely necessary, saving you money and saving the environment.
5. Consider Solar Panels
Although there is an initial outlay for installing solar panels on the roof of your home, the annual heating and water savings will mean the installation pays for itself on average within five years. Any excess energy can also be sold to the National Grid for some additional income.
These are just some of the many ways to save the environment, save some money, and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
