Going green just got easier
As a wise frog puppet once said: “It’s not easy being green.”
Kermit wasn’t wrong, but as environmental awareness spreads, it’s certainly getting easier. Indeed, whether you live in a town or the countryside, following some simple steps (along with some bigger ones, practicalities and budget permitting) could turn your home from a fuel-guzzling glut of greenhouse gases, into something approaching more of an environmentalist’s Eden.
Watch out for wasteful waterworks
The most straightforward way to make your home more sustainable is to cut down on needless waste.
Water is a perfect first port of call. Employ the “navy shower” approach, by switching off the water while lathering.
You could pick up a waterpebble (£9.99, Amazon) – a waterproof timer that sticks to your bathroom wall and flashes green, amber or red to let you know when it’s time to switch the shower off.
While you’re at it, you can save energy by turning down your hot water thermostat by one or two degrees (we guarantee you will not notice the difference). Go back to basics
Minimising waste is largely about shifting your mindset and changing how you shop, too. It goes without saying that recycling is a good idea – but even better is to purchase products that don’t come with as much packaging in the first place.
For example, swap disposable kitchen towel for longer-lasting cloths – or cut up an old shirt to make reusable rags. Put on thick socks and a jumper when you feel chilly, instead of instantly whacking the heating up. Eschew the tumble-dryer in favour of putting up a traditional washing line (which, apart from possessing a certain Victorian charm, is also much kinder to your clothing).
Switch on to energy efficiency
As for reducing your home’s energy usage – and bills – slightly cooling your water is a good start, but we’re betting you can manage a degree off your radiators too. Insulation is the word of the day: The more heat stays within your home, the less your heating system has to work overtime.
Arrange an annual home energy audit to pick up on any cracks or fractures in your brickwork that might be leaking precious degrees into the outdoors. Windows are a common culprit – double glazing provides a formidable defence against heat loss, while for the unclothed window, a set of curtains works wonders.
Alongside the small switches and swaps, there are some big, statement moves for those willing to make sweeping changes to a home.
Solar panels are an established option for the eco-conscious builder, and hundreds of thousands of UK homes have now had them installed.
Another rooftop solution? How about installing a ‘green roof’ or ‘living roof’. Halfway between a regular roof and a garden, this basically means having live plants or grass occupy the space. Companies like Eco Green Roofs (ecogreenroofs.co.uk) will coat your chosen building with earth and vegetation, insulating against noise and temperature, boosting air quality, and providing an oasis for wildlife even in the heart of the city.