Living a greener, more sustainable lifestyle has become increasingly important in recent years. It has become the responsibility of every citizen, government and nation to ensure the planet is protected for future generations to enjoy and lead a healthy life. There are plenty of ways you can make your home more sustainable, without having to buy special gadgets or even venture far from your own front door. Here are some handy tips for making your home greener and leading a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Don’t waste water
We’ve all heard the advice, but do we really put it into practice? The average household uses thousands of gallons of water each year and wastes huge amounts without realising. Try simple methods such as changing your shower head to a low-flow design, always turn water off when brushing teeth, don’t flush until you really need to and see to any leaking pipes. Even small changes like these can make a big difference, not only to the planet but to your wallet as well.
- Use natural cleaning products
Many shop-bought cleaning products are toxic and terrible for the environment. There are lots of natural alternatives that work as well, smell better and much kinder to you, your family and the planet. Things like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and borax can all be used to create your own cleaning solutions that won’t cause any harm.
- Always recycle what you can
As well as recycle your waste, choose to purchase products that have been made from recycled materials such as toilet roll and shopping bags. Use rechargeable batteries instead of one-time use batteries and why not consider getting a compost bin for recycling food waste in a useful and environmentally-friendly way?
- Use sustainable materials
When you want to replace a piece of furniture or do any work on your property, choose materials from sustainable sources. Also choose materials that benefit the environment, such as oak or other timber. When renovating or extending your property, choose natural materials to enhance your home. For an Oak Porch for your home projects, visit http://www.bespoaktimberframes.co.uk/portfolio_page/oak-porch/
- Use power strips and turn them off at night
Use a power strip to connect all your electronic devices like TV and Sky Box or computer and printer. At the end of the day, switch the power off to the strip, thus turning everything off that’s connected. This will help reduce your energy bills and be better for the environment by preventing any unnecessary electrical draw during the night.
- Make practical use of your garden
Use your garden or window box to grow your own herbs that you can use in the kitchen. They can be easy to grow, will smell great and save you having to buy them in the store. Planting fruit trees in your garden on the right facing sides can also provide shade in the summer and shelter in the winter, saving you money on your energy bills and providing you with food to boot!