Go Green At Home: Small Steps That Make A Big Difference

Many of us are on a mission to do more to protect the environment in 2022. If you’re keen to do your bit, it’s a brilliant idea to start with simple modifications at home. In this guide, we’ll outline some small steps that can make a big difference. 

Reduce energy consumption

Energy prices have skyrocketed and most of us are paying significantly more than we were a year or two years ago. Reducing energy consumption is beneficial both for the environment and your bank balance. Are you guilty of leaving appliances on standby or turning the lights on when it’s sunny outside? Is your heating on at the same time as the windows are wide open, or do you leave the room without switching the lights off? Many of us could save money by being more careful and frugal when it comes to household energy consumption. 

If you’re keen to lower bills and make a positive contribution, think about how you use energy now. Look for ways to make savings, such as replacing old light bulbs and kitchen appliances with energy-efficient versions, turning devices and lamps off at the socket, setting a thermostat to regulate temperature and limiting how much hot water you use. Turn the taps off when you brush your teeth and take a quick shower rather than a bath. 

Using smart systems is an easy, cost-effective way to manage your home. If you’re thinking about upgrading and embracing smart technology, you could regulate the temperature, turn lights on and off and secure your home at the touch of a button.

Insulate your home

One of the best ways to decrease energy consumption and save money is to insulate your home. When it’s cold and miserable outside, there’s nothing like being cosy and warm inside. The cost of heating our houses is rising, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t feel comfortable and relaxed in your own home. Insulation prevents heat loss, keeping living spaces warmer for longer. There are various options to explore, including attic and cavity wall insulation and cheap options like sealing doors and windows and using draft excluders. Double glazing can also make a huge difference. Although it is an expense, it will save you money on your bills straight away and add substantial value to your home. 

Choose sustainable products and materials

The way we shop is changing. Over 70% of consumers now prefer to buy from brands that align with their values. More and more of us want to purchase eco-friendly products. When you are shopping for your home, look for natural, organic, sustainable materials and products that have been manufactured and distributed using environmentally-friendly methods. It is possible to buy all kinds of green products today, including bamboo towels, household cleaning products, natural cosmetics and skincare products, furniture made from sustainable materials and eco-friendly paint. Research brands and manufacturers, read labels and get ideas from magazines, TV shows, blogs and social media accounts that shine a light on sustainable businesses.

Recycle, reuse and repurpose

Recycling is an effective means of reducing landfill waste and maximising resources. Most of us recycle items at home, but it may be possible to go further. Before you throw items away, think about whether you could recycle them or even reuse or repurpose them. Take clothing, furniture or food as examples. If you don’t want these items and there is life left in them, why not donate them or use your creative skills to upcycle? You could donate household items, clothes, books, furniture and electrical appliances to charity shops, host a swap shop with friends or sell things online. You could also jump on the upcycling bandwagon and revive tired or old-fashioned chairs, tables, sofas, wardrobes and chests. If you tend to throw away a lot of food waste, reduce quantities or donate non-perishable items to food banks and local charities. 

Leave the car at home

If you usually drive short distances to work or to drop the kids at school or pop to the shops, try to leave the car at home more frequently and walk, jog or cycle. This will help you reduce your carbon footprint and it’s also beneficial for your health. Regular exercise is proven to boost physical and mental health and well-being. Walking or cycling instead of driving will also help you to save money, especially at the moment, with the cost of petrol rising.

If you need to drive to commute to an office or get to meetings far away, consider switching to a greener vehicle. Hybrid and electric cars offer a greener alternative to diesel and petrol vehicles. The initial cost of buying or leasing an electric car may be higher, but you’ll start saving immediately. If you are thinking about switching, do some research, go to showrooms and dealerships and look at different makes and models, compare prices and running costs and look for deals or incentives that are there to encourage people to go green. 

Avoid single-use plastics

Since Blue Planet II aired, there has been a noticeable shift towards reducing single-use plastic consumption. Plastic is everywhere, but there are some very easy ways to avoid single-use plastics. Invest in a coffee cup, flask or water bottle you can use over and over again, swap plastic bags for natural materials and bags for life and buy products that have recyclable, sustainable packaging. A study conducted by Waitrose suggests that 88% of people who watched The War on Plastic, the final episode of Blue Planet II, changed their behaviour. 

All of us can make a positive difference to the environment. If everybody made small changes at home, the impact on the planet as a whole would be massive. If you’re eager to go green, you don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle or change everything you do. There are some very simple ways to protect the planet and embrace more eco-friendly ways of living. Try to reduce energy consumption and waste, insulate your home and investigate greener ways of getting around and commuting. Recycle, reuse and repurpose items, choose sustainable products and materials and avoid single-use plastics where possible.