Floating somewhere between Hawaii and California, there’s a patch of plastic twice the size of Texas that is polluting our ocean. The effects of global warming are becoming scarily clear each day. Our sea levels are rising, and the stressed ecosystem is causing temperatures to become erratic. Water shortages, fire threats and draughts are prevalent, and natural icons such as the Great Barrier Reef are already threatened. What may seem like an insurmountable situation is often left to trusted individuals such as politicians and various world leaders- and as much as they can impact a greater difference, there are things we can contribute from the comfort of our own home. Here at We Buy Any House, we have come up with 10 small ways to make your home eco-friendly on a budget.
#1- Start Recycling:
Implementing a recycling structure to your home is a small yet effective way to make your property eco-friendlier. Keeping separate bins for food waste, plastic/glass waste and paper waste will make recycling a whole lot easier. Having designates areas to put each type of rubbish will help the process of waste disposal become quicker, and result in less landfill waste.
#2- Swap to LED Bulbs:
Switching to LED bulbs are a cost-effective way of improving your home while making it eco-friendly. LED bulbs use a lot less energy than incandescent bulbs, as the diode light is more efficient, power-wise, then a filament light. LED bulbs use 75% less energy and can last more than a decade.
#3- Stop Single-Use Plastic:
How many items in your home consist of single-plastic use? Shopping bags, toiletry bottles, food packaging- the list is endless. Making a conscious effort to use reusable storage containers and reusable plastic bags can dramatically reduce single-plastic use waste, ultimately saving our oceans and contributing to less house waste. Also, another big one to watch out for is the use of plastic straws. Plastic is not biodegradable, therefore microplastic pieces such as plastic has even more harmful effects as it can not only disrupt landfills but end up in the ocean and injure sea-creatures. Adding reusable straws is a great idea for your kitchen.
#4- Reduce House Appliances:
If it’s a mild or glorious day outside, why not hang the washing outside instead of using the dryer? Small changes such as this one, in addition to turning the faucet off when brushing your teeth or reducing shower time are great ways to reduce your bills and help your property become more eco-friendly.
#5- Add Plants:
Adding potted plants to your property is a great idea to reduce the amount of single-plastic cleaning products, as potted plants are effective for indoor air cleaning. No longer will you have to contribute to air pollution by spraying various air fresheners around your property.
#6- Water Filter:
Placing a water filter in the property is a great way to reduce single-plastic use water bottles. Whether you opt for the whole properties water system to be filtered, or simply place a water filter in the fridge, your home can contribute to become that little bit greener.
#7- Shop Vintage:
Furniture can cost a lot of money, and often, people pay for bespoke furniture items to be made. If you’re trying to make your property that little bit more eco-friendly, then try to shop vintage. Next time your property needs to upgrade a piece of furniture, check out local charity shops or opt to shop in online stores that display second-hand or vintage furniture.
#8- Smart Thermostat:
Upgrading to a smart thermostat is an excellent way to make your home eco-friendly on a budget. It will reduce your energy bills, as it creates automatic and programmable temperature settings based on daily schedules- ultimately improving your green footprint.
#9- Gardening:
Planting a simple area for fruit and vegetables to grow in your garden is a great way to reduce shopping trips, food costs and food packaging that will ultimately contribute to landfill waste.
#10- Online Bill Paying:
Instead of having dozens of bills sent to your property in letter form, switching to an online way to pay bills will massively reduce paper waste- and help your home become more eco-friendly.
