They say that charity begins at home … but so does an eco-friendly approach to life.
Whilst naysayers may scoff and paint pictures of environmentally aware folk as uber-liberal vegetarians with a penchant for whole foods, the reality is often quite different.
In fact, your political leanings or fondness for a meat free diet should have nothing to do with your willingness to go the extra mile in an effort help your planet.
Short of joining Greenpeace or making your own clothes from hemp, though, many of you may be wondering how to get your hands dirty in a bid to become more eco-friendly, even if it’s on a small scale.
Consequently, check out these three easy ways to make your home more green, without enlisting for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society …
1 – Install Double Glazing
Admittedly, double glazing has been around forever, but potential energy savings are still not appreciated by everybody. Whether your house is old or new, make sure you get rid of your single glazed windows and reap the energy efficiency benefits of your fancy new panes.
Importantly, when choosing the type of frame to surround your new windows, it’s often best to opt for wood rather than uPVC or metal, as wood is easier to repair and is more environmentally friendly than the plastic option.
2 – Opt For Underfloor Heating
If you’re anything like the rest of us, your heating is probably turned up to 11 in a bid to keep your home toastier than a Pop Tart in hell. What you may not know, however, is your traditional radiators may be leaking an incredible amount of energy.
As a result, experts advise opting for underfloor heating, which can be installed effectively in most homes, regardless of age. One area of your home where you’ll feel the full effect of underfloor heating is in the bathroom, as it expertly warms your tootsies after a bath or shower.
3 – Consider Solar Panels
When making the decision to go green, it can occasionally require an investment – both time and money – before your efforts are rewarded. Step forward solar panels. Yep, although expensive, solar panels offer the opportunity for you to make some tangible long-term savings.
Pleasingly, aside from using the energy garnered from the sun to heat and power your own home, the National Grid will even buy your unused energy under the tariff system, although it’s wise to shop around to make sure you’re getting the most revenue from your solar system.
Now it’s your turn …
Do you have any tips for our readers looking to make their homes more eco-friendly? Please get in touch and leave us a comment below – we’d be delighted to hear your thoughts.
