Making your home renewable has become an easier task with the innovation of technology and the accessibility of products. A homeowner can make simple changes to their home to decrease energy consumption, thereby saving money whilst simultaneously doing their part for the environment. At Captain Green, we believe that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to a healthier planet. Here are ten simple tips to help you create an eco-friendlier and energy-efficient home.
1) Use energy-efficient appliances
Energy-efficient appliances with high energy star ratings can contribute to lower energy bills by cutting down energy consumption. Whilst there is usually an extra cost when purchasing a higher star efficiency item, this is ultimately offset by the energy it consumes over its lifetime as your bills will be lower.
2) Lightbulbs
Swapping your old light bulbs for energy-efficient bulbs is an easy way to decrease energy consumption, using up to 75% less energy and lasting at least ten times longer than regular light bulbs.
3) Reusable bags
Taking your friendly reusable bag when heading to the local shop is a simple change that has profound effects on the environment. Saying ‘no’ to plastic bags is saying ‘yes’ to a cleaner, happier, and a healthier planet.
4) Washable and sustainable cleaning products
Using washable cloths and natural cleaning products such as scourers made out of coconut husk, mean less of things that are harder to break down in landfill once they are thrown out. Paper towels, stainless steel scourers, plastic-handled scrubbers, and disposable dishcloths all take more energy and time to break down, resulting in higher emission of greenhouse gases and ultimates negatively impacting the environment.
5) Reduce, reuse and recycle
Buying fresh fruit and vegetables with no packaging, reusing jars, using drink bottles and Tupperware, and recycling are excellent ways to become more eco-friendly as it this means less waste that ends up in a landfill.
6) Water
Making small changes in water use can have a drastic effect on your energy bills. Some of the ways you can do this may be by turning the tap off when not in use, using the half flush option (if you have one), fixing leaks. Some more ways can include using cold water instead of hot water for washing clothes and shorter showers. All these will reduce your water bill and make your home more energy-efficient.
7) Insulation and ventilation
Making sure your home is adequately insulted will have a significant impact on your energy bills. Insufficient insulation means your home will struggle to retain heat in the winter and keep cool in the summer. Good insulation prevents the constant use of heating and air-conditioning. Besides, making sure you have adequate ventilation by ensuring seals and gaps are closed up and keeping the doors closed in summer will mean you end up using your heating and cooling system for your house, and not the whole neighbourhood!
8) Unplug!
Appliances and unused chargers are nicknamed energy vampires or a reason! Whilst this may seem small and insignificant, charges and devices add up, and so does your bill!
9) Indoor plants
Adopting some plant babies for the home not only adds ambience and style, but it can also improve air quality and create a fun activity for families to watch their inside garden grow. Creating a happier and healthier space is what we at Captain Green are all about!
10) Start composting
More and more homes are using compost bins to do their bit for the environment. Not only is it a fabulous way to generate your succulent fertiliser, but they reduce the amount of household waste as well.
By making these small changes, we can bring our bills down and contribute to creating a more renewable home. In the short term, our hip pocket benefits and in the long term, the planet does.
