If repeated warnings from climate and environmental scientists haven’t taught us anything, last year’s COP26 Summit most definitely did – that is, we must come together and do more to protect our planet to ensure that we have a future on it.
Currently, 40% of UK emissions come directly from households and buildings, while residential properties are responsible for between 17-21% of energy-related carbon emissions globally. Whether it’s powering your TV and electronic devices, heating up your shower, or heating water and cooking, most things we do at home goes into significant energy usage.
With a goal to reduce global carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, it is clear that everyone has a significant role to play – this is why Moveable have come up with six easy ways to make your home more eco-friendly, because every bit counts!
Make sure you have a recycling bin
Ensuring that you have a recycling bin is crucial in making sure that waste gets broken down properly. As we reach a crucial point in safeguarding a sustainable and healthy future, the recycling of plastic is a significant factor of maintaining a circular economy – a regenerative economic approach aimed at lowering our dependence on finite resources. Currently, only 46% of people in the UK recycle their plastic waste, revealing a severe lack of knowledge around this process.
Set up a compost pile/bin
About a third of the world’s food goes to waste – producing, transporting and letting food rot releases around 8-10% of global greenhouse gases. Having a compost bin in your home is an easy, inexpensive and natural process to help get rid of any food waste and leftovers. Even better – you can turn this into free fertiliser for your garden or backyard. If you have a garden bed, you can even create a compost pile – this will help enrich the soil and retain moisture, suppressing plant diseases and pests.
Install Smart Appliances
Technology has completely transformed the ways in which we live, and continues to do so. Now, it also assists with creating greener ways to live at home and all without being too costly. From motion sensors that turn your lights off, to smart ACs and heating controls, smart appliances will not only assist with keeping your energy cost down, it’ll also make your life a lot easier! Check out cool tech gadgets that would turn your home into a smart house here!
Change your lightbulbs
On average, Brits waste almost £15 million a day by leaving the lights on. Swapping your normal lightbulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs can make a significant difference in your electricity usage. LED lightbulbs can draw up to 85% less electricity than normal lights and offers a durable and eco-friendly alternative that can help save you money in the long run!
Fill your home with plants
One of the benefits of having indoor plants is that it is great for air purification. Not only does it fill your home with green freshness, plants release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide – meaning that is freshens the air and eliminates harmful toxins.
Be smart with your appliances
Did you know that around 30% of people in the UK have their appliances left on standby that haven’t been used in a year? This is called a ‘phantom load’ – that is an electronic device or appliance that consumes electricity even when it’s turned off because it’s still plugged into an outlet. By ensuring your plugs are turned off when they’re not in use, or during the night, you can easily cut costs off your next bill and reduce carbon emissions at the same time!