With everything going on in the world it's no wonder people are looking at ways to improve their carbon footprint and make their homes a healthier and happier place to live.
If you've been thinking of renovating or just want to make some quick and simple changes then our top tips below will give you a little inspiration.
Energy usage
The most obvious place to start is with improving your energy efficiency and even adding solar panels for the biggest impact. This will provide you with complete energy independence as they can be used to power appliances in your home, heat up your water and even keep your house warm.
If you don't want to splash out for solar panels then by simply changing your light bulbs with LED bulbs can have a big impact on the environment and your wallet!
For the gadget lovers and data nerds (that's us) you can install an energy meter and monitor your electricity usage in real time.
Which appliance do you think uses the most electricity in your house? (answer at the bottom of the blog).
Upcycle
Upcycling is a brilliant way to get your creative side engaged and give your home a little personalisation. If you don't want to have a go at painting and making your own furniture then scout your local markets, garage sales and even online sites such as Facebook and Gumtree. More likely than not, you’ll be able to find great pieces for only a fraction of the original price.
Water
Water is a finite resource we simply can’t live without, yet it's not something we often think about as it's so convenient to get. With a couple of small and easy changes including your actions can make a big impact.
Installing or ensuring your taps and showerheads feature aerators, replace your toilet with a dual flush and for a bigger impact add a rainwater tank and system to feed your greywater appliances.
Some good habits to get into could simply be turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or preserving water you used to wash fruit and vegetables and use it to water your plants.
Plants
Plants around the house aren't a new thing but it's surprising at how few people actually have them. It's a proven fact that plants around the home help to boost our mood and promote positivity. If you want to go a bit further than the standard pot plant then solutions like rooftop gardens, window gardens and living walls have become a lot more affordable and accessible.
Aside from the amazing aesthetic properties and air purifying properties of these green elements, vertical living walls and rooftop gardens are excellent at acting like an additional source of insulation, keeping your home warm during colder periods and cool in hot summer days.
Reduce and Recycle
Removing plastic from our lives completely is no easy task especially when everything is covered in the stuff! Simply by having this front of mind when shopping can have a big impact on how you buy your items. If it's not practical to remove the plastic from your normal items then simply ensuring it goes into the correct recycling bin can help keep it out of landfill.
As you can see, making your home more eco-friendly and reducing its carbon footprint doesn't have to be that difficult. Good luck and enjoy your new green living space!
If you're thinking of renovating and need to refinance to get some cash out then contact us today to see how we can help.
*Which appliance do you think uses the most electricity in your house? Yep, you probably guessed it it's the Air Conditioner, closely followed by water heaters and tumble dryers.
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