In the past, the term ‘eco-friendly’ did not have the threatening connotations and feelings of impending doom that it has now. It originally tackled our thought process as to what we use and do throughout our daily lives, and how these could potentially be harmful to the environment. However, as time has gone on, the strive for a better planet has become a ‘do or die’ situation, as global warming now has unprecedented and irreversible consequences for everyone on planet earth. Scientists have now revealed that although global warming is now past the point of being reversible, we can do things to slow down the degenerative effects for future generations. Many people point the finger at huge corporations, as they can make the most significant change. However, we can all do our little bit…starting with our home. Here at We Buy Any House, we have compiled our top 6 ways to make your home eco-friendly in 2021.
Start by Washing Your Clothes in Cold Water:
Unbelievably, almost 90% of energy used by your washing machine is used to wash your clothes with hot water. By choosing to wash your clothes in cold water, you can not only reduce your bills massively, but also, it will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Additional benefits of washing your clothes with cold water include the fact that your clothes will be in better condition for longer, whereas hot water can make the colour lose its vibrancy and the fabric deteriorate.
Skipping the Dryer:
It’s acceptable in the winter, but throughout the summer months, why not make the most of the hot and sunny weather and dry your clothes outside on the line? Using the dryer is not only a great way to save money on your bills, but there is something unique about drying your clothes on the line outdoors- the freshness of your clothes is amazing. If you don’t have a garden or yard, you can always get an attachable drying rack on your balcony and let the sun dry your clothes that way.
Go DIY Instead of Buying New:
As shopping becomes easier and more accessible due to it being online and constant sales, we now have no excuse for buying things and having brand new clothes, furniture or gadgets. However, buying ‘new’ all the time isn’t very eco-friendly, as in addition to the impact the manufacturing process has on our planet, we are more than likely to just throw it out when we decide we need a newer version of it. Instead, it’s a good idea to take up DIY and see what things can be restored without having to buy new. Not only is it cost effective, but it’s also a great way to bond with family and friends.
Swap LED Bulbs for Regular Bulbs:
By investing in the right bulbs, you can make a huge difference to the planet and your bills. Energy-efficient light bulbs are a great investment, as not only do they use less electricity (which you will be thankful for when it comes time to pay the bills), but they are also great for the environment. Although incandescent bulbs may be tempting, they aren’t the best option in comparison to LED. Furthermore, LED bulbs help you to save money in the long run as they last longer.
Make Your Home Smart:
Although you may think implementing a lot of technological devices into your home may not be so eco-friendly, they actually are a popular choice in making your home eco-friendlier. If you’re guilty of leaving appliances on standby all day, or leaving the heating running in the house, then smart meters and devices are a great help in aiding you to get on top of your consumption. You can keep on top of things in terms of when things are turned on or off, and for how long. Controlled via your smartphone or tablet, all the data is easily accessible and will help you adopt a more conservative approach.
Using Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products:
A lot of cleaning products that are mainstream contain harmful ingredients, not only us but the environment too. In a world where we have slowly become obsessed with cleaning hacks and home presentation, it’s important to understand the type of chemical we are putting out into our home. Our planet’s biodiversity is becoming massively affected- mostly by detergents, preservatives and foaming agents- which have the most harmful effect on nature. It’s worthwhile considering switching to a sustainable source that has ingredients which do not deplete the ecosystem and contain no synthetic ingredients.
This article was written by a quick house sale company We Buy Any House. If you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?” or “how can I get someone to buy my house?”, head to the We Buy Any House website for more information relating to all property related enquiries.
