Just a few short years ago, the term ‘carbon footprint’ wasn’t in our vocabulary. Now, you can’t get away from hearing it mentioned on the news, in Parliament, or when choosing new kitchen appliances.
Living a greener lifestyle isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also good for your wallet and your wellbeing. Whether you live in a charming stone-built cottage or a modern innercity flat, there are many things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint and use energy with a clearer conscience. Let’s take a look at ways you can make a difference with environmentally-friendly changes inside and outside your home.
Improve Home Insulation
In the UK, many of us live in older homes that aren’t exactly champions of energy efficiency. It means that our homes can get colder easily and cost more to heat. But by improving your home’s insulation, especially in lofts and external walls, you not only keep the warmth locked in but also slash energy bills. It’s a win-win: more comfort with less cost and lower emissions.
Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
When it’s time to upgrade your household appliances, go for those with excellent energy-efficiency ratings. You might have to pay more for these models but you’ll make bigger savings in the long run. From fridges that chill without cooling the planet to washing machines that spin without costing the earth, these appliances are a smart investment and cost significantly less to run. Why not a smart meter into the mix? You’ll see which appliances are costing you more to run and can make better decisions on upgrades.
Switch to Renewable Energy
More and more energy suppliers are offering renewable energy tariffs today. Switching to an energy supplier that sources power from renewables like wind or solar could dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. If you’re ready to take things up a gear, why not consider solar panel installation? They absorb energy from the sun, even on cloudy days, and provide ample power for your home.
Embrace the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Mindfulness in consumption begins by reducing the amount of waste you produce. For example, you could opt for products with less packaging, find new uses for old items, and up your recycling game. Got kitchen scraps? Start a compost bin. Not only does this reduce landfill waste but it also gives you amazing compost for gardening.
Conserve Water
Water is in plentiful supply in the UK, but it’s also a precious resource. Small fixes like repairing leaking taps, collecting rainwater in the garden, and installing low-flow showerheads can make a big difference in your water usage.
Smart Heating Management
If you have an older heating system, it could be costing you more to run than you think. Upgrading to a modern programmable thermostat or smart boiler system can help you to heat your home more efficiently, ensuring you only use energy when and where you need it.
Rethink Transport
Your carbon footprint is largely affected by the modes of transport you use. Making changes to how you move around could be very beneficial to the environment. Could you take the bus instead of using your car? Could you walk to work or perhaps ride a bike? Even switching to an electric or hybrid car could make a huge difference.
Grow Green With Your Garden
Have you ever thought about creating a vegetable plot? It’s a great way to cut down on your carbon footprint. Instead of buying vegetables that have travelled hundreds and even thousands of miles, you can take a short walk to your garden to pick your own produce. Use peat-free compost (your own if you have it) and try growing some easy vegetables first, such as herbs or tomatoes.
Spread the Word
Sharing your carbon footprint busting tips with friends and neighbors is a great way to spread the word and love for the planet. Every conversation you have can plant a seed that grows into another green lifestyle convert.
Here at Energy Saving Grants, we’re passionate about the planet and your pocket. We’re here to help you make big savings on your energy costs through actionable tips and also tapping into the energy-saving grants on offer from the government.
Get in touch with our team today or fill in our application form to see if you qualify for a grant for insulation, solar energy, or heating.