10 Ways to make your home more eco-friendly
Published on Wed Sep 5 2018 in Lifestyle
Sustainable living is becoming more important to people right around the country. Whilst recycling programmes are popular, many Kiwis are looking for even more ways to do their part for the planet. Luckily, there are hundreds of actions people can take—from small swaps to larger lifestyle changes.
Here are 10 ways to make your home more environmentally friendly.
Quick & easy
1. Swap incandescent light bulbs for CFL or LED ones. If you’re still hanging on to a few old light bulbs, the time has come to replace them. CFL and LED bulbs are super energy-efficient, making them better for the planet. Their cost has dropped considerably since they were first introduced, making the switch even better for your pocketbook, too!
2. Turn off lights when you leave a room. Dad’s everywhere will agree with this simple step! Switching off the lights can reduce your energy use and help keep the electricity bill in check. Step up your efforts even more by turning off power points when they’re not in use.
3. Use a fan in summer. Air conditioning has a big impact on the environment. Not only does it use a lot of energy, it can also leak dangerous greenhouse gases directly into the atmosphere. Instead, try making due with a ceiling or pedestal fan. These options use less electricity and don’t directly pollute either.
4. Switch to green cleaning supplies. Many cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals that are bad for the planet and may also be bad for our health. The best eco-friendly solutions are non-toxic and made from biodegradable ingredients that don’t negatively impact the environment.
A bit more effort
5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. Is your fridge or washing machine headed for the kerb? Choosing a model with an excellent energy rating could help lower your power usage. This might be especially important for appliances that get a lot of use, such as the fridge, oven, dishwasher or washing machine.
6. Get a rain barrel. Keeping a garden lush and green can require litres of water, diverting it from more important uses. Collecting rainwater for the garden or lawn can help. Rain barrels are relatively easy to install and can be connected to an irrigation system. Some councils even let you use rainwater for laundry or drinking, so long as it’s properly treated and purified (check the requirements with your local council).
7. Start composting. Food waste is a big problem in New Zealand. Kiwi households throw out about 79kg1 of food each year, releasing tonnes of methane gas into the air as it decomposes in landfills. Composting turns food scraps into fertilizer for your garden or lawn without creating greenhouse gas. Apartment dwellers can do their part by using alternatives to traditional composting, such as Bokashi bins and worm farms.
Going all out
8. Insulate your home. Properly insulating a house could be the most practical and cost-effective way to make it more energy efficient. Insulation helps prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain during the summer. This in turn can help you better regulate the indoor temperature when using the heater or aircon. Adding insulation to the walls is just one step—don’t forget to put it under floors, in ceilings and under the roof as well.
9. Install double-glazed windows. Insulating your home doesn’t have to stop at the walls. Windows are also a spot where heat or cold can escape, potentially increasing energy use as you adjust the thermostat to offset this. Double-glazed windows can help prevent heat loss with the added bonus of minimising noise, too!
10. Install solar panels. Converting your home’s electricity to solar is a big investment, but one with a huge positive impact on the environment. Sunlight is collected by solar panels and converted into energy. It’s one of the greenest ways to produce electricity and could also help you drastically lower your power bill.
Looking for more ways to help the environment? Get your coworkers involved at the office!
1. Love Food Hate Waste, Don’t let food go to waste
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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