The importance of protecting the planet is becoming increasingly important. More and more people are choosing to learn about how they can make small changes in their lives to live more sustainably. Here are some of the best switches you can implement into your daily living to do the same.
1. Install Solar Panels
Most houses are appropriate for solar panel installation. Using solar energy reduces your consumption of non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels. It can also decrease your bills, so it’s a win-win situation! You can get a high efficiency 200 watt solar panel fitted onto your roof to start with, and add additional panels further down the line if you wish to.
2. Wash Your Clothes at a Lower Temperature
Heating the water in a washing machine requires up to 90% of the energy in a washing machine cycle. Therefore, setting your wash loads to a cooler temperature can massively reduce the energy consumption of your washing machine.
3. Drive an Electric Car
Electric cars run on renewable energy. There has been a huge push for people to drive electric vehicles over traditional options that rely on petrol or diesel. Although electric cars are not currently widely available, and they are pretty expensive to buy, there’s no doubt that they will become accessible to a larger percentage of the population in the very near future.
4. Recycle When Possible
By placing your plastics, glass, paper, and cardboard waste in the right recycle bins, you can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or in the ocean. You can use your compost bin to dispose of any leftovers or other biological waste like the bits of grass in your lawnmower, or use this waste as free fertiliser for your garden.
5. Switch to LED Bulbs
Investing in low energy light bulbs not only saves the planet, but it also saves you money! LED bulbs are great energy efficient alternatives to incandescent bulbs and they last much longer. Next time you’re in the store, grab yourself a packet of low energy bulbs, and you’ll immediately see the difference in your energy bills.
6. Turn Off the Plugs
When you’re not using certain pieces of electrical equipment, don’t just switch them onto standby. Instead, turn them off at the plugs. This will reduce the amount of electricity that you consume and also decreasing your utility bills.
7. Switch to Homemade Cleaning Products
Natural homemade cleaning products can be just as effective, if not more effective, than shop-bought options. But they don’t contain the nasty and harmful chemicals that are found in traditional cleaning sprays and lotions. Ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda are great to remove stains and clean your home.
8. Upcycle Your Clothing
Upcycling involves taking old or unused pieces of fabric and using it to create brand new pieces of clothing. If you have an old shirt or dress that you no longer wear, try switching it up into a brand-new item! Not only is this a fun and creative activity, but it saves you from buying as many new clothes. You’re going to save money and save the environment at the same time!
