Green living and being more energy efficient is something that everyone has to think about nowadays. Not only is the good of the environment at the forefront of everyone's minds but the pinch of the recession means that saving money is something that even more people are thinking about that ever. Here are a few easy tips to help you make a start on making everyday life that little bit greener:
1. Unplug, Turn Off & Shutdown
Even when your computer, TV and other appliances are on standby, they're using electricity! Try to make sure you shutdown, switch off at the mains or unplug electrical items in the home wherever possible. This will also reduce your carbon footprint as it's estimated that equipment left on standby in the UK produces 3.1 million tonnes of CO2 a year!
2. Give Your Shower a Facelift
Getting a newer and better showerhead could save up to 5 litres of water a minute! A new more efficient showerhead can use up to a third less water per minute than older models.
3. Eat Locally & Seasonally
So much produce in your local supermarket has been shipped from faraway lands! Shipped by boat, truck, plane or train just think about the amount of greenhouse gases that have been emitted to get that bunch of bananas there!
4. Improve Heat Retention in Your Home
Probably the two most common green home improvements: installing double glazing and loft insulation. Although not as easy as the above tips, these two combined can massively increase heat retention in the home and therefore decrease energy bills therefore reducing your carbon footprint. It's definitely something we should all think about getting done.
5. Lower the Thermostat
We all know just how cold it can get here in the UK, especially after the winter just gone but turning your thermostat down by just one degree can reduce energy usage by up to 10%.
6. Look After Your Car & Don't Overfill the Tank or the Boot
If your tyre pressures are right and your car is looked after, it WILL run more efficiently. Leaving loads of stuff in the boot and filling the tank to the brim also add extra weight which means more fuel is used. Try to put less petrol in more often and keep the clutter to a minimum and you'll help save money and the environment.
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