According to a recent Mintel study, going green and being more eco friendly is becoming a priority in many UK households.
The latest report revealed that almost six in ten adults in the UK aged 25+, claim to be more aware of their effect on the environment, and feel that they have a duty to protect it (2010).
There is no escaping the fact that the way we live our lives is having a big impact on the environment and slowly but surely, people are starting to do what they can, in a bid to combat high energy bills and global warming.
A few simple changes can go a long way and like charity, going green begins at home.
Becoming more eco friendly is mainly down to being more efficient at home and adjusting the way we do things in small steps.
Here are five top tips to help you begin:
1. Conserve energy and electricity use.
One of the easiest ways to save money and decrease your impact on the environment is to reduce your monthly energy usage.
Simple things like turning off all appliances when not in use, changing light bulbs to energy efficient ones and replacing appliances using higher energy.
Fill washing machines and dishwashers to maximum capacity.
2. Heating and hot water
According to Energy Saving Trust UK, boilers account for around 60% of the carbon dioxide emissions in a gas heated home.
By replacing an old G rated boiler with a new high efficiency condensing boiler and improving your heating controls, you will significantly cut your home’s carbon dioxide emissions and save as much as £225 a year.
3. Floor insulation
Insulating under your floorboards will reduce heating bills and improve the comfort of your home. You could save around £50 a year by insulating any type of wood flooring in your home.
Gaps and cracks around floors and skirting boards are easy to fill yourself, with sealant, which could also save you a further £20 a year.
4. Clean green
Stop buying household cleaners that are potentially toxic to both you and the environment.
Check products before purchase and look for eco-friendly ingredients that perform just as effectively.
Brands such as Ecover, offer effective plant based cleaning products for the home. These products are usually biodegradable and don’t harm wildlife if they get into water-courses.
5. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Implement the three ‘R’s in your household – by Reducing how much you use, Reusing what you can, and then Recycling the rest.
Excess waste is a huge part of pollution, so doing your best not to create or wrongly dispose of rubbish will definitely help the environment.
For further information about creating an eco-friendlyhome , please visit the websites provided.
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
http://www.1926woodflooring.co.uk/acatalog/Products_Underlays_167.html
http://www.ecover.com/gb/en/