5 ways to be more eco-conscious in the home
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Loading... - Mason Bell
- 11 Jul 2022
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Eco-friendly home design has taken a greater priority in recent years, and thankfully, this trend is showing no signs of slowing down. From installing solar panels and glazed windows to planting a thriving kitchen garden, there are many ways we can continue in those (carbon-reduced) footsteps and set the pace for a more sustainable living environment – and even save some dollars while we're at it.
We've rounded up five simple eco-friendly ideas that will let you go greener at home.
1. SWITCH TO NATURAL CLEANING PRODUCTS
There's a good chance your kitchen and laundry cupboards are overflowing with sprays, scrubs and disinfectants. A new year is not only the perfect time to streamline your cleaning cupboard, it's also a good time to weight up the ingredients and consider switching to toxic-free products. Chemical cleaning products may seem effective, but with chlorine and ammonia-based formulas, not only are they bad for the environment, but could pose a safety risk to your family and potentially affect some homewares and finishes, too.
Try trading hazardous cleaning agents for natural-based products. Lemon, white vinegar and baking soda serve as great alternatives to strong bleaches and disinfectants, whilst microfibre cloths are great for wiping down surfaces. If you don't fancy the DIY route, try sorting out natural cleaning products for your home — there are plenty of great options on the market.
2. RE-EVALUATE YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN THE HOME
With more than one third of Australia's carbon emissions coming from energy usage in the home, there's never been a better time to re-evaluate your energy consumption. Switching to a clean energy future is as simple as turning off lights in empty rooms, shutting down computers from the source and unplugging unused appliances; all steps that will reduce your energy bills in the process.
Take the eco-friendly approach toward energy one step further and and re-evaluate your energy sources at home. For example, natural gas is versatile by nature. It can be used in the kitchen for cooking, outdoors for BBQs and heating (it can get a little chilly during summer evenings), and as a consistent and economic method for heating water (especially when paired with solar energy). Perhaps the greatest benefit of the safe and clean fuel; it emits 50 per cent less carbon dioxide than traditional fuels when you burn it. So whilst you go about everyday life, you can be reassured you're doing your bit for the environment.
3. SWITCH OUT OLD LIGHT BULBS
People often assume that energy-efficient bulbs emit fluorescent lighting — similar to the type you see in offices and grocery stores — which is not exactly a style you want featured at home. However, LED technology has improved markedly in the last few years, with many new bulb styles and light options available. So, if you haven't already made the switch to LED or CFL bulbs, it might be time to do so.
It's not just a cost-effective change, it's also an environmentally sustainable one. LED bulbs, in particular, use less energy – they're around 85 per cent more energy efficient than traditional lightbulbs - and they also last a lot longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning this is one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest ways to start living more eco-consciously at home. Read More…
