Green Home Guide
One of the greatest challenges currently facing humanity is Global Warming. The environmental impact we are responsible for has severe ramifications for ourselves and future generations if we do not take steps to decrease the extent of the damage our lifestyles are causing. There are some simple steps you can take to make your home 'green' and decrease your impact on the environment and lessen your carbon footprint. This buying guide will highlight some of the options available to you to make your home as ecologically sound as possible.
Energy Saving Home
There are numerous ways to reduce the amount of energy you use without impacting your standard of living. Many manufacturers now concentrate on producing products that are specifically designed to use less energy and create less waste than existing models. You will be surprised how a number of small changes can add up to a big saving - to both the environment and your wallet.
CarbonFootprint.com suggests that the following items may require an initial investment; but should pay for themselves through energy savings over the course of one-to-four years.
| Energy Saving Home |
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Energy Saving Lightbulbs  come in all sizes, wattage's and shapes. CarbonFootprint.com calculates that switching to energy saving bulbs can cut wastage by up to 75%. |
Installing thermostatic valves on your radiators allows you to manage temperatures accurately. This reduces waste and your heating bills. |
Loft insulation traps heat in your home and keeps it warmer for longer. |
Cavity Wall Insulation can reduce heat-loss by upto 60% according to CarbonFootprint.com. That represents significant savings on your energy bills over the long-term. |
Energy Saving Appliances
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Household appliances or 'white goods' have become increasingly energy efficient in recent years. When considering a replacement appliance, look for those appliances with an energy savings recommended rating of 'A' and above. The EnergySavingTrust.org.uk has strict guidelines on efficiency standards that must be met in order for an appliance to carry the logo. |
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When looking for a fridge , remember only those carrying the 'energy saving recommended logo' meet the highest standards of energy efficiency. |
With a new Washing Machine , you are looking for a washer rated 'AAA' or above. This is a categorisation created by the EnergySavingTrust.org.uk that means "A for energy efficiency, A for spin efficiency and A for wash performance'. |
EnergySavingTrust.org.uk recommends IDTVs, (Intergrated Digital Televisions) which receive digital signals without the need for a separate digital set-top box. This means only one electrical supply is needed rather than two. |
An energy saving Desktop or Laptop computer can provide real savings to your energy bill and reduce carbon emissions. |
Green Foods and Drinks
Changing what you buy on your weekly grocery shop can make a difference to the environment. Buying locally made produce means you are not participating in the import of foreign grown products which often rely on being flown as they are perishable. Organic produce uses ecologically sustainable farming methods and none of the pesticides used in commercial farming that frequently damage ecosystems.
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Organic meats and poultry come from livestock raised in an ethical manner on farms using sustainable methods. For produce to be labelled 'organic', tight regulations regarding the use of artificial chemicals have to be met by the farmer. |
Beer is best bought from local brewery's wherever possible. This minimizes damage to the environment brought about through its transportation. |
Chocolate's manufacture often uses a variety of pesticides which cause damage to the sensitive ecosystems where the chocolate is produced. Look for labels like "Fair Trade" or "Certified Organic" where cocoa is grown in a sustainable manner. |
Tea and coffee production is also guilty of using methods that adversely impact the environment. Again, look for varieties that bear the "Fair Trade" logo or are from trusted organic producers. |
Wherever possible try not to buy fresh fruit out of season. Due to it's highly perishable nature, it will more than likely have been flown in from abroad. |
Green Guides
There are an ever increasing range of resources for those who want to learn more about how they can make a positive contribution to combatting climate change. A wide-ranging series of books on how to create an eco-friendly home are available.
Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy is a massively under-utilized resource. Renewable energy sources include Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Geothermal Energy, Hydro Power and Bioenergy. Some of these forms of renewable energy have practical applications in the modern home.
Some Tips To Help You Make A Difference Today
CarbonFootprint.com offers the following tips on how to make some positive changes instantly.
- Turn down your central heating. Even one degree makes a difference; so if you can handle it a bit cooler then turn down that dial.
- Check the timer on your central heating. Make sure it's set to come on only when you really need it. If you're not going to be the house, then you don't the heat on - right?
- Always make sure your dishwasher and washing machine have always have a full load before running them. Where possible, use a cold wash setting on the washing machine - this uses less energy than a warm wash.
- Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. If you're only having one cup of tea, one cup of water is all you need to boil.
- Rather than tumble dry your washing - hang it out to dry where possible.
- Buy all your groceries in one weekly trip.
- Recycle as much as possible.
- Try to make less flights.
- For shorter journeys leave the car at home - try to cycle or walk.
- When you can, use public transport such as trains and buses.
- Car-share.
- Don't buy bottled water where the tap water is safe.
- Don't buy heavily packaged products.
- Re-use shopping bags or buy a reusuable shopping bag . Try to avoid using the plastic bags carried by most supermarkets.
- Turn-off appliances. Don't leave them on standby, this will save energy and reduce your bills.
- See if you can work from home one day a week or more.
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