Climate change has been the topic of the day for quite a few years.
Yet, many people are still apprehensive about taking action because they don’t think it could make any difference. While an act of one person might seem small and insignificant, every person could help to improve the situation. And when you add all the small things together, you and everyone else trying to make their lives more sustainable could make a tangible difference.
Of course, you could start with smaller actions like not using plastic bags or toxic cleaning products. But when you’re ready to take it a step further, you could make some changes to your home and upgrade it.
Here are the things you might want to consider when making your home more eco-friendly.
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Update Your Doors And Windows
Based on the Centre for Sustainable Energy findings, a typical building loses 10% of overall heat through the windows. And if you’re losing heat through the door and windows, you might have to use more gas and electricity to keep your home warm. That could lead to higher energy bills and a carbon footprint.
Homeowners with a large enough budget might want to consider replacing their current windows with double-glazed ones. Those on a limited budget should consider getting secondary glazing, as that can be much cheaper.
You could also reseal your windows and doors with weather stripping, door snakes or window treatments. That might help you to decrease your energy usage and make your home more sustainable as a result.
Explore The Benefits Of Renewable Energy
Energy usage plays a significant part in climate change. It’s often mentioned as one of the main contributors to the problem – and that’s why you might want to explore the option of renewable energy in more depth. It could help you protect your neighbourhood’s environment and reduce air pollution. At the same time, you might be able to reduce your emissions and energy bills.
However, it would be best if you did your research before you took any specific steps. Whether you’re looking into the option of solar panels or wind turbines, you need to ensure they’re suitable for your area.
Some locations might be unable to use renewable sources, so you must get all the required information. And if you’re unsure, get in touch with a professional who might be able to help and give you the advice you need.
Protect The Local Environment
When you decide to make your home more environmentally friendly, changes to the interior might be the first thing that comes to your mind. But you should also think about your garden and the nature around your home. And if you’re planning to invest in a more extensive renovation, you might need to apply for planning permission.
To ensure that your application gets accepted, you should contact Arbtech to book your Ecology Survey and learn more about its importance. At the end of the process, you might find out whether there are any protected species on your land, such as:
- Badgers
- Barn owls
- Otters
- Reptiles
However, you could also determine if there are any invasive species like injurious weeds or other problematic species. You might be able to learn more about the condition of the property and its environment with professionals by your side.
Equip The House With Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting fixtures are an everyday part of our lives, and it might be challenging to imagine completing your daily tasks without them. You already know about the impact energy usage can have on the environment.
So, you might want to take further steps to decrease the levels of your electricity usage. Replacing your light bulbs with LED lights might help you improve the quality of light in your home and reduce your electricity usage simultaneously.
LED light bulbs also imitate natural sunlight and might enhance your overall well-being. And while they emit bright light, they need much less electricity. They also have impressive longevity, and you might not need to replace them for a couple of years, depending on how often you use the light.
Leaning towards modern technology might help you to cut down your energy bills and move the finances to areas where you need them more. But you might also be able to reduce the amount of waste your household produces and do something good for the environment.
Plant Your Own Garden
If you’re one of the lucky homeowners with their own garden, you should take the opportunity to support biodiversity in your area. Planting the right seeds in your garden might encourage bees, butterflies, birds and other animals to visit your land.
You could also grow your fruit, vegetables or herbs. That might help you to become less dependent on the shops and reduce your carbon emissions significantly. However, there are even more benefits that plants can bring to your garden and neighbourhood. Plants act as highly effective air purifiers and can absorb carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants.
In exchange, you would be rewarded with fresh air and clean oxygen. Additionally, you might be able to reduce the stress you feel every day and improve your overall health.
Enjoy The Benefits Of A Sustainable Home
Living in an eco-friendly home can provide you with many benefits. Of course, you could do your bit in the fight against climate change.
You might be able to impact the environment on a smaller scale and start with your neighbourhood. Supporting the local biodiversity and adjusting your garden could encourage more wildlife. And if you want to make more extensive changes and need planning permission, remember to go through all the crucial surveys and responsibilities you might have.
On the inside of your home, even a small step, like changing your light bulbs, could make a tangible difference.
Ensure that the building is airtight and that you’re not losing heat. Even though it might be challenging, remember that every small change counts, and you can help to create a better world for future generations.
