We’re all encouraged to adopt more eco-friendly behaviours in order to live a better life. But sometimes, these practices come at a pricey cost. Still, we can make a small effort to fight against waste. Plus, going green can also help save money in the long run, starting with how we handle our house energy. So, let’s see what some affordable ideas for an environmentally-sound house are.
Choose LED bulbs instead of regular ones
LED bulbs have much more benefits for your energy-saving house than a normal bulb. First of all, they use less electricity for the same light output and last much longer (around 25,000 hours). Plus, their light is less tiring for the eyes, which can significantly impact your house’s lighting.
LED bulbs are even safer than regular ones because they don’t emit as much heat, which makes them operate more efficiently. And let’s not forget that regular bulbs have fluorescent or mercury vapour lights inside, which makes them negatively affect the environment after being disposed of and can also emit UV radiation (mostly in lamps).
A cheaper alternative to LEDs that is still environmentally friendly is CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) which use 75% less energy than a regular incandescent bulb. CFLs products have a few options regarding the light’s hue, like warm white, soft white and even daylight options.
Have more plants around the house
Plants maintain the atmosphere by releasing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and providing a great habitat for wildlife and humans. The more plants are around us, the more the environment flourishes.
Whether you live in a house with a garden or in an apartment, it’s always a good choice to have plenty of plants around. That’s because they not only improve the air’s quality but also help boost your mood, reduce fatigue and lower stress and anxiety. If you’re planning on having plants indoors, you could try:
- Peace lily
- Monstera deliciosa
- Spider or snake plant
- Philodendron
- Calathea ornata
But if you want plants outdoors that don’t require much care, try:
- Fatsia japonica
- Olive tree
- Hydrangea
- Cordyline
- Convolvulus
Invest in quality furniture
We know that if you’re on a budget, investing in high-end furniture is not feasible for the moment, but if you plan on investing in something in the future, it’s better to do so. That’s because quality furniture can last longer and doesn’t require as many fixtures. Making a decision should involve your current and future needs and plans, as well as your savings.
But you can also find cheap furniture if you make your research on websites like kitchenwarehouseltd.com, where you can find an array of kitchen units and replacement doors that fit any pocket. You can even look for furniture that matches your house’s design and not worry about having to replace it soon, as the materials are well-manufactured.
Install a water filter
Plastic has become a real problem in the past years, as there are around 380 million metric tons of plastic are being produced yearly, from which many are from plastic bottles. Buying plastic bottles continuously not only makes you spend more money but not recycling them properly is also affecting wildlife.
So, a significant investment would be to install a water filter on your faucet so you don’t have to carry around dozens of bottles again. Not only you’ll save plenty of money in the long run, but filtered water also has other benefits, from improving the taste of your drinking water to reducing limescale and other mineral deposits. You can find water filters that are easy to install by yourself, as they can be connected to almost any tap.
Recycle and compost
Knowing how to recycle correctly will save you a lot of money if you do it consistently. A lot of products you usually get rid of can become something else (like cardboard), or you can just use them to compost and add the mixture to your plants.
Compost is a great solution for people who don’t want to throw food or don’t have the means because the combination can enrich the soil, retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests. Plus, you won’t have to use chemical fertilisers on your plants anymore, and you’ll be able to grow them organically. Any kitchen scraps from plants, leaves and shredded twigs are great for your composting.
Fix any drippings
In any house, there’s a faucet that drips at night or a water installation that hasn’t been fixed in ages, and as much as we don‘t like it, they are one of the leading causes of money and water waste. Even if the fixtures can be pricey at some point, it’s best to make sure that you won’t have bigger problems in the future. Whether it’s a leaky toilet or a faucet, try not to fix them yourself, as you may aggravate the situation and call an expert.
Here are some signs of leaking water pipes to look out for:
- Calcium build-up
- Pipe corrosion
- Hard water
Also, look out for clogs, like hair, dirt or grease that can affect your drainage.
Know what consumes energy the most
Most of the time, we’re unaware of what appliances and gadgets consume the most energy, some of which we don’t use frequently or are too old. That’s why it’s best to purchase home appliances with the latest energy labels, making them the most energy-efficient.
On top of the list of appliances that use the most energy are dishwashers, tumble dryers, ovens and regular light bulbs. Some of them you can even replace for greener practices. For example, you can dry your clothes outside instead of using a tumble dryer. Sun drying can also help clothes last longer, as they’re not stretched and rolled like in the tumble dryer. Or, instead of using the oven, you could use a microwave, especially if your lifestyle allows it, and so on.
Wrapping up
There are many healthy practices for the environment that you can adopt, which will not only help you save a lot of money, but you’ll also become an advocate for saving the planet by avoiding waste.