Easy Ways to Go Eco at Home
People tend to think of eco-friendly homes as being handmade Hobbit-like structures, powered totally by the sun. But to be eco-friendly in your home these days, you don’t need to embrace any off-kilter stereotypes. All you need to do, is take simple, mindful steps. Here are just a few.
Compost
The amount of waste that goes to landfill each year is disgusting, particularly when much of it is comprised of reusable food scraps and leftovers. Perfectly good fruit, vegetable and garden scraps don’t belong in landfill; that’s a space that should be reserved for crooked politicians and Barry Manilow records. So set up a compost heap in your back garden, and keep a small bucket or container in your kitchen next to the food preparation surfaces, so you don’t forget to stick those scraps where they belong. Your reward? Rich soil and peace of mind.
Energy Saving Lights
Unless you live in a cave or a garden shed, the cost of lighting will account for roughly 7 to 10 percent of all your household bills. What you should realise is that – as well as costing you money – your antiquated light bulbs are also costing the environment dearly. So sacrifice those outdated, traditional light bulbs in the home and those harsh, energy-guzzling halogen floodlights in the garden. Energy saving lightbulbs and LED Floodlights (these are becoming more common now – see Bright Lightz for an idea of the range offered) both emit a great amount of light, whilst being cheaper than conventional bulbs and, more importantly, far better for the environment.
Do Away With Plastics
Plastic bags are readily available in just about every supermarket worldwide. But this doesn’t mean they should be. In actual fact, plastic bags are shown to be one of the chief contributors to global warming worldwide. The solution? Do away with plastics in your home and invest a couple of bucks in a sturdy, long-life back made from recyclable materials instead. Does it take much effort? No. Does it make a big difference? Absolutely.
The Future of Life on Earth
Going eco isn’t about reliving Woodstock or building a home fit for Bilbo Baggins. Going eco is about recognising two key facts. One; that sustainability and recycling can be achieved with very little effort and two; that the future of life on earth depends on it.
