10 Ways to make your home Eco-friendly
#1
Choose Category A, B or C rated windows and doors that comply with the Energy Saving Trust, to help save money on heating and fuel bills, improve building energy efficiency, help prevent energy and heat loss and reduce carbon footprint. Or choose wood-framed windows rather than UPVC or metal. They are easier to repair, more insulating, last a lifetime and are less polluting than the cheaper UPVC (unplasticised poly vinyl chloride), from which many domestic window frames are made, which emits toxic compounds.
#2
Buy an eco-friendly nameplate, like this one from https://www.housenameplate.co.uk/eco-friendly-house-signs.html. These nameplates are made from 99% recycled vitreous china and TV screens and fully frost and weather proof.
#3
Choose recycled or upcycled items to use as plant pots, garden decorations or even garden furniture. The following sites have some great ideas if you are looking for inspiration about how to make garden furniture from used pallets, a child’s swing from a used tyre or plant pots from old wellies:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a5432/backyard-tire-swing-project/
tyre swings#4
Tyre swings can be fun for the whole family. Just take care to make sure it is safe before allowing anyone to play with it.
#5
Invest in solar panels and insulate your loft and cavity walls– using natural or recycled materials where possible. The cost of this will soon be recuperated in reduced energy bills.
#6
Swap your showerhead for a low-flow version. Standard showerheads use 4-6 gallons per minute but water-efficient low flow showerheads use only 1.5 -2 gallons per minute. In one year, a family of four can save up to 18,200 gallons of water. Or you can simply attach a shower flow regulator, like the one below from Amazon, for less than £6, to any existing shower hose. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flow-Regulator-Shower-Hose-Option/ and use a water resistant shower curtain made of cloth rather than vinyl, or install a glass door, as plastic curtains are not recyclable and end up in landfills.
shower flow regulatorOn average, having a bath uses three times more water than having a shower, so where possible choose a shower instead of a bath but if you do have a bath then be more efficient by scooping up the water to use in your garden once you are finished.
#7
Swap your toilet for a modern high-efficiency version, which use less than 2 gallons per flush or even better use a dual flush system with a button for large flushes, using approximately 1.6 gallons and a button for small flushes, using only 0.9 gallons.
#8
Buy an eco-kettle. Most kettles use a ridiculous amount of electricity and most people boil enough water to make six cups of tea when they only need one. Eco-kettles are more energy-efficient and will save you money on your energy bills.
eco kettleMake sure your electrical appliances are energy efficient – you can research this using energystar.gov. Try to limit your use of dishwashers and dryers by using a clothes maid and hand washing dishes.
#9
Choose paint low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are harmful chemicals found in many paints and stains.
For other ideas and inspiration, check out these 5 websites:
- https://uk.pinterest.com/explore/recycled-furniture/
- https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/decorating/22-clever-ways-to-repurpose-furniture-pictures
- https://www.recyclart.org/home-decor/recycled-furniture/
- https://www.homedit.com/14-inspiring-diy-projects-featuring-reclaimed-wood-furniture/
- https://www.diyrecycled.com/
