With an increasing focus on climate change and the environment, it is becoming more and more important for everyone to do their part when it comes to being more eco-friendly.
Here’s a list of ten ways you can be more eco-friendly at home, most of which will help you save some money in the long run as well:
1) Start a compost pile in your backyard. About half of the waste we throw in the bin, such as fruit & vegetable scraps, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds and other organic materials can be composted and used on your gardens.
2) When you are recycling plastic bottles or glass jars, make sure they are completely empty and clean, and remove the lids before placing them in your recycling bin.
3) Better yet, instead of putting glass jars in the recycling, use them in your pantry as food storage.
4) Wherever possible, replace disposable products with reusable ones. This includes food storage containers, ink cartridges, coffee filters, razors, batteries and air conditioner filters.
5) Turn your computer completely off at night. Many computers can go into sleep mode, but they are still drawing power overnight. Switching them off completely will help avoid this extra usage.
6) Switch to natural cleaning products to help reduce air pollution both indoors and out and to minimize exposure to both asthma and allergy triggers and chemicals. Look for plant-based products from companies that have a complete list of ingredients on their labels.
7) Look at ways to reduce water usage by repairing any leaky taps, installing water-saving toilets and shower heads, and only running your washing machine or dishwasher with full loads.
8) To control pests, look at prevention rather than a cure. Keep kitchen and dining areas free of crumbs, and seal any holes in the walls or cracks in the foundation. This will mean you won’t have to use harmful chemicals in your home.
9) Donate old newspapers to animal shelters and old magazines to doctor’s surgeries, womens’ refuges or other similar organisations.
10) Avoid buying products that are packaged for single use eg drinks, lollies and pet food. Try to buy in bulk and transfer the products to your own reusable containers.
