It’s a fact: the environment is in dire need of attention, and it has never been more important for people to do their part in reducing and offsetting their carbon footprint. Of course, many individuals – as well as groups – have long been working hard in favour of environmental issues. But many more can get involved, taking simple steps at home to make a difference.
However, there’s one common hurdle. Many people are daunted by the idea of making a difference for the environment. After all, many environmental issues are massive, and a lot of people wonder how they can make a difference. But the reality of the issue is that if everybody did their part – however small their actions might seem – they would collectively make a difference. So, the first step is to know that each individual can positively impact the environment by making a few changes.
The next step is to identify and implement measures to help the environment – and a great place to start is in your own home. One action you can take is to save resources such as energy.
Begin by ensuring your home is well-insulated. Place a jacket on your hot water tank, insulate your loft, and make sure all your wall cavities are filled. You can also eliminate draughts by installing a seal on your exterior doors, letterboxes, and gaps in floorboards.
Next, switch to energy-saving light bulbs, which produce less CO2 and save a significant amount of electricity. And finally, ensure you switch off all lights and electrical items when not in use. An estimated £140 million a year is wasted in leaving lights on in unused rooms, so everyone can make a difference by turning lights off.
You should also avoid leaving electrical items on standby. Leaving items plugged in and turned on means they’re still using energy – £800 million of which is wasted each year through standby electrical items. So unplug such items or turn them off at the mains to save energy and money. Many energy suppliers also offer tips on how to save electricity, helping their clients save money and make a difference for the environment.
Next, you’ll want to take some steps to save water in your home. You can do this by choosing a water-efficient dishwasher or washing machine, and by fitting a flow regulator or aerated shower head in the bathroom. You should also fill your kettle only with the water you’ll need, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and take shorter showers. In the garden, it helps to use a watering can or a bucket rather than a hosepipe. Finally, ensure all dripping taps are fixed and, if possible, install a leak detector.
Of course, recycling is another big step you can take. But before you throw something into the recycling bin, consider whether you can re-use it for something else. Whether it’s a glass jar, an unwanted toy, or a broken appliance, there’s usually something you can do with such items instead of simply throwing them out or placing them into the recycling bin. Many charities will take used clothes, unwanted toys, and even appliances for repair; and many plastic and glass containers can be re-used around the house.
Finally, consider growing your own fruit and vegetables, as well as starting a compost pile. Keeping a fruit and vegetable garden is a fun way for you to cut your carbon footprint, as it eliminates the energy required to transport such goods otherwise. What’s more, keeping a compost pile at home means you’ll have free compost at hand to tend to your garden. Over 30 per cent of an average household bin can be composted – so imagine how much less rubbish you’ll send to the landfill simply by starting a compost pile. Don’t have a garden at home? Many towns and cities have a community garden scheme – so it’s worth enquiring about where you can start your garden.
Ultimately, there are many ways individuals and families can positively impact the environment – right from home.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.