If you live in a very busy part of the city- the city centre- the outdoor can prove a bit too much with all the hassles. Thus, your home becomes a sanctuary to retreat to. You could make the most of your living conditions by adopting a more sustainable approach.
You don’t need to change jobs or location to the countryside just to escape the bustle- well, unless you have to. Here are 4 eco-friendly tips to make your home a proper haven. Remember, sometimes, it only takes is a few simple changes to have a significant impact.
- Create home-made cleaning agents
Cleaning is a necessary part of life. You can save money and protect the environment by making your own home cleaning agents. Homemade cleaning agents are significantly cheaper than factory-made kinds because they are made from domestic ingredients.
Ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda and water can make a difference. However, it is important to note that certain natural ingredients aren’t compatible together. This way, you spend smart and avoid wasting your efforts. Spare yourself and environment the stringent effect of factory chemicals by using home-made cleaning agents.
- Watch your water consumption
Dishwashing is another household cleaning activity which is a huge source of water consumption. To reduce the amount of water used during washing, turn off the tap when you are scrubbing the dishes. Instead of allowing the tap run, fill the sink half way and use the stopper. Then make a lather and wash in the pool. Make sure you change the water regularly and rinse off immediately. Also, be sure not to grope for sharp utensils when washing this way.
Other ways to save water include tankless heaters. These only heat water when you run the tap. Also, installing water-control flush systems and regularly checking your pipe networks for leaks are other ways to save water. Did you know you could reuse the water from boiling eggs to do other things such as water plants? After it cools, of course!
- Unplug your electronic devices
Many people don’t realise electronic devices still draw some energy even when they are switched off. As long as it is still plugged in to the wall, some electricity is being used up. Try making it a habit to unplug your devices as soon as you are done. This includes the heater, coffee maker, washer and so on. Even disconnecting the TV from the socket when leaving the house is effective.
- Save and recycle paper
Before printing any document, ask yourself if it is necessary to have a hard copy. If not, leave it in soft copy instead. Paper is an easy item to accumulate and they pose a major nuisance around the house –adding to clutter. You can opt out of paper mail by choosing to receive your bills and similar notifications by electronic deliveries.
If you must print any documents, endeavour to do so on both sides. Turn the paper around and feed it back into the printer. You can also write small notes on used paper instead of tearing a fresh sheet each time.
Other sustainable activities include using biodegradable shopping bags, replacing your bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent kinds or opting for solar alternatives. Before making certain decisions, consider the secondary impact on the environment.
