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How to Create an Eco-friendly Home

With the cost of living rising steeply and energy prices consistently high, it’s in your interest as well as in the interests of the environment to make your home as eco-friendly as possible. There are several basic ways to minimise your energy usage from installing energy-saving light bulbs, to turning the thermostat down several degrees and bathing instead of showering, but these top tips should help dramatically reduce both your carbon footprint and your utility bills.

1. Install solar panels: Don’t be put off by the discontinuation of government subsidies the result has simply been that solar power companies have been forced to reduce their prices to continue attracting consumers. Unless you’re in an area of outstanding natural beauty, obtaining planning permission for solar panels is relatively straightforward, and they should pay for themselves within a decade. Surplus solar energy not used in your house can also be stored in a battery or sold back to the grid to further reduce your utility costs.

2. Use an energy calculator: By making you more conscious of the energy you use and where you use it, an energy calculator can help to make you greener. Several websites offer these tools free of charge, and they will indicate where you use the most energy as well as how you can cut down your consumption. It’s also possible to purchase a device that measure how much energy your home is using at any one time, giving you the facts you need to cut down.

3. Green entertainment: With many of us relying increasingly on televisions, computers and games consoles to provide entertainment, the environmental impact of recreation has soared. But you needn’t go out and replace all your kit with newer, more eco-friendly devices to cut your carbon footprint. Instead, consider investing in smaller replacements, such as eco-friendly cables for your home theatre, RS Components does a good selection. You can also save power by avoiding over-charging and by never leaving devices on standby.

4. Be a savvy consumer: Finally, prevent your carbon footprint from growing further by being aware of your habits as a home consumer. When you buy new furniture and accessories for your house, choose eco-friendly companies or, better still, buy second-hand on sites such as eBay. Recycle home items and furnishings whenever you can and opt for natural, green cleaning products rather than chemical-filled alternatives.

Clay Miller
the authorClay Miller
I am the creator/writer of Ways2GoGreen.com and Ways2GoGreenBlog.com. I'm an advocate for oceans, beaches, state parks. I enjoy all things outdoors (e.g. running, golf, gardening, hiking, etc.) I am a graduate of the University of Kentucky (Go Wildcats!!). I'm also a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Kentucky.

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