The several repercussions of climate change are alarming, to say the least. Earth, the only planet we can call home, is rapidly deteriorating. And we have no one to blame but ourselves.
While it’s imperative for global leaders and corporations to pass laws and implement measures to curb climate crises, we as individuals need to make changes as well.
Are you moving to a new house? This is the perfect opportunity to make eco-friendly lifestyle changes. Start afresh in your new abode with our expert sustainability tips:
Get a programmable thermostat
Is your new home equipped with a manual thermostat? Even if it works fine, it’s better to upgrade to a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will automatically lower the temperature when you’re not home. This will save you the inconvenience of adjusting it manually every day and also allow energy savings.
Get LED lighting fixtures
When you’re replacing and repairing elements around your new house, make sure you take a look at the lighting fixtures. CFLs and incandescent bulbs might look charming, but they are not good for the environment or your electricity bill.
Switch to LED lighting fixtures to make your house energy efficient. Just by spending a bit more on LED lights, you’ll enjoy long-term savings.
Add a compost bin
Add a compost bin to your new place. Instead of throwing away food scraps in the rubbish, you can put them in a compost bin and use this compost in your garden. It conserves landfill space and is a natural alternative to chemical fertilisers.
Choose a renewable energy plan
Relocating to a new house gives you the chance to switch to a better energy plan. It would be eco-friendly and can be cheaper to go for a renewable energy plan. You can easily compare electricity plans and pick a renewable energy retailer in your area.
Get smart power strips
To eliminate phantom energy sources, get smart power strips for your new home. They work well with vampire appliances and can save you thousands of dollars in terms of energy savings.
Maximise natural light
While renovating, consider adding more windows to your house. Not only will this open up the space, but it will also lower your overall energy consumption.
You should also put up bamboo window coverings, that are both chic and sustainable.
Install energy-efficient appliances
Relocating is a good time to upgrade your old appliances. Replace your old, inefficient appliances with newer versions. Energy-efficient appliances will keep your utility bills in check and also make your everyday life easier.
Get proper insulation
All your efforts will go to waste if your new house fails to retain energy. Prevent energy loss by properly insulating your house. Attic, crawlspace, garage and basement walls are some areas that should be insulated.
Less concrete, more greenery
Sure, concrete requires less maintenance, but there’s nothing aesthetically pleasing about it. Instead, surround your house with greenery. More trees and shrubs will improve air quality and bring down your energy requirements.
Place a recycling bin
Rather than sending all your waste to overflowing landfills, place recycling bins on your property. This will encourage you to separate and recycle your waste.
Water-efficient bathroom fittings
It’s a shame that we take water supply for granted when many parts of the world don’t even have access to clean drinking water.
To ensure you’re using water consciously, repair or replace inefficient bathroom fittings. Fix dripping faucets and switch to a low-flow showerhead.
The Bottom Line
There’s no such thing as a ‘small effort’. Even the smallest of changes can make the biggest difference. So, don’t lose hope and keep fighting the good fight to preserve our planet.