These days, everyone is looking for ways they can go greener. There have been so many stories over the last couple of years about the havoc that climate change is wreaking on our planet. We have seen news reports and the action that the government is taking, and it is clear that everyone is going to have to do their part to guarantee a better future for the next generations. So, yes, while much of the responsibility is going to fall on governments and major corporations, the fact is that there are plenty of things that you can do too.
Leaving aside things like long-distance flights (or short-distance flights, if you’re a celebrity), one of the major areas where you can make an impact as an individual is in your home. This is where most of your carbon footprint and your energy footprint can be found. The good news is that there are plenty of easy things that you can do to make sure that you keep those footprints as small as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Now, it is a fact that most of us are looking for ways that we can save money, not spend money, this fall. However, paying for new major appliances will help you to use less energy. This is because they will have been made to update energy efficiency standards. For example, that old dryer that just rattles around and takes hours to actually dry your clothes is using a huge amount of unnecessary electricity. You should also keep in mind that paying for newer machines that don’t burn through as much juice will also save you money on your electricity bills in the long run. Think of this as an investment.
Switch To An Electric Car
A few years ago, it seemed like electric cars such as Tesla were rarely seen and were mostly driven by the very wealthy or those people who lived to be on the cutting edge of technology. These days, everyone knows someone who has an electric or at least a hybrid car. One of the major things holding people back from making the switch to electric cars is worrying about charging stations. Even though more and more gas stations have charging points, there is still that anxiety about getting stranded and running out of juice. As long as you plan journeys well, and stop off when necessary and plan a route that works in your favour just like you would with a car that runs on petrol or diesel, this shouldn’t become an issue and you can have peace of mind knowing that there will be EV Chargers available for you to use, wherever it is you may be. Having one installed at home is also ideal so you can ensure your vehicle is fully road-ready for every trip.
Well, why not install a charging station in your own home? With a Tesla Wall Connector charger, you can leave your car charging overnight, ready for use the next morning. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and it’s much more climate-friendly than a gas guzzler. Beattie Home Services can help install a Tesla or EV Home Charger on your property, and they can talk you through everything you need to know as well as offer you a fair price.
Remember The Little Things
One of the best ways that you can make sure that you are cutting down on your carbon footprint is by making sure that you are keeping up those good habits. Things like avoiding using your garden hose to water your plants to minimize the amount of water you are wasting. Try to make sure that you are turning off your electronics at the wall instead of leaving them on standby. Turn your heating and air conditioning on when you need them instead of leaving them running.
And it is important to remember what your parents told you and turn out the light when you leave the room. If you find that you are still ending up with a lot of energy waste in spite of these steps, then it may be time to consider bigger upgrades. Find out what the insulation situation is in your home, and focus on your attic, your basement, and your windows. Could you install low-flow appliances to minimize the amount of water you are using?
Recycle More Than You Already Are
These days, most people keep on top of most of their recycling duties. You almost certainly recycle your plastic, glass, and metal waste, and that is one of the most important things for the environment that you can do. However, there are other areas that have a lot of room for improvement. Electronic waste is a huge problem globally, and one of the main reasons for this is that people do not know what they are supposed to do with it.
Laptops, cellphones, earbuds…so many of these items simply end up in the trash and go straight to the landfill. If you have electronics that you no longer need, you must be responsible. If they still work, give them to charity. If they do not, take them to an electronic recycling facility. They will ensure that it is disposed of properly.
