Easy tips for eco aware living

Due to an ever-increasing concern about the environment it has never been more important to ensure you are doing everything possible to increase your eco-awareness and reduce your carbon footprint. Being eco friendly doesn’t have to involve dramatic changes to your life style; it is possible to make a difference through changes as small as walking to the local shops instead of driving your car or simply heating your home more effectively.

By making these minor changes you are not only helping to save the environment and protect the future of our planet but you could also save yourself some pennies in the process, a very welcome side effect in our current economic climate.

There are various ways in which you can help make a positive impact upon our environment many of which start in the home. By creating more of an eco home environment you will reap the benefits in the long term, not just from the peace of mind that you are making a difference but a recent survey showed that 52 per cent of people were prepared to pay more for Eco homes.

Top tips on how to save energy include;
 

·    Heating – You should ensure your home is effectively insulated as this not only does wonders for the environment but can reduce your heating bills by as much as £200. Make sure your heating system is as efficient as it can be so you aren’t wasting resources just because your boiler isn’t performing as well as it might. It might even be worth consulting the British Gas website for improved heating options.

·    Clever Cooking – When boiling vegetables and pasta use a pan lid, it may sound simple but it cooks quicker this way ensuring you only use the water and electricity you need.

·    Food Friendly – Buy organic, locally produced food whenever possible and select fresh, frozen or dried foods as opposed to those stored in tins. Organic produce is grown without the use of detrimental pesticides and additives and tin cans are not always eco-friendly to produce.

·    Get Fresh Air – Many air fresheners are full of damaging chemicals, open your window instead.

·    Be Art Aware – Use paints, glues and varnish that have a low VOC content or water based solutions.

·    Washing – Try washing your clothes at a lower temperature, this not only helps the environment but each wash at 30 degrees as opposed to 40 will save you pennies.

·    Switch Off – Always ensure that you are turning off lights when they are not needed and switching electrical appliances off as opposed to putting them on standby.

·    Clever Cleaning – There are now a large variety of eco-friendly cleaning products and cosmetics on the market such as shampoo, washing up liquid and household cleaners. These products are not only free from synthetic fragrances but come in recycled packaging.