Guide to eco-friendly homes…

 

There’s no plan(et) B, so we all need to do our part when it comes to conserving the one we have for future generations. Have you been wondering how you make your home ‘greener’? Here are a few ideas you could use to do your part.

 

Save energy:

With electricity prices sky-rocketing this is something that won’t only benefit the planet but also your back pocket. Swop out your regular lightbulbs to LED lights, these are far more energy efficient and last longer than regular bulbs. Turn lights off when you leave a room, and skip using the tumble dryer when possible. Wash your clothes in cold water, as washing machines use 90% more energy when using hot water – hot water also damages your clothes, so again it’s a win for you and the planet. Put your geyser on a timer so that it doesn’t heat up unnecessarily. Let’s help Eskom keep the lights on.

 

Save water:

As a water scarce country, we need to try use water sparingly. Take a 5-7 minute shower instead of bathing, as showering uses 2.5 times less water than a full bath tub. During winter don’t water your garden daily, and during summer watering should be done before the heat of the day. To go an extra mile, place a bucket in the shower and use the water collected to water plants or flush toilets.

 

Heating:

While trying to stay warm this winter try and opt for gas heaters instead of electric. Insure your house is well insulated to keep cold air out and warm air in. Turn off heating when you leave the room.

 

Recycle & Reuse:

Many people make a livelihood from our recyclable waste. So instead of them rummaging through the bins, why not collect recyclable goods and put them aside for easier collection. Reuse items when possible, such as the mason jars from pasta sauces.

 

 

By making these small changes we can all make a big difference.