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Homeowners are always looking for ways to make their homes more energy-efficient due to heating costs in the winter months. They are also becoming more conscious of the need to protect the environment.
Incorporating some simple, small changes in your daily life can not only have an impact on your carbon footprint but on your bills too. Here are some tips to be more eco-friendly in winter before you resort to putting your thermostat on high.
By burning fewer fossil fuels, you can reduce your carbon emissions. Wood burning heaters and fireplaces contribute to climate change through carbon emissions, and much of the heat is lost through a chimney or flue. Electric heaters are more energy efficient.
Turning your heating down by a degree will benefit the environment and help you save money. You can take your energy savings to the next level by using energy-efficient light bulbs, turning off appliances not in use, and getting rid of old-fashioned, inefficient radiators.
The best radiators available to homeowners across the U.K. from companies like Ecostrad, Climastar, and Best Electric Radiators are very energy-efficient. This is because of individual thermostats on each radiator. They provide precise temperature regulation, automatic cut-out to prevent overheating, and a combination of convection and radiant heat.
Carpool if possible
Just think about how many people drive to work in winter instead of walking or cycling because they want to avoid the cold.
This releases more toxic chemicals and if you know of neighbors who take the same route to work as you every morning, consider carpooling instead of driving every day. This not only minimizes your carbon footprint and saves on fuel, but you have less wear and tear on your vehicle.
You may also feel safer driving with others as you often have to face weather-related traffic issues in winter.
Seal any leaks
A common waste of energy during the winter months comes from leaking air. Drafts can come in through every little nook and cranny. If cold air is creeping in under doors, you could be wasting five to ten percent of your home’s energy.
You should inspect every area where two different materials meet, such as electrical outlets, window and door frames, etc. Filling any leaks with weather strips and expanding foam can prevent air leakage and indoor air quality problems due to moisture seeping in and mold forming.
You must still ensure adequate ventilation in winter by opening the windows at times.
Buy seasonal produce
In our modern, globalized world, it is possible to buy fruit and vegetables that are not in season in one country from another country where they are in season. Unfortunately, this means they have to be shipped long distances to get to their destination, which burns more fuel than usual.
Produce that is in season is less expensive, needs less energy for transportation, and tastes better too.
Shop environment-friendly and sustainable products
The fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of the world’s annual carbon emissions. Chemicals used in the making of clothes can damage the environment through water run-off after heavy rains that flow into rivers and lakes. Buying fast fashion is bad for the environment.
Instead of buying a new winter coat, see if you can buy a second-hand one that will do the job just as well. You may just find perfectly suitable winter clothes at bargain prices in charity shops or at online marketplaces that specialize in selling used clothing.
It is surprisingly easy to recycle and upcycle today. If you prefer new clothing, try to buy from eco-conscious brands. Sustainably made clothing usually lasts a long time.
Air dry your washing
It may be second nature for you to throw your washing into the clothes dryer in the winter season. This is very tempting, but a dryer uses a lot of energy to run and increases your energy bill.
Try to air-dry your clothing instead. You can do this outdoors under cover or indoors where your heater will dry the clothes naturally. Using an eco-friendly washing powder will also make sure you’re doing your part for your home and the environment.
Final Thoughts
Although it may be more difficult to do so during winter, there are still many ways that we can reduce our environmental impact and help conserve resources. By making a few small changes in our everyday routine, we can all make a big difference for the planet. Let’s all try to be a little more environmentally friendly this winter, and every season moving forward!
What are some of your favorite eco-friendly products?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
These are great tips for being more eco-friendly during the Winter! It always helps to make sure the doors and windows are sealed properly so you aren’t losing any warm air.
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These are great tips for being more eco-friendly during the Winter! It always helps to make sure the doors and windows are sealed properly so you aren’t losing any warm air.
Speaking of doors – we really need to fix our front door’s weather stripping. My husband isn’t looking forward to taking off the whole door though