In Australia, there’s a growing contingent of eco-conscious home owners, each looking to do their part to minimise their impact on the environment. There’s also a growing number of people looking to reduce their energy and utility costs; if not for the environment, then for their own personal financial gain. Each group can be commended: the less electricity, gas and water we use, the better we’ll all be – including the environment. Whether you’re an eco-conscious home owner, or looking to save money on your next utility bill, here are five environmentally friendly ideas for the home that you can put into practice today.
Use a swimming pool blanket on your pool
The less water that evaporates from our pools, the lower our water consumption. And this is great for both the environment and your pocket. Unfortunately, a significant amount of water is lost each day through evaporation. Although a little evaporation is inevitable, most of it can be prevented by covering your pool with a high-quality blanket or cover – such as those made by Fabric Solutions Australia. Use the blanket during the winter months or during other times of extended pool inactivity. Over time you’ll have saved a substantial amount of water just by applying this one tip.
Switch to fluorescent light bulbs
This is probably the quickest and easiest tip you can apply to make your home more environmentally friendly. All it requires is a change of a light bulb – or ten, or twenty, depending on the size of your home. Fluorescent light bulbs use much less electricity than their incandescent counterparts, and last a heck of a lot longer. So get on it today and dramatically reduce your energy consumption.
Install a rain water tank
We all know that water is a precious resource, especially in a drought prone country like Australia. By installing a rain water tank on your property, you can help reduce the nation’s water consumption, and do your part by the environment. These tanks collect rainfall and store it for later use, perfect for those times when water is scarce.
Install solar energy panels around your home
Let’s face an ugly truth: the more energy we consume from the grid, the greater our role in contributing to harmful and potentially catastrophic greenhouse gases. In the current climate (mind the pun) of climate change and global warming, the less energy of this type we consume the better. One of the best ways you can generate “off the grid” electricity is by harnessing the power of the sun through efficient solar panels. These panels can be installed on your roof or at other places around your home and can generate more than enough electricity for your needs. In addition, there are even options available to help you finance the project. For example, companies such as Atmos offer a means to secure a loan specifically for such projects, enabling you to fund the installation of solar panels around your home.
Install a “low flow” showerhead and save water
Finally, reduce your water consumption and save money by installing low flow showerheads around your home. They can reduce your water usage levels by as much as 50 per cent, and are another quick and easy change you can make today to make your home more environmentally friendly.
So there you have it. Making your home more environmentally friendly is as easy as applying these tips. What other ways can you think of to improve your home’s impact on the environment? Please comment below and contribute to the discussion.