In today’s world, being friendly to the planet is everybody’s priority because of the effects global warming is starting to have on the environment. There will be certain areas you have already tuned your life to be eco-friendly, such as by recycling at work, or by walking to places rather than driving. Yet your home is the place that has the biggest impact, as it is where you live and breathe for most of your life. Luckily, there are some small ways you can turn your home into an environmentally friendly place, while also adding a touch of style to your surroundings.

Turn off at the plug

You may think that turning your television off at its switch is the best way to conserve energy, but if it is still plugged in at the mains, it will be sapping more energy than you realise. Cut down on your household energy bills and carbon footprint by switching off at the mains, or by taking the plug out entirely before its next use.

Go paperless

In each UK household, paper waste exceeds one tonne every year, and increases by 3% on each year before that. All the paper going to landfill emits harmful toxins into the air, which contribute to global warming, and also to deforestation of ancient forests. This means it is key to start going paperless, by getting your newspapers online, and opting to have your bank statements emailed rather than posted to you.

Consider new materials

Acrylic sheets from cut plastic sheeting can make your home eco-friendly by insulating windows, saving energy. They’re lightweight, durable, and recyclable, reducing environmental impact. Acrylics replace glass, cutting carbon emissions during transport and installation. They let in natural light while blocking harmful UV rays, lowering the need for artificial lighting. Acrylics can also be reused for DIY projects, minimizing waste. Using acrylic sheets promotes energy efficiency, reduces waste, and creates a greener home.

Recycle your water

It isn’t just paper that households go through, but water. From leaving taps on for longer than needed, or having a shower for longer than the recommended time, there are things that every house does that could be the key to cutting down on water waste if they were to give them a chance. For example, many homes have started collecting rainwater in water butts to water their plants with, and have even been able to use filtration equipment in ponds, where their recycled water can be put to use somewhere else. Visit Water Garden to find out more about how a filtration device can help you make your pond eco-friendly.

Create a home allotment

It is one thing to start shopping locally and organically for fruit and vegetables, but it is a whole new step to start tending to your own allotment. You can usually have one in the many allotment spaces available to rent throughout the UK, or in your own garden. This will also save you money on petrol and supermarket shops. You could even do a windowsill allotment of herbs.

Start composting

Household waste accounts for much of your carbon footprint, but is something that can be cut down upon when you know how to dispose of rubbish properly. Recycling is a start, and sending banana skins and eggshells to your own compost bin means it can be put to good use in farming. Many homes have their own compost bin that they can use for gardening, and including one in your garden is also a great way to improve your home’s curb ability.