It’s no secret that sustainable living is the way forward, but changing our bad habits is easier said than done. While many homes have gone completely green and adopted a zero-waste lifestyle, not everyone can afford to shift their lifestyle completely, as much as we’d like to. Yet there are a few small changes you can start applying in your home that don’t cost a fortune or the earth.
1. Get crafty wherever you can
Being trendy doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Upcycling old furniture or hunting for second-hand treasurers is a great way to get your hands on one-of-a-kind items while reducing unnecessary waste. Follow a few renovating pages on social media and let your creative flare ablaze.
2. Opt for energy-efficient appliances
While we don’t recommend buying new appliances for the sake of it, upgrading to energy-efficient ones is a smart move that’ll save you money and lower your footprint. When searching for a new appliance make sure that it has an energy star rating of 5 or above, and don’t forget to find your old appliance a worthy second home.
3. Introduce recycling and compost bins
If you’ve ever had a look at your trash at the end of the week, you’ll notice that it’s about 80% plastic and 20% food waste. Investing in a recycling and compost bin will make sure that all your waste is given a second life as nutrients or a new product. Worm farms are also excellent for getting rid of unwanted food waste, and in return, you get litres of nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants – now that’s a win-win!
4. Plant a herb garden
We all love fresh and fragrant herbs in our food, but at what cost? Most stores sell large quantities in plastic packaging that ends up in the rubbish in only a few days. To reduce this unnecessary wastage and save some cash, plant a garden with your favourite herbs and maybe even some veg. This way, you have an endless supply of fresh herbs without any nasty wastage.
5. Be wise with your water
Water is the reason for every creature’s existence on the planet, including us. Without it, we would cease to exist. With clean water becoming more scarce, it’s important that we don’t waste a single drop. Installing water-saving aerators on all faucets and reusing shower/rainwater are both simple and cost-effective ways to reduce water wastage.
6. Paint with the planet in mind
Most paints contain oils and chemicals that are incredibly difficult to dispose of and unkind to the environment. When giving your home a fresh coat of paint or getting creative, use a water-based alternative instead. This will be healthier for your home and the environment, helping you cut your carbon emissions in a big way.
Pink Hippo prides itself on being a sustainable way to save space in your home or build a new business. Ideally located in Reading and Leatherhead, we offer secure and low-cost self storage with a wide range of unit sizes so you only pay for the space you need. Give us a call or complete our quick online contact form.