Man made climate change is having a huge effect on the world we live in. The effects can be seen all around us, as our weather becomes more unpredictable and more extreme. It’s not just the United States that’s being affected. Some of the worst results of climate change are being felt in countries across the world that can least afford it. We need to change the world today, to save it for tomorrow.
You may already be doing your bit to reduce your own personal carbon footprint, that’s great. Are you finding it harder to convince your friends and work colleagues to follow your example?
Some people think that adopting a greener lifestyle must be hard work, or expensive, but the opposite is actually true. Here are four easy ways to make a household more environmentally friendly.
Don’t Drive, Cycle.
The United States is a car loving country, but we and our planet could benefit from cycling more. Riding a bike is fun, and a great way to get fit. The next time that you reach for your car keys, ask yourself whether you could cycle there instead. Cycling can be an ideal solution for your daily commute, and means that you won’t spend time stuck in traffic, suffering from road rage. The UK has introduced a cycle to work initiative, and businesses nationwide are feeling the benefits of the bike scheme. Perhaps your employer could introduce a similar scheme, and encourage people to cycle to work whenever possible?
Experience the Joys of Compact Fluorescent Lamps.
Traditional incandescent lighting is on its way out, yet some people still choose to use these bulbs in preference to LCD or CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamps) bulbs. Common misconceptions are that you can’t see with modern, greener, bulbs or that they’re too expensive. LCD and CFL lighting can take longer to reach optimum lighting levels, but they create a pleasant rather than harsh lighting effects. Because they last longer than incandescent bulbs, they are much more cost-effective as well. Each bulb costs approximately $2 more, but can last up to 25 times as long, and is much more energy efficient, and therefore better for the environment.
Insulate Your Loft.
A large amount of energy produced in our homes is lost through the roof and windows. When you insulate your loft, and install energy efficient double glazed windows, you’ll notice a huge difference in how warm your home feels. This will allow you to turn your heating down, even in winter, and delay the time of year that you start using your central heating system.
Recycle Water.
Droughts are a real threat in many parts of the world, including areas of the US such as Oklahoma, yet we still waste a huge amount of it. Simply leaving a faucet running while brushing your teeth wastes four gallons of water every time. It’s estimated that trillions of gallons of water a year are wasted in the US alone, through leaking faucets, wasted food, and general water wastage. There are many ways you can recycle water, from collecting rain water in a water butt, or reusing washing up water to water the garden.
All of these solutions are very simple in themselves, and they can also result in real cost benefits for the homeowner. You won’t just be saving the planet, you’ll be saving money as well.
