The average household in the UK recycles just 25-30 per cent of their rubbish, Here I look at other ways you can help the ozone layer by doing ‘Your bit’
While environmentally friendly boilers and roof-top solar panels may not be affordable to the majority of us in the current economic climate, a few small changes can make an enormous difference, not only to the environment, but also to your utility bills.
Choosing eco-friendly home products is becoming just as popular as opting for organic and free-range foods, with consumers asking more from manufacturers about how their products are sourced.
Change the lighting!
Energy saving light bulbs have been criticised for being slow to illuminate and not bright enough for the normal house hold tasks. A lot of energy companies our now giving out these light bulbs if you switch over to them. Often you could save money by changing you r provider – do some research and claim your free bulbs!
There seems to be many “energy saving” products on the market now; everything from heat saving reflecting radiator foil, to the ‘ecobutton’, an energy saving device for computers and laptops.
Grow your own!
Many people are now opting to “grow their own fruit and veg too….this is great if you have the space. If you don’t, speak to your local council and enquire about purchasing an allotment space – prices for these are usually about £20 for the year!! You can’t go wrong!
Even your local supermarket will supply eco-friendly options for your home.
The Ecover range, which is widely available, provides a selection of household cleaning products that are ‘natural’. This product range offers many environmental advantages that benefit humans, animals and the environment, and are also kinder to the skin. All products are based on natural plant and mineral ingredients.
Ecover has a book available, Healthy Homes, which provides helpful tips on how to make your household a greener one, while keeping costs down. These tips include:
Avoid chemicals
1. In the summer, save money on artificial air fresheners - open windows to freshen your home.
2. Use castor or mineral oils to lubricate squeaky hinges instead of lubricants containing solvents.
Getting it clean
1. Place a small seashell in your kettle to avoid limescale build-up.
2. Greasy microwave? Shift the grime by placing a couple of slices of lemon in a bowl of cold water and switching on the power for a couple of minutes.
3. Don’t think you need a different cleaner for each task. A good multi surface cleaner can be used for all washable surfaces including floors, tiles and painted wooden furniture.
Ecover is also currently offering a free watercare pack, including a Hippo water saver for your toilet, on their website.
When it comes to making a few changes in your home to benefit the environment, there are options available.
