Are you starting to worry more and more about your carbon footprint? If you are one of those homeowners who automatically turns the heater of air-conditioner on as soon as you wake up, or you leave every appliance switched on at the wall even if you aren’t using it, here are a few simple changes you can make. Not only will the environment benefit, but your bank account will too!
THE SIMPLE SWAPS
- Start using a keep cup or reusable water bottle: Did you know that in Australia alone, over 1 Billion takeaway coffee cups go into landfill each year? By making this simple switch, you can do your part to help reduce this number, and on the plus side some cafes will give you a discount for bringing your own cup. It’s really a win-win situation. The same goes for single-use plastic water bottles!
- Pack your lunch/BYO container: Plastic takeaway containers and excess food paper wrapping are also major contributors to landfill. By bringing your own lunch in reusable containers, taking your container to collect your takeaway lunch or even dining in are great ways to reduce your consumption of these single-use plastics.
- Make the most of your recycling bin: Do you know what items you can and can’t recycle? You might be surprised to find that you are chucking items that can be recycled in your general waste bin. When a product becomes empty be sure to read the recycling label correctly. Items composed of paper, cardboard, firm plastic, metal (aluminium and steel) and glass can generally be recycled. Surprisingly items such as aerosols, shampoo and conditioner bottles, empty cleaning products and paint tins (empty and dry) can also be recycled. If you would like more information on what items you can and can’t recycle click here. Also, remember that you can request a bigger recycling bin from the council if your current one is starting to overflow.
- Skip using the dryer: Try hanging your clothes out to air dry instead. Not only will it help reduce your electricity bill, but it also helps keep your clothes intact longer.
- Ditch the A/C: Lower your greenhouse gas emissions by installing ceiling fans to keep cool. Fans use far less energy than air-conditioning, so maybe think about installing some ceiling fans or even buying a few pedestal fans. Wanting to warm up in winter? Maybe try another layer, an extra blanket or a hot water bottle.
- Switch it off: If you aren’t using that kettle, coffee machine or lamp make sure you turn it off at the wall. It will truly make a difference in the long run.
- Light it up with LED’s: Swap out those old incandescent light bulbs for LED’s. They are more energy efficient and cost effective (they can last up to 17 years).
- Don’t forget your shopping bags: This one is a bit easier to implement as major shopping venues and retailers have already eliminated single-use plastic bags.
GO GREEN
- Grow your own herbs and veggies: Try planting a few herbs and easy to grow veggies (cherry tomatoes, spinach, carrots, lettuce) and reduce the amount of money you spend at the supermarkets. It will also help reduce the plastic packaging the veggies come in. On the plus side, homegrown veggies always taste better too!
- Start a compost bin: Use the waste from nourishing your body to help your garden flourish! Keep a small compost bin on the kitchen counter or under the sinks and at the end of the week take it out to the garden and use it as free fertilizer.
- Get some indoor plants: Introducing a few indoor plants to your home can help clean the air and filter common pollutants. They can also help lighten your mood!
SERIOUSLY CONSIDER
- Insulation: A well-insulated home will stay cool in summer and warm in winter – helping to reduce your A/C usage.
- Water saving shower heads and taps: Forget those low, pressure and small flow water saving shower heads. These days you can still enjoy a powerful water pressure with a water-saving nozzle.
- Solar panels: Make the most of the amazing Australian sunshine and install some solar panels. Depending on where you live and the type of system you decide on, you may also qualify for government assistance.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
Don’t just stop at these simple swaps. Do your research and find out new and effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Also, make sure you continue to implement these swaps and don’t revert back to your old ways. Consistency is key! We only have one planet, so let’s keep it fresh and clean for future generations.
iThink Property has a team of real estate agents in Ipswich and Toowoomba offering property sales and property management services. With a passion for people and property, iThink Property was conceived with the notion of building a team of good people to work in a real estate brand that did things differently. iThink Property focuses on transparency, communication, innovation and teamwork and has become a leading independent brand with unique points of difference. So whether you are thinking of buying, selling or renting, think iThink Property.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
07 3202 3040
marketing@ithinkproperty.com.au