Five ways to cut your carbon footprint at home

Five ways to cut your carbon footprint at home

If you’re keen to do your bit for the environment then the best place to start saving energy is at home. You can reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time, simply by making a few straightforward changes.

1. Buy energy saving light bulbs: One of the easiest and cheapest ways to save energy is by swapping your standard light bulbs for energy saving ones. An eco bulb will last approximately ten times longer than a conventional model, as well as producing up to 40kg less carbon emissions over the course of a year. 

2. Install insulation: There’s no need to spend winter shivering under layers of wooly jumpers. You can stay warm and do your bit for the environment by insuring that your home is properly insulated. Almost a quarter of the average household’s heat is lost through the roof, so start by insulating the attic.  Cavity wall, heating cylinder and pipe insulation will also help reduce energy loss – altogether saving you up to two tons in CO2 emissions every year.

3. Recycle your waste: It’s now easier than ever before to recycle your household waste, so make sure you throw away only what can’t be reused or recycled. Most food products can be composted, and glass, paper, cans, cardboard and plastic bottles will all be accepted either by your doorstep recycling service or your local tip.

4. A new boiler: Old boilers tend to be inefficient and unreliable, so if you want to dramatically cut both your carbon emissions and your electricity bill then it’s a good idea to invest in a newer model. Make sure you get yours from a company that only uses CORGI registered engineers, such as British Gas, who offer baxi central heating boilers, which have extremely high efficiency ratings. A new boiler, combined with improved heating controls, could slash your electricity bills by 40 per cent.

5. Only use enough for your needs: Being frugal with your energy use is the best way to quickly reduce your carbon footprint. Using the dishwasher and washing machine for full loads only, boiling just enough water for what you need and turning appliances and lights off when they’re not in use can hugely reduce wastage. And the best bit is that it won’t cost you anything at all.