You must have heard about the ‘Paris Climate Agreement’, focused to combat climate change and adapt to its effect. Effects that scientists had predicted in the past would result from global climate change are now occurring: loss of sea ice, accelerated sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves.
What can you do? Simple, Go Green! At what’s great, you can implement such changes from the comfort of your home, and play a big part in supporting the environment.
Here are 5 easy hacks to help you.
1. Switch to CFL or LED
A cost-effective and easy ways to reduce your environmental impression is to switch to LED or CFL lights. Did you know that as per EIA reports, home lighting accounts for 9% of monthly electricity consumption. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) do more than reduce cost, but they have a longer lifespan vs. traditional bulbs, and use 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs.
2. Instantly Fix Leaks
Leaking toilets and taps may not seem like a big deal, but they actually waste a lot of water. According to EPA.gov, 10% of homes have leaks of 9- gallons or more, and the average household leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Pay attention to any dripping noises, check any dramatic increase in your water bill, and fix it instantly. Noting that leaks can turn into real issues in the house that will cost you a fortune if left unhandled.
3. Give Solar Energy A Try
Solar power is becoming more widespread over the past years, they are an easy and excellent method to make your home greener and reduce the unbelievable electricity costs, you have the option to buy or lease panels. There are 3 forms of solar energy for homes; Passive Solar Design (windows), Solar Photovoltaics PV (electricity) And Solar Thermal (water). All three can be implemented in harmony , or pick what would be most effective per your usage.
4. Recycle
Old but gold! One of the easiest way to support the environment with barely any hassle. Nowadays, most cities pick and process recyclables, also, many vending machines are available around town. You can place a recycle bin in your kitchen and garden, remember this must be done actively and not for a short period to emphasize the impact. Look at the numbers to feel how vital recycling is for conserving natural resources; One ton of recycled office paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 463 gallons of oil, and 3 cubic yards of space in a landfill. That same amount of recycled plastic saves up to 16 barrels of oil. Recycled steel saves close to 2 barrels of oil and 4 cubic yards in a landfill.
5. Go Digital
Tens of statements, bills and junk mail is not only annoying but harmful to the environment. Opting for electronic billing can save up to 23 pounds of wood each year, and avoid the production of up to 29 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year, crazy right? Banks, utility companies, etc… make it easy to switch paperless, by opting for electronic methods. Take Ajar Online as an example, automated property management software, digitizes the real-estate requirements and reduces the need of tons of paper invoices and receipts.
Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is very important and if each one of us does our part, our precious Earth will offer us beautiful nature for us and the next generation to enjoy.
