Everyone knows the world is going through a climate crisis. Climate change deniers still exist, but they are heading toward the minority. Of course, the changes that drive the biggest impact will come from big businesses altering their working practices and reducing the amount of energy they consume and waste they produce. However, everyone doing what they can will make a difference. You might have started to eat less meat, or you may have begun to walk those shorter journeys – but what changes can you make to your home to reduce your carbon footprint and live a greener way?
Install Solar Panels
The energy consumption that most people are concerned with is from fossil fuels. If you use energy from a renewable source, you are removing your reliance on non-renewable energy. This, in turn, reduces the amount of fuel dug out of the ground and lowers the amount of carbon you are putting into the atmosphere. Installing solar panels onto your home is one of the most efficient ways to transfer to renewable energy. You will need to have your panels installed by a professional company, such as one that specializes in solar panels Scotland based – who might be more familiar with the types of roofs and weather in the area.
Replace Your Windows
The amount of heat lost through windows can dramatically increase bills and raise energy consumption. Most people now have windows that are double-glazed, and those that don’t are aware of the problem single-glazed windows cause. However, it is necessary to remember that windows have a finite lifetime. At some point, you will need to replace them, and the longer you leave them, the more energy that will be lost in the meantime. Even if your windows do not urgently need replacing, if you want to make big green changes to your home, why not consider upgrading to triple-glazed windows?
Insulation
Insulation is possibly a boring home change to implement, but it is great for reducing your energy waste. Ensure that all walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs are as insulated as you can make them. Cover pipes, put insulating strips around doors, reseal all those small gaps that have opened up around window frames, and don’t forget to put insulation on the attic door! One place that many people neglect is the chimney – you don’t have to cap it if you still use your fire, but you don’t have to put up with a howling gale either. Look into products that can be put up and removed as you wish.
Landscaping
Don’t forget the area around your home when you are trying to live in a greener way. If you have a drive, look into porous surfaces to reduce runoff water that can lead to localized flooding and water waste. Large manicured lawns are also terrible for the environment. You might need a large lawn for lifestyle reasons, but if you are merely looking at it, why not investigate patchwork lawns or moss lawns, which get you the same effect in a way that is kinder to the environment?
