It’s no secret that the world needs to take immediate action to tackle climate change and limit the devastating effect it is having on our natural planet. As we become more eco conscious, positive steps are being taken by governments and institutions around the globe, but it can be hard to see how we as individuals can make worthwhile changes to promote a greener lifestyle. With confusing and conflicting information in abundance, here are a few simple changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably (and cost-effectively too).

Make the Energy Efficient Switch

A great deal of energy and money can be saved simply by being more careful when choosing electrical appliances and bulbs. Instead of focusing solely on the convenient features or aesthetics, look at the energy labels. Appliances are tested for energy use and are given a rating on a scale from A+++ to G, with the former being the most energy efficient. Switch appliances off when not in use; many still use a small amount of energy when not turned off at the plug socket. Phone chargers and TVs are typical culprits.

Unsurprisingly, LED lights are far more energy efficient than the traditional alternatives. In fact, LEDs use around 50% less energy than incandescent, fluorescent and halogen bulbs, so with the simple switch of a bulb you could see a significant reduction in your overall energy usage at home. LEDs tend to last longer too – win win!

Green Cleaning

Chemical cleaning products can be harmful to the environment and that’s before we consider the plastic packaging they’re sold in. Instead of filling your cupboard with shop bought cleaning sprays and liquids, consider making your own. The classic baking soda and white vinegar combination is really effective at removing grease so is great for cleaning ovens. Mix baking soda with water and you’ll have a window cleaning solution that will deliver sparkling results. Bicarbonate of soda will remove stubborn stains from upholstery and soft furnishings.  Instead of buying dishcloths, sponges and paper towels, cut up old clothes to make cleaning rags.

Repair, not Replace

Unless there are concerns about safety, think about whether a damaged item can be repaired before you go ahead and replace it. Extending the lifespan of your possessions is more environmentally friendly and sometimes much cheaper than buying new ones. Our homes are filled with items that are surprisingly easy to repair if you know how, so before you dispose of something damaged, look on YouTube for an instructional video which will guide you through the repair process. Broken zips on sofa cushions, holes in clothes, worn down heels on shoes and chips or scratches on furniture can all be put right with a bit of research.

Material Matters

Nature has provided us with many marvellous materials and an eco-friendly home will utilise them. Reclaimed wood is perfect for coffee tables, bookcases, mantels and even flooring, and looks wonderful in rustic homes.  If you prefer the more contemporary look, recycled metals and plastics are great alternatives.

Bamboo is another sustainable material that should not be overlooked. It’s one of the fastest growing plants in the world so can be used in just 4 years of being planted, unlike many hardwoods which take half a century of growth before they are ready. In recent years, bamboo has made a comeback too, so you’ll have no trouble sourcing bamboo chairs and tables.

Where sustainable materials aren’t an option, try instead to focus on quality to ensure longevity.  It is environmentally and economically friendlier to invest in high quality, expertly crafted pieces that will stand the test of time than it is to fill your home with mass produced goods which will need replacing a couple of years down the line.

What About Water?

The surface of our planet is 71% water but less than 1% of it is ready for human use. For clean water to reach our taps, it goes through various energy-intensive processes, so saving water is more important than you might think.  You can reduce your household water waste by making a few simple changes such as addressing a dripping tap. This might not seem like too much of a problem but it’s a relatively easy fix and one which could stop you from wasting as much as 15 litres of water a day.

When it comes to washing clothes, wash larger loads so you use your washing machine less often. If you like your drinking water cold, keep a jug in the fridge instead of running the tap each time. There are steps you can take in the garden too – a water butt under your drainpipe will enable you to use collected rainwater for watering plants and washing cars.

At Hartleys, all our fitted furniture is designed and manufactured at our Skipton factory. Our customer base is local, keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum and our wood is sustainably sourced from managed forestations. All our raw materials are of the best quality and our fitters are true craftsmen, ensuring that every piece of furniture we produce is built to last and guaranteed to be enjoyed for many years to come. If you’d like to make a design appointment, please ring us on 01756 700471 or you can pop by our showroom Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30.