5 simple ways to make your home more eco friendly

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As we move into 2020 there are more and more people who are keen to make positive eco-friendly changes not only to their lifestyle but also to their home to ensure they lower their carbon footprint. With so much advice out there is can often feel a bit overwhelming so I am keeping it very simple and straight forward with 5 ways to make your home more eco-friendly this year.

1. Change to an ethical energy provider

I put off doing this for years until my bill with one of the big six became unmanageable & their billing system was way too complicated to understand. I wasn't actually looking for an ethical provider at the time, just a provider that offered a more competitive rate. I came across Bulb energy which not only was a lot more reasonable (I've saved a considerable amount switching to them) but also they provide 100% renewable electricity from solar, wind and hydro and their gas is 100% carbon neutral. Such an easy money-saving change that is good for your wallet and the planet.

2. Light up your home with LED's

There are so many benefits to changing to LED lights that it seems like the obvious easy swap to make. The way LED's are made means they are long-lasting and have an extended lifespan compared to normal bulbs and they are also a lot more energy-efficient, in fact, it only takes a 6 watts LED bulb to produce the same amount of light as a 40-watt incandescent one does and if that doesn't sway you, they are also more reliable, safer and brighter. LED lights also come in a variety of sizes and designs from security lights and floodlights to LED panel lights.

3. Use a food waste bin

I still can't believe how many homes in the UK don't take advantage of the free compost bins local councils provide. If you don't have time to do composting at home or in your own garden then using a food waste bin means your local council will pick it up once a week and turn it into a garden compost product. Also, did you know if food waste goes to landfill it rots and produces harmful gases so do organise a free food waste bin with your local council - so easy and eco-friendly.

4. Commit to Meatless Monday

While the vegetarian lifestyle does not suit everyone, bringing in meatless Monday can have some surprisingly positive benefits. Not only is it a good thing for your health to enjoy some plant-based meals but also for the environment. On the Meatless Monday website, it says that "skipping one serving of beef every Monday for a year saves the equivalent emissions to driving 348 miles in a car", now that's some food for thought.

5. Opt for Reusables

You don't have to do this one overnight but switching to reusable shopping bags can have a real impact and is one of the easiest ways to reduce your plastic consumption, as well as having some reusable water bottles and coffee cups, you can even find a place near your front door so you can make sure you don't leave home without them. Another big bonus of using reusable is saving money over the long-term, plus many coffee shops now offer a small discount for bringing your own mug.

All of these changes are pretty painless, actually, save you money and not time-consuming to put into place so it's a win-win situation as not only are they friendly on your wallet but also eco-friendly ways to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.