Top 10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home

Posted 02/09/2024

In today’s world of rising pressure on the environment and on our pockets, adopting eco-friendly practices at home is not just a trend but a necessity. For families looking to relocate to London or for those already living in the city, creating an environmentally friendly home can offer significant benefits—both for the planet and your wallet.

Here are our top 10 tips for making your home more eco-friendly.

1. Reduce Food Waste
Food waste is a significant contributor to environmental degradation and is a problem in the UK. By planning meals carefully, buying only what you need, storing food correctly, and composting organic waste, you can minimise the amount of food that ends up in landfills. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also saves money on groceries, so it’s an easy win-win.

2. Turn Off Electrical Devices
One of the simplest ways to reduce energy consumption is by turning off electrical devices when they’re not in use. Unplugging chargers, switching off lights, and powering down electronics will significantly reduce energy waste. Consider using power strips to make it easier to turn off multiple devices at once.

3. Use Eco-Friendly LED Lights
Switching to LED lights is a quick and effective way to reduce energy consumption. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. This simple change can lead to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental impact.

4. Reuse What You Have (DIY)
Before buying new items, think about whether you can reuse or repurpose something you already have. DIY projects not only save money but also reduce waste. Whether it’s transforming old furniture, reusing jars as storage containers, or creating decorations from recycled materials, the possibilities are endless, and you might enjoy the creative project, too!

5. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Investing in energy-efficient appliances can make a significant difference in your home’s overall energy consumption. Look for products with high energy-efficiency ratings, such as those certified by Energy Star. At Higgins Homes, we fit Bosch integrated appliances in our developments, which are top of the range and highly rated for energy efficiency. This helps residents keep costs down while living more sustainably.

6. Support Sustainable Businesses
When making purchases for your home, choose products from companies that prioritise sustainability. Supporting businesses that use eco-friendly materials and ethical practices contributes to a greener economy. This can include everything from furniture to cleaning products.

7. Check Your Home’s Efficiency Ratings
Regularly assessing your home’s energy efficiency is crucial for identifying areas where you can improve. This might include upgrading insulation, sealing windows and doors, or installing a programmable thermostat. Higgins Homes focuses on energy efficiency, green space, and sustainable building practices, ensuring that our homes are designed with you and the environment in mind.

8. Recycle and Upcycle
Recycling and upcycling are key practices for reducing waste. Always recycle materials like paper, glass, and plastics whenever possible. Additionally, upcycling—transforming old items into something new and useful—can reduce the need to buy new products and help minimise waste.

9. Use Eco-Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact the environment. Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, which are biodegradable and non-toxic, can help reduce your home’s ecological footprint while maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

10. Choose Biodegradable Household Products
From dish soap to laundry detergent, opting for biodegradable household products ensures that what goes down your drain won’t harm the environment. These products break down naturally and don’t contribute to pollution, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious families.

Creating an eco-friendly home is a rewarding process that benefits both the environment and your household. By incorporating these top 10 tips into your daily life, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable future. For those interested in finding a home that aligns with these values, The Garratt Collection is an excellent option, offering modern, energy-efficient and sustainably built properties in London’s leafy Wandsworth. Discover our range of high-quality homes here.