Climate change is a very real and increasingly worrying thing to think about. Be it the ever-rising power of storms battering continental America or wildfires down under, going green is vital for our ecosystems.
Even in Europe, we are seeing floods happen more often in coastal areas, hotter summers, and colder winters.
But unlike other global issues, global warming can be combated by consumer choice and by changing our habits. It is an issue we can all have a hand in solving.
Other than changing to a vegan diet, optimising your home for green living is the easiest way to contribute to solving global warming.
Choose A Green Energy Supplier
This is probably the single easiest way to start your green journey. If you are not already switched to a provider of green energy, this is where to start.
But it can seem like a hassle, and many people don’t want to switch energy suppliers. However, as of late, energy suppliers have been adding green plans to their options which may not have been an option when you first signed up.
Alternatively, you may have not switched suppliers upon moving in. Checking and switching is a great way to start contributing. It may cost you slightly more and in some cases slightly less. Make sure to shop around and get the best plan for you.
Source More Efficient Heating Solutions
In the U.K. you will be hard-pressed to find a home without any kind of heating system in place. But heating systems come in many different forms from traditional boiler systems to newer, fully electrical systems.
While changing your heating system is expensive and might be outwith your current consideration, one thing that is less expensive but still beneficial is changing your utility machines.
A big one that can cut your energy usage and improve energy efficiency is electrical heaters. This is, of course, to replace the conventional water heaters that are more commonplace.
Electrical heaters have many advantages but, as a starting point, they use fewer resources. Heating electrical coils tend to be easier and more energy-efficient than conventional central heating systems for heating homes.
If you are stuck, you could start by taking a look at Trade Radiators excellent stock of electrical radiators, including their stylish electrical heated towel rails among other things.
The Big One
And then we progress onto the most expensive but most efficient method to help combat global warming; buying into renewable energy.
There are many ways you can do this for your home and what methods work best for your home will depend on where you live. Inner-city or town homes will generally benefit from solar panels more than any other type.
If you are in the countryside, or on a farm, then wind turbines or even geothermal energy generation sources are options. But now we are getting into expensive territory.
If you are by the coast, in say Scotland or Cornwall, then it may be possible to consider wave technology. But again, this can be expensive.
The main upside to buying into renewables is the capacity to earn from your electricity generation. Selling your surplus energy back to the national grid is a factor that needs to be considered more often.
In Summary
There are many different options to consider when going green. Many of the decisions you make will be based on financial incentives, disposable income, and lifestyle.
But one thing to keep in mind is that you are buying into a collective future, not just your own.
