As Zero Waste Week rolls around this year people taking part are looking to up their game when it comes to living their best sustainable low carbon lifestyle. This includes reducing their carbon footprint. This needn’t be a tricky thing to do. We offer these simple tips for you to try during Zero Waste Week.
Switch to a Low Carbon Energy Supplier
Many electricity and gas energy suppliers now offer tariffs that get their energy from sources that produce low amounts of carbon dioxide. The sources are things like Wind Power, Hydroelectric, Solar Power and Nuclear Sources. Speak to your energy supplier and they will be able to advise which tariffs they have that you can switch to. It is really quick and simple.
Insulate Your Home
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon output is to ensure that the energy you do use is being used to its best capacity. This means making sure that your home is well insulated. The loft is the first culprit for needing insulating and this will provide the biggest impact for the least money, so make sure it is done. Also, go around the house and locate and drafts. These can then be stopped up with simple things like weather-strips, or foam insulating tape.
Turn Your Thermostat Down
Dropping the temperature in your home by just one degree will make a huge difference in the amount of carbon that you produce. The temperature difference is not even likely to be noticed. The recommended level for a home is between 18-21 degrees. Also, take advantage of technology tools that let you control your heating remotely and shut it off if you are not at home.
Use Low Energy Light Bulbs
This is one that a lot of people have heard of, but not everyone has yet made the switch. Traditional light bulbs are one of the most inefficient products out there with most of the energy going to producing heat rather than light. LED bulbs use just a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and still produce a great light that is on instantly. The bulbs may cost a little more initially, but they will last a lot longer and pay for themselves in saved energy in no time.
Save Water
Whilst you might not think that this has an impact on carbon emissions, the production of water to your home certainly does. So, if you use less water, then less carbon is released during its production. So only fill the kettle with as much as you need. Turn off the tap whilst you brush your teeth. Or even something as simple as a brick in the cistern of your toilet can reduce the amount of water it uses.
Final Thoughts
There are a huge number of really simple tips you can use to help reduce your carbon footprint. Zero Waste Week is a great time to focus on it and make sure that you do everything you can to reduce the amount of waste that you produce.
About Midlands Traveller
Simone is a journalist with both Brazilian and British citizenship who has been living in Birmingham since 2011. She is vegetarian, with a passion for plant-based food. She also has a keen interest in green living. She writes at Midlands Traveller; a blog about business opportunities, the travel industry and well-being. You can find her on twitter, instagram and facebook too.Â