Simple Home Changes to Fight Climate Change
Climate change is a serious issue facing the entire world population. If unchecked, it could lead to catastrophic changes, like rising sea levels, in the makeup of the planet over the next few decades. However, the key to overcoming climate change lies in a massive, collective response of small changes. If a large portion of the world adjusts the way they live to reduce emissions, lower power and water usage, and become more environmentally friendly overall, we might be able to bring the planet back to its natural state.
Consider solar power
The first thing you can do is change around your home to be powered more by renewable resources, like wind and solar power. In the UK, the average family spends more than £400 a year on electricity alone—and prices will only continue to rise. By installing solar panels on your roof, you can experience significant returns on your investment over the next couple decades.
Solar energy doesn’t just have to be used for electricity, though. You can also use it to power
your water heaters or even your air conditioning. Cool Breeze Comfort Solutions explains solar AC is particularly beneficial because air conditioning is one of the most wasteful uses of energy in your home. Around 140 million tons of carbon dioxide are released into the air as a result of the country’s air conditioning systems — that’s about 5% of the total amount of energy produced!
Switch to LEDs
While you’re making your home’s energy usage more environmentally friendly, don’t forget about the seemingly small things. Regular incandescent bulbs are incredibly wasteful, and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are difficult to dispose of because they contain mercury. This is why it can be a great investment to swap out your existing bulbs for LEDs. SFGate explains they’re much more energy efficient than any other type of bulb, last much longer, and will save you a great deal of money in the long run.
Watch your methods of transportation
While it is great to make your home’s energy usage more green, it is also important to help out in other areas. Daily transportation is a requirement for most people; however, that doesn’t mean that you have to make use of the most wasteful methods of transportation. If you live close enough to your job, for instance, you may want to consider riding a bike at least once a week. Those with longer commutes can make use of public transportation (this will also cut down on the amount you spend each month on fuel). If you simply must drive each day, try carpooling with friends or coworkers, or trading in your current vehicle for an electric or hybrid car.
Keep track of your changes
As you go through the process of making upgrades and changes to your home, be sure to keep track of them. You may be undertaking these upgrades to fight climate change, but they also could increase your home’s value. Over time, you’ll start to save money through reduced energy bills, and you can turn to more cosmetic climate-friendly products. Every little bit you do helps in the fight against climate change.
The path to overcoming climate change lies in the small changes each person can make. Even if you don’t have the resources to go completely off the grid, by carpooling once a week and swapping your bulbs out for LEDs, you will have begun to help contribute to the fight against climate change. That’s what each of us can do—our part.
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Credit to Clara Beaufort - Author