How to be sustainable. Energy and efficiency
These are some of the things you can do as an individual to make your time on the planet a little more responsible. These are some ideas that we would like to share with you to make your way to the eco-friendly world easier.
If you have come this far, it is because you know that with small gestures it is possible to change the world. You know that your consumption habits directly affect the environment and you want to join us in this big change. You want to ACT NOW but you don't know how to start.
We don't need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.
We are going to show you what you can do at home related to energy and household savings. Small changes that will help the planet and your pocket.
- Avoid leaving any electronic device plugged in if you are not using it
All electrical appliances that are left on standby (television, computers, consoles, etc.) or chargers that are left plugged in are constantly consuming energy. The energy loss of these appliances is between 5% and 13% of household electricity consumption. Disconnecting the plugs or using multiple sockets with their own switch is a very good solution.
- LED bulbs and lamps
Changing bulbs and lamps to LED lights reduces energy consumption by up to 80-90% compared to incandescent bulbs. Something also very easy would be to turn off the lights when we are not using them or to put lights with sensors in those places of passage.
- Get more energy-efficient appliances
It is not necessary to change them all at once. First make use of them and consume all their useful life. When you need to buy a new one, prioritize the most energy efficient ones, that is to say, those of class A.
- Quick showers instead of baths
Between 150 and 250 liters of water are needed to fill a bathtub. However, a shower usually consumes between 50 and 100 liters. Even so, it is advisable to install water-saving mechanisms in the shower: water economizer, a mixer tap or a tap with separate flow and temperature control, etc. A funny solution is to play a song and end the shower when the song ends.
- Less heating and air conditioning
There are many ways to avoid having the heating or air conditioning on continuously: better insulation in the windows, timers to turn on and off in specific time slots, appropriate clothing to be at home, fans, awnings for direct sun, etc. 20ºC in winter and 26ºC in summer is sufficient for a pleasant and healthy environment.
- Avoid the dryer at all costs
In a four-member family where they don’t use a dryer, they will be saving up to 120kg of CO2 per year, equivalent to the emissions generated by driving a car 1000km. Drying your clothes in the sun will avoid this problem, and will also extend the life of your clothes.
- Say no to battery-operated appliances
Appliances that run on electricity (toothbrush, shaver, humidifiers, loudspeakers, etc.) consume much less energy than the once with batteries. If there is no alternative, charge them correctly and dispose of the batteries in their place (clean point).
- Solar panels
Not everyone wants them or can afford solar panels but, if your economy allows it and you are able to install solar panels at home, your pocket and the planet will thank you long-term. Nowadays it is becoming easier, cheaper and more accessible to install solar panels in homes.
Check what can you do in other areas of your life:
How to be sustainable. Cleaning and cosmetics.
How to be sustainable. Clothes.