2018 was the year where the impacts of global climate change really hit us in the face. It is never too early to start a more energy-efficient lifestyle, but if we are not careful, one day it might be too late. This new year make the resolution to be more environmentally friendly. Start one small step at a time, but remember to keep up with it, because consistency is the only way in which we will be able to truly make an impact. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Despite seeming so simple, it is highly effective. The technology around your house, even the times when you are not using it, can still be draining energy if they’re left plugged into a live socket. Turning off your appliances entirely will help you massively in conserving energy around your house. In fact, the Solar Centre states that the average household would conserve CHF 37 worth of energy a year.
Speaking of the technology in your home, a question to ask yourself when you are out shopping for a new refrigerator or washing machine is: are they energy efficient? By law, all companies manufacturing electronic appliances are required to indicate the appliance’s energy efficiency rating and this is something we need to be conscious of when making our shopping choices. This and the fact that purchases of this nature are a long-term investment.
In the Canton de Vaud, houses are now required by law to partially power their house through renewable energy sources. The most commonly used is solar panels. Similar to purchasing energy-efficient appliances, while the initial investment may seem large, the ultimate payback over the long-term is huge. You can save about CHF 996 a year with solar panels!
Again, something that may seem quite insignificant, but have a huge positive impact with consistent use over the long-run
It is very good to have houseplants. Not only because they will make your house look nicer by bringing a bit of the outdoors inside, but also because they will help turn the CO2 being generated in your home to O2.
Instead of buying several paper shopping bags every time, invest in a few bags that you take with you every time you need to go shopping. For the bags that you already have or for any packaging material that is just lying about your house: reduce, reuse, recycle.
If you want to get a little fancy with your eco-friendly habits, upgrade to a smart thermostat that will automatically lower the temperature when you’re not home in an effort to conserve heating energy.