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If you’ve followed my blog for a bit of time, you’ll know I talk a LOT about sustainability. But what does living sustainably mean? Living sustainably means adopting a lifestyle that seeks to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of natural resources, ensuring that future generations can also meet their needs. It involves a conscious effort to balance environmental, economic, and social needs to promote long-term ecological health and human well-being. In today’s world, it is crucial to safeguard our planet from human-induced harm and in order to do so, we can all adopt various sustainable practices to reduce the negative impact caused by our daily activities.
embracing sustainability & saving money
There are plenty of opportunities to embrace more sustainable, eco-friendly practices in different aspects of our lives. In today’s article, I’m going to highlight the key areas where you can adjust your habits and rethink your interactions with the environment. Whether it’s implementing small energy-saving actions or upgrading energy systems, being mindful of your purchasing decisions or embracing eco-tourism practices, every step you take towards personal change can contribute to broader system improvements and enhance your local community, and it can also help you save money in the process. And we’re all here for it! 🙌
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
While homes may not pollute as much as big corporations, we homeowners (or even renters) can take a few little steps to make our homes more eco-friendly. The good news is that is not even that expensive. On the contrary, it might even save you a little bit off your monthly bills!
Renewable Energy for Electricity
The first advice I would give to any homeowner out there is to get solar panel installations, which convert sunlight into electricity, providing a sustainable and low-maintenance energy source. This can reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality, benefiting respiratory health. You wouldn’t just rely on energy from the sun for your home though, because in case you didn’t know it, solar panels can be combined with electric heating systems for renewable heating and hot water. Plus, their battery storage can store excess energy for later use, providing total independence from traditional power sources.
While it might be easier for homeowners to install solar panels in their homes because of the UK solar panel grants that can help reduce costs and make these upgrades more affordable, renters can also do their best by filtering only renewable energy flats and homes during their new move selection.
green energy suppliers
Switching to green energy suppliers offers numerous benefits for both individuals and the environment. Green energy suppliers also often provide competitive pricing and innovative programs that support sustainable practices and local communities.
I’ve done a bit of research and these are some of the most recommended green energy suppliers in the UK. For more information, visit usave, an independent and impartial price comparison site.
Bristol Energy Owned by Bristol City Council, Bristol Energy offers 100% renewable electricity and lower carbon gas, sourced from local renewable generators. They provide competitively priced green tariffs.
Octopus Energy Growing rapidly since 2016, Octopus Energy provides 100% green electricity and carbon offsets gas. They were the only energy company to receive 5-star ratings in a 2018 Which? survey.
Cooperative Energy Part of the Midcounties Co-operative, Cooperative Energy sources 100% of its electricity from renewable sources and supports new green initiatives across the UK.
Ebico Offers affordable 100% green electricity from UK-based wind and solar generators and uses financial surpluses to fight fuel poverty through the Ebico Trust.
Ecotricity The world’s first green energy supplier, Ecotricity provides 100% renewable electricity and plans to produce green gas from grass. They are recognised by The Vegan Society for their eco-friendly practices.
Good Energy Founded in 1999, Good Energy sources electricity from solar, wind, hydro, and biofuel. They invest in carbon reduction schemes to provide carbon-neutral gas.
Green Energy UK Green Energy UK offers 100% green gas produced by anaerobic digestion and makes switching providers easy and cost-effective.
Ovo Energy Committed to net zero carbon emissions, Ovo Energy offers a Green Electricity upgrade and provides 15% green gas, offsetting the remainder.
So Energy So Energy allows customers to vote on their electricity source from sustainable options like solar, wind, and hydroelectric, partnering with various UK generators.
Smart Thermostats
Smart, wifi-enabled thermostats help save energy, which is crucial with high energy costs. They work by optimizing heating based on your home’s patterns and outside temperatures, conserving energy and reducing utility bills.
Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone, whether at home or away. You can adjust the heating even if you forget before leaving for a holiday, and you can schedule the heating to come on, to ensure your home is warm when you return.
Some thermostats can detect when you’re away and automatically adjust the temperature, and others can even talk to other smart home devices, like a smoke alarm detector which can spot when, heaven forbid, there’s a fire and turn the boiler off instantly, to stop it making a bad situation worse.
Energy Efficient Lighting
LED lightbulbs (Light Emitting Diode lightbulbs) are a type of energy-efficient lighting that uses semiconductor technology to produce light. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which generate light by heating a filament, LEDs emit light when an electric current passes through a semiconductor material. They use significantly less electricity than incandescent and even compact fluorescent bulbs, leading to lower energy bills.
LED bulbs have a longer lifespan than traditional incandescent bulbs, and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, decreasing the frequency of replacements and reducing waste. They also produce less heat, enhancing safety and reducing cooling costs in warm climates. They are more resistant to shocks, vibrations, and external impacts, making them more durable.
Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
Upgrading or replacing home appliances with energy-saving models can significantly reduce energy consumption. Look for the energy efficiency label to identify the best options. The current energy efficiency scale, ranging from A to G, replaced the old A+++ to D scale on March 1st, 2021. This update affects dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers, TVs, and refrigeration products. The new scale requires manufacturers to perform diverse tests on a product’s components, performance, and technologies. This helps customers more easily distinguish between similar models based on their energy efficiency.
For added savings, run your dishwasher and washing machine at night instead of during peak daytime hours. This practice not only lowers costs but also reduces energy demand, as fewer people use these appliances at night, making the process more efficient.
Insulation Improvements
Around 40% of the heating energy produced in your home escapes through gaps in windows, doors, and floors. To conserve energy and retain that heat, there’s a few improvements we can make in our homes that will save us both money and energy. From double or tripe-glazed windows to wood cavity wall and roof insulation, filling gaps between floorboards, implementing draught excluders around windows, doors and other openings, replacing old window seals and adding radiator foil to your insulation plan, there really is a lot you can do. Most of which, is an expense you should look at as an investment.
However, if you are on a low income, it might be worth checking your eligibility for an ECO4 Scheme grant to see if you meet the criteria. The ECO4 Scheme is a government initiative designed to reduce carbon emissions and energy usage across the UK by providing funding for energy-efficient home improvements. It focuses on delivering upgrades like insulation and heating to low-income households and those living in poorly insulated homes.
Upgrade Your Boiler
All modern boilers are now rated between A efficiency ratings and use condensing technology, which is 25% more energy-efficient than non-condensing boilers by preheating cold water with waste heat.
From combi boilers that can provide heat on demand from the main lines, reducing energy waste from heat storage, to hydrogen boilers which offer an emissions-free alternative with water (not gas) as the only by-product, to biomass boilers, which use biological material for combustion and can be converted to produce sustainable fuels like biodiesel. It’s not just about making that boiler switch if you want to be more energy efficient in your home though, it’s about getting it checked regularly by a licensed engineer, to identify any issues that may arise with time and optimise the system for better performance.
The modern boilers mentioned above are not your only option is you want a more sustainable option for your home’s energy though. You could also opt for replacing your old boiler with a heat pump or a solar thermal. Heat pumps extract heat from the air, ground, or water to heat your home or cool it in the summer. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional heating systems, with a high energy efficiency rate and reduced carbon emissions compared to gas or electric heating. Solar thermal, on the other hand, are systems that use solar heat for space and water heating or electricity generation. When combined with existing heating systems, they can lower carbon emissions, reduce hot water costs, and save on energy bills by switching to a renewable energy source.
HOUSEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Use Eco-Cleaning Products
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products reduces exposure to toxic chemicals and minimises water pollution. Eco-friendly cleaning products are also gentler than chemical-based ones. This means that surfaces, fabrics, and fixtures within your home are less likely to degrade over time, delaying replacement costs, and leading to long-term savings. Additionally, eco-friendly products often come in concentrated forms, minimising packaging waste.
Natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, lemon juice, and bicarbonate of soda are effective and sustainable alternatives. I’ve recently written an article about this, so go have a read if you’re interested in knowing more!
Related – The Remarkable Benefits Of Vinegar
Biodegradable Household Products
Opt for biodegradable household products to reduce environmental impact. Choose items like recycled or bamboo toilet paper, natural shampoo, deodorant, bamboo toothbrushes, and washcloths made from sustainable materials. I have linked to some brand recommendations and also some recent articles that provide more information. I hope you enjoy your reads!
Related – Sustainable Toilet Paper & A Guide to Natural Deodorants
Household Cleaning Refills
Refilling containers when buying groceries and beauty products offers numerous benefits for both consumers and the environment. Opting for refill options reduces the demand for single-use plastics, significantly decreasing plastic waste and its harmful impact on ecosystems. Many brands are embracing this sustainable approach, providing convenient and eco-friendly solutions for everyday essentials.
One exemplary brand in this movement is Bower Collective. They offer a range of natural household cleaning refills that are toxin-free, vegan, naturally fragranced, and packed with powerful active ingredients for sparkling results. Their bestselling refill products include Washing Up Liquid, Non-Bio Laundry Liquid, All-Purpose Sanitiser Spray, and Limescale Remover. Customers can easily top up their dispensers and return the empty refill pouches in a pre-paid envelope, making sustainability simple and effective. Choosing refills from brands like Bower Collective not only supports a healthier planet but also brings high-quality, environmentally conscious products into your home.
Related – Sustainable Toilet Paper & A Guide to Natural Deodorants
Reduce Washing Frequency
Synthetic fabrics release microplastics in the washing machine, which, if you didn’t know, end up in our ocean and consequently, our fish and our bodies. The ocean floor contains over 14 million tonnes of microplastics, with textiles adding 500,000 tonnes annually. 16% of these oceanic microplastics originate from washing synthetic clothes, harming ecosystems and marine life.
The point is that overwashing at high temperatures not only affects clothes’ quality but wastes water and energy. My advice is to stop doing this, wash in cold temperatures, and avoid harsh detergents and excessive tumble dryer use. For some advice on laundry practices and eco-cleaning products, you might find my recent post about Spring Cleaning interesting and helpful. In it I’ve put together a little guide to how you can enhance your living space while keeping things sustainable, plus, here you’ll find lots of product recommendations I couldn’t do my Spring Clean without.
Related – It’s Time For A Spring Clean!
Don’t Discard It, Reuse It
I’m never gonna get tired of repeating this: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The UK generates around 1 million tonnes of textile waste annually, leading to greenhouse gas emissions in landfills. Most of the clothes we discard every year are still wearable, so next time you clean out your wardrobe, try extending your clothing lifespan by making alterations, repairs, or exploring vintage and second-hand options. In my “Spring Clean” article, I also have given you lots of mending and second-hand fashion selling and buying brand recommendations, so go have a read. And if you’re just starting out in your vintage fashion journey, check out this previous post with an A-Z list of places you can shop!
Related – An A-Z Of The Best Vintage & Pre-Loved Shops & Marketplaces
FOOD IMPROVEMENTS
The food choices we make have a significant impact on the environment, from production to consumption. Here are only a few of the small steps we can take to make this all better for our planet.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Meat and dairy products are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector. These emissions occur throughout the farming, production, processing, packaging, and delivery stages. By consuming less meat, overall greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced. Even a moderate reduction in meat consumption can make a significant impact. In January I wrote an article about Veganuary where I give you loads of brand recommendations for vegan alternatives to meat that are just as delicious.
Related – A Vegan’s Perspective: Veganuary
Support Local Agriculture
On average, fresh food travels 1,500 miles before reaching consumers, leading to carbon emissions from transportation and production processes. Instead, buying from local producers helps reduce carbon emissions associated with long-distance food transportation. These local food systems strengthen supply chains, providing more options during shortages, as well as being more nutritious than internationally sourced produce that is artificially preserved for longer shelf life.
In a previous article about eating seasonal and local produce I also discuss the ethical and environmental benefits, such as farming methods and the reduction in packaging.
Related – Living Life on the Veg – Organic Seasonal Food Makes Sense!
Minimise Food Waste
The UK generated 9.5 million tonnes of food waste in 2018, equivalent to 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, with 70% originating from households. From the cultivation of crops to transportation, sales, storage and ultimately disposal, the food we eat has an impact on the environment and climate. Reducing this food waste helps lower emissions linked to increased industrial production and transportation.
By taking steps to reduce food waste, we can help protect the environment and ensure that everyone has access to the food they need. This article is full of all the tips you might need if you want to reduce food waste in your home.
Related – CUTTING DOWN ON FOOD WASTE
GROCERY REFILL INCENTIVES
Refilling is often more cost-effective, as you pay only for the product and not the packaging, leading to significant savings over time. Additionally, many stores offer discounts or loyalty points for customers who bring their own containers, further incentivising this eco-friendly practice. Embracing refillable solutions helps promote a circular economy, fostering sustainable consumption habits that benefit both your wallet and the planet.
Organisations like Refill in the UK help consumers live with less plastic by providing an app that tracks refill locations. The app guides users to water refill stations, restaurants that use consumer-provided lunchboxes instead of to-go containers, and places offering coffee cup refills, groceries, and even cleaning products and toiletries without plastic packaging. It also highlights stores that don’t use plastic bags and those offering discounts for reusable items.
Related – Refill & Re-Use In The UK – Cutting Back on Pointless Packaging
GROW YOUR OWN
Growing your own vegetables is a sustainable practice that not only promotes environmental health but also saves money. By cultivating a personal garden, you reduce the need for commercially packaged produce, which cuts down on plastic waste and transportation emissions.
Homegrown vegetables are free from harmful pesticides and fertilizers, contributing to a healthier lifestyle. Additionally, the cost of seeds and gardening supplies is significantly lower compared to the continuous purchase of store-bought vegetables, leading to substantial savings over time. This eco-friendly approach fosters self-sufficiency, reduces carbon footprints, and provides fresh, nutritious produce right from your backyard.
Related – My Edible Garden
