Even small steps towards a greener home can have a big impact on the environment. A few simple changes can not only save energy and money but also help protect the climate by reducing our emissions.
Today, households account for about a quarter of direct carbon emissions in the EU. Did you know that EU households spend three-quarters of their energy consumption on heating and cooling?
Household tips:
- Create a DIY herb garden using recycled containers or repurposed materials like old pallets to grow fresh herbs at home.
- Upcycle old clothing or fabric scraps into reusable shopping bags, decorative pillow covers, or quilts to extend their lifespan and reduce textile waste.
- Practice “Meatless Mondays” or incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet to reduce your carbon footprint associated with animal agriculture.
- Set up a rainwater harvesting system using barrels or containers to collect rainwater for watering plants and gardens, reducing the need for tap water.
- Host a clothing swap party with friends or neighbors to exchange gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories, promoting reuse and reducing clothing waste.
- Make your own natural air fresheners using essential oils and water in a spray bottle or by simmering herbs and spices on the stove.
- Start a vermicomposting bin indoors using red wiggler worms to compost food scraps, creating nutrient-rich worm castings for your houseplants or garden.
- Get creative with repurposing old furniture or household items by giving them a new life through refurbishing, painting, or repurposing them for a different function.
- Reduce paper waste by opting for electronic bills and statements, using reusable cloth towels instead of paper towels, and repurposing scrap paper for note-taking or crafting.
- Host a repair café or join a local community repair group where people can come together to repair and refurbish broken items such as electronics, furniture, and clothing, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
