This new year, put protecting our environment at the top of your resolutions list with these eco-friendly home hacks. You’d be surprised at how many sustainable alternatives there are to your daily tasks and this article should provide some inspiration to get you moving towards making the switch!
DIY compost bin
A compost bin is one of the easiest ways to repurpose your scraps, whether it be vegetable peelings, rotting fruit or off cuts of old flowers and yard trimmings. Rather than buying one new, have a go at making your own using an old bin you may have lying around the house.
What you’ll need:
● Lidded, outdoor rubbish bin
● Power drill and paddle drill bit
Step 1: Give the bin a good rinse to remove any lingering remnants of non-biodegradable materials.
Step 2: Assemble your drill and begin creating holes approx. 3 inches apart, starting a few inches from the lid. Continue drilling until you have rows of holes, spanning both the width and length of your bin. Repeat on all sides.
Step 3: Give your brand new compost bin a good clean out, ensuring you’ve removed all plastic shavings and bits that were created in the process. Now go ahead and put that compost bin to work!
Use the sunshine to dry your clothes
Make the most of the sun and opt out of the dryer this Summer. Letting your clothes air dry is not only a great energy saving alternative, but it also increases the lifespan of your garments by avoiding shrinkage and rough handling. Go one step further and run your washer on a cold cycle or hand wash to be an energy-saving superhero!
Avoid water wastage
Try turning your shower off whilst soaping up, washing your hair or shaving your legs to avoid excess water going to waste. Even better, collect your shower water in a bucket to use for watering plants or install a low-flow showerhead to help reduce your water consumption by up to 50%.
Sort and sell unwanted things
This Summer, put the old saying to the test and make your trash another person’s treasure. Have a go at decluttering, whether it be clothes, kitchen appliances or that big box of stuff you swear you can’t live without but never touch… Use one of the many buy, swap, sell resources out there and reduce your carbon, water and waste footprint – not to mention, a clear space is a clear mind!
