We are living in a revolutionized and modern world where technology has prevailed. Humans are being replaced by machines and tasks that require hours can only be done in a few minutes. The rise of machines and technology has led to ease and comfort in our lives.
However, there is also a dark side to it, which is becoming a major concern for everyone. The rising pollution, carbon emissions, and greenhouse gases have led to global warming. It has created a greater impact on our planet in the form of floods, thunderstorms, and drought.
The seriousness of the impact has led first-world countries to take responsibility and create policies that would benefit not only the earth but also future generations. Moreover, people on an individual level are also taking measures to conserve the planet and make it eco-friendly. But not everyone could afford it. That is why the government of the UK has introduced the ECO4 Scheme. It includes everything from free boiler grants to first time central heating grants, which is for low-income households to reduce energy bills and save the environment from greenhouse gases. For more info, visit the link https://ecoenergyservices.co.uk/services/free-boiler-grant/.
If you are looking for ways to minimize carbon footprint, here are some of the tips to help you out. Let’s dive straight in.
Avoid Driving a Car
It sounds a little weird but yes you can avoid driving a car when visiting a friend a few blocks away, shopping from the nearest store, or stopping by the nearest cafe. Instead of driving a car, you can choose to walk or if you have a bicycle, that would be beneficial for your health as well as the environment.
Similarly, use local transport to go to the office or any other place where the commute is easier. This will help reduce carbon emission from your car and ultimately leads to a greener planet.
Install a Smart Thermostat
In winter, you want comfort, coziness, and warmth. It is only possible if you have installed an efficient boiler with the central heating system. However, excessive use of heating systems might put a dent in your budget in the form of energy bills.
To avoid paying hefty bills, make sure to install a smart thermostat. It can be controlled remotely with the help of your smartphone. In addition, a smart thermostat is able to learn your preferences at different times. In case, you forgot to turn off your heating system before leaving the home, the smart thermostat will automatically turn off. You can also track your energy usage and avoid paying hefty bills by monitoring and controlling usage.
Replace Lights with LEDs
Traditional bulbs consume more energy and less light than LEDs. If you have not replaced your incandescent bulbs with LEDs, now is the time to do so. LEDs produce more light and eliminate carbon waste. You can also go for smart LED lights that can be controlled through your smartphone or remote. So next time if you forget to turn off the light before starting a movie on Netflix, you can simply turn off the light right from bed.
Insulate Your Home
Your house may have the best heating system. But what if all the heat is lost due to poor insulation? Whether it be walls, windows, or doors, you need to insulate your home properly to let the heat stay in.
In addition, look for places where there are holes and gaps such as under the doors, windows, and vents. Try to cover them up and if possible invest in double or triple-glazed windows to avoid heat loss.
Avoid Using Plastic
The use of plastic has affected not only living beings on the land but also underwater. Avoid using plastic wherever possible. For instance, you can avoid carrying your goods in a plastic bag when shopping and replace it with a cloth bag.
If you run a restaurant, make sure to avoid giving drinks to customers on plastic plates and glasses. Use eco-friendly items that are made of organic material or can be easily recycled. You can also use plastic dumping machines in some areas where you can get money for disposing of.
Replace Your Old Boiler
If you are living in the United Kingdom, you have to get an EPC rating above D. But if your house does not meet the minimum rating, you can apply for a free boiler grant. However, to be eligible for it, you need to get some support from the government such as house benefits, child benefits, and others.
Replacing your old boiler with a new one is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, new boilers are energy efficient, which means they produce more heat and consume less energy. It not only saves the environment from carbon emissions but also helps you to reduce energy bills.
Summing Up
Carbon emission and overall disruption in the climate has made it nearly impossible to reduce immediately. However, taking small actions will contribute gradually to the environment, which will ultimately lead to an eco-friendly planet. So if you are really looking forward to doing something good for society, make sure to try the aforementioned tips.
