Five Simple Steps Towards Saving the Environment

There is no escaping the fact that the way we live our lives is having a big impact on the environment. We are the main contributors to climate change which is predicted to have huge consequences on us all in the near future.

We can all do our bit to mitigate the worst of it by adopting simple green principles in our every day lives. Here are a few ideas to help you when taking your first steps towards saving the environment.

1. Make Environmentally Friendly Purchases

When making a new purchase think about what you are buying and whether there are environmentally friendly alternatives.

Some products like energy saving light bulbs may be a little bit more expensive initially, but over the life of the product they save money on your energy bills.

Greener purchases choices include:

Switching from incandescent light bulbs to energy saving light bulbs.
Choosing wood over plastic. Checking of course that it comes from a renewable source.
Buying products with biodegradable packaging. Or even better no packaging at all.
Organic food and products.

2. Use Environmentally Friendly Paint and Preservers

There is no longer the excuse not to buy environmentally friendly paints and preserves as the range available has grown considerably. If you can not find them in your local DIY store check out your options online. Many manufacturers will send out samples to help you find your perfect colour.

An additional benefit of choosing greener types of paint is that they not only help save the environment but are also better for your health. Some studies have shown that the toxins in traditional paint slowly poisons people in their homes and almost certainly exacerbates allergies.

3. Avoid Plastics and UPVC

The damage from plastics and UPVC to the environment occur throughout their lifespan. The plastic manufacturing process causes an enormous amount of lasting damage, through the use of fossil fuels and materials. Whereas the manufacture of UPVC is alleged to produce 9 of the top 15 worst chemicals known to man.

When these products have outlived their usefulness their disposal is just as harmful.

The solution is to look for products made from natural or biodegradable material and to demand less packaging.

4. Recycle

Ways of recycling are getting more inventive - it is not just about recycling plastic, glass and paper.

Contact your local council to find out about their recycling schemes.

Check out free recycling schemes on the Internet. There are some great sites out there that allow you to advertise items you were considering throwing away to anyone who might be interested in them. A great way of saving you a trip to the tip and creating more landfill.

5. Generate Your Own Energy

The ultimate way to go green and save money over the long term is to generate your own energy. Green technology is changing rapidly, creating opportunities for everyone to generate their own power. Means of creating your own energy range from solar water heating, solar and wind powered electricity to air source heat pumps.

Installing solar power or wind turbines may seem to be a big commitment at first, but it has the potential for far greater financial and environmental rewards.

Freesource Energy is a professional UK supplier of solar water heating and domestic and light industrial renewable energy solutions in the UK. They offer expert energy saving advice and can also help with finding grants for your green projects.

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