We’re all trying to do our bit to protect the environment by cutting back on our meat consumption, swapping the family car for family bike rides, organic food, conserving energy, and recycling. It’s never been easier to make eco-friendly changes that benefit the planet and our lives.
Unfortunately, the truth is, some of these supposedly sustainable habits could be doing more harm than good, not just for the environment but for your wallet too. Whether you’re trying to convert to “greener” products or changing your old habits for new ones, understanding whether you’re really making a difference can help you make better choices for your wallet and the planet. Read on to learn about the sustainable living mistakes you need to stop making.
You’re still using CFLs
We’re all familiar with energy-saving bulbs, and almost all households now have CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) in their lighting solutions. While these bulbs do save energy in comparison to the traditional GLS style bulbs (which were banned back in 2018), there is a better version we should be using. Switching to LED bulbs – like E14 LED bulbs – will save you even more money and energy than the CFL equivalent, suggest the experts at LED Hut. LED bulbs are stylish, versatile, create less heat, and don’t contain harmful chemicals like CFL bulbs. Switching to LEDs means more money in your pocket and a smaller carbon footprint.
Washing your dishes by hand
It’s easy to think that a large household machine such as a dishwasher will use copious amounts of water and energy, so washing your dishes by hand is a much better alternative. Unfortunately, this isn’t strictly true. Washing your dishes by hand creates more water waste and uses more energy in hot water consumption. A cost you’ll feel in your energy use and your bills. Using an A-rated dishwashing appliance is the best option; alternatively, avoid hot water if you want to wash dishes by hand.
You have old household appliances
We’re told that reducing the amount of waste we send to landfills is better for the environment. However, holding onto household appliances with poor energy ratings can double your energy consumption and worsen the environment. Swapping your old household appliances for A-rated options will lower your carbon footprint, states Spark Energy. As for your old appliances, take them to your local recycling center, where they can be disposed of correctly.
You’re not unplugging your appliances.
You may have gotten in the habit of switching off your appliances and avoiding the “stand-by” option. However, failing to unplug them entirely means they’re using energy, even if they’re not in use. Unplugging your household appliances when they’re not used is the best, sustainable option.
And finally, recycling errors
While it’s easy to toss all your recyclable items into your recycling bin, if you’re not following the correct recycling guidelines, you’re wasting energy and resources and only adding to landfills. When items are incorrectly recycled, these items will end up in landfills instead. Ensure you’re following the proper recycling guidelines, and pay a little more attention to what you’re throwing away.