DIY GREEN HOME IMPROVEMENTS, REFURBISHMENT AND remodeling
There are a lot of DIY improvements you can make to your house that will have a big effect on reducing your 'carbon footprint'. Most can be done now at low or no cost.
Reduce energy use
- more insulation - wall cavity insulation is cheap, or add insulation inside, and insulate the attic by an extra 20cm
- seal up any large leaks in windows or doors, but be aware of ventilation
- insulate your water tank
- lower heating setting - wear a jumper!
- use a programmable heating control and use heating minimally
- set a lower water heater temperature
- increase your air conditioning setting - these are more common now in Britain
- switch off ceiling fans when you are not in the room
- if using air conditioning, keep your curtains or blinds shut when sunny
- check and change filters regularly on air conditioning or heating systems
- use a radiator booster fan to circulate air more effectively
- double or triple glazing
- more effective curtains and keep closed at dusk and night
- fit low energy compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 80% less energy
- turn off TV and appliances when not in use - even computer monitors when not attended
- turn off lights when a room is empty
- keep your fridge well-maintained and ice free - they use a lot of power
- make sure your computer has an energy saving mode when it is left unattended, and reduce the delay period
- use a shower not a bath, and install efficient showerheads
- invest in solar chargers for your phone and music player etc.
- keep your old TV - new LCDs and plasma TVs use over double the energy
- if upgrading buy A rated devices, especially fridges, as these are heavy power users over a year
- use lighter colours on walls - dark colours absorb more light, meaning you use more lighting and switch on lights earlier
- make sure dishwasher and washing machines are full as half-empty ones use a similar amount of energy
- hang clothes out to dry rather than use the spin dry function on the washer - this might be useful in the winter but don't use it is the weather is dry
- choose a 'green' energy supplier that uses renewable sources
- fit radiator insulation panels behind radiators, these reflect heat back into the room and save up to 20% of energy costs
- put the right amount of water in the electric kettle - don't fill it up every time for one cup
Generate your own power - microgeneration
- solar photovoltaic panels - expensive but good investment
- solar thermal water heating - cheap and effective
- heat pumps - if fitting a new heating system
- wood chip fueled boilers
- wind turbines - if you are in a windy place, most urban locations are not
- water wheel or micro-hydro installations
- biomass (more for commercial applications)
Reduce waste and water use
- use recycling services for all things, not just weekly waste
- organic waste should be composted
- fit dual mode cisterns for flushing, or add a filled bottle to reduce water volume
- store water in butts for gardening
- invest in rainwater harvesting and grey water systems
- reuse DIY materials, wood etc. and paint around the house
- keep a box or cupboard for DIY bits and pieces, screws etc. to reuse
Choose sustainable materials
- natural fibre carpets
- natural floorings
- FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) woods for carpentry and worksurfaces
- recycled materials for worksurfaces
- recycled materials for paving and roofing slabs
- use traditional building methods like wood, earth, cob, straw etc
Reduce direct damage to the living environment
- plant a diverse 'forest' style garden to increase biodiversity of animals, birds and plants
- if no garden, put out pots and tubs for plants, even a window box helps
- put out feed for birds in winter
- make or buy winter and breeding shelters for birds and small animals
- add a green roof, or just add plant boxes or trail plants over a shed
- reduce your meat intake - livestock is very damaging to the environment
Transportation
- walk more - good for your mental health too!
- use public transport
- cycle if not too dangerous
- choose a more efficient car to get more miles per gallon - not always a hybrid vehicle as these have many toxic components, perhaps an efficient diesel
- SUVs are too big, use too much fuel, if off-roaded destroy grass and shrubs
- SUVs are up to four times more likely to kill the people in another vehicle, than if hit by a normal car. Pedestrians are even more at risk, especially children.
Driving tips
- try 'hypermiling'- green or eco driving - saving fuel by low force acceleration and braking (even Jeremy Clarkson recommends it!)
- tyre pressures when set correctly will save 5% fuel consumption
- remove items from the boot that are not needed as they weigh you down
- run on a half or quarter tank, this saves a lot of weight too
And the do nots...
- do not waste water
- do not deck over your entire back garden
- do not concrete over your front garden for the car - if you must have a new drive surface use grasscrete or similar
- do not use gas or other outdoor space heaters
- do not use outdoor garden flares - use solar lights
- do not use plastics or metals if possible
- do not use store bags, take your own
Avoid 'greenwash'
- don't exaggerate how good you are unless you live in a tepee with no power
- ...and also walk everywhere (bicycles are high embodied energy, manufactured usually in China)
- be aware of ludicrous 'green' ads from car manufacturers
- no airplanes are green, it is all relative
- big companies highlight small things they do that are green then publicise them
- governments say many things, not all of them are true
For detailed DIY advice, see if your local council or DIY superstore has a free guide.
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