Making small changes at home to be more eco-friendly is something I’ve been thinking about more since having my kids, and I'm sure many parents are the same. I want to help to protect the world they’ll grow up in, but it needs to be in a way that doesn't turn my life upside down or take too much time. It’s not about big drastic changes but practical steps that help reduce waste and energy use, saving money while doing a bit for the planet. If you’re looking for simple, realistic ways to make your home greener, these are some things we do and could be a good place for you to start too.
Recycling
Recycling is one of those things everyone says they do, but when was the last time you really checked what’s going in your bins? It’s easy to just toss things in without much thought, but getting clear on what can and can’t be recycled makes a bigger difference than you might think. I’ve even started teaching my five year old which rubbish goes where, and it’s surprisingly simple once you get into the habit. It’s not just about paper, plastic, and cans, things like glass jars, cardboard, and certain types of packaging can be recycled too, but they need to be clean and sorted properly. Even small things like composting food scraps can make a real difference if you have the space for it- we've just started a compost bin in the garden and its saved a ton of space in the main rubbish bin each week.
Heating
One of the smartest first steps you can take is to look into options like the new Boiler Eco scheme, which helps homeowners upgrade to more energy efficient heating systems with government support. I’ve been keeping an eye on this myself because heating is such a big part of energy use at home, especially with little ones around who need to be warm and comfortable. Upgrading to a more efficient boiler or heating system not only cuts down on your carbon footprint but also helps reduce energy bills, which is always welcome. The government support makes it a more affordable choice, so it’s definitely worth exploring whether your home qualifies.
Lighting
Lighting makes a bigger difference than you think, not just in terms of energy use, but in terms of the mood of your home. We all know by now that LED bulbs last much longer and use a fraction of the old and outdated bulbs of the past, but go a step further. We utilise smart lighting and have our lights setup to go off at certain times, when you do this you'll never go to bed or out for the day and forget to turn the light off.
Water
Water feels endless when it's flowing from a tap, but we're fortunate enough to live somewhere that's actually possible. Using less helps to reduce strain on the planet. Simple swaps like installing a low flow shower head, using a water saving toilet flush, or even just turning the tap off while brushing your teeth can all add up. We collect rainwater in the garden to keep the plants happy without turning on the hose every week.
Upcycling
Choosing new things isn't always the best option, especially when you already have plenty of perfectly good items to use. When we had our second baby we reused quite a lot from our first, even though they were different genders. For example, we kept the same nursery furniture but gave it a fresh look for a new boy themed room. It looked completely different and was perfect for him! I wasn't able to reuse baby clothes as everything Id bought for our little girl was very pink and ruffly, but some things like bouncers, accessories and even the pram were pretty neutral and were reused. Upcycling like this not only saves money but also helps reduce waste. Beyond hand me downs, charity shops, online marketplaces and community swap sites are full of unique finds that can add character to your home. Giving things a second life feels good and keeps more out of landfill which benefits everyone.
