Lower your carbon footprint in the home

At Aviva, sustainability is a fundamental part of our strategy. It’s never been easier to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle by making some simple changes, which will go a long way to creating a greener and cleaner planet.

We’ve teamed up with sustainability expert and founder of reuzi, Pat Kane who shares her top tips on how to lower your carbon footprint in the home.

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Transcript 

00:00:00 Video Starts

Hello, my name is Pat, the founder of a one stop shop for eco-friendly, sustainable profits. I have teamed up with Aviva to raise awareness of the environmental problems materials while making solutions accessible, and empowering people like you and me to be a part of the solution. Today we're going to look at tips for creating a more sustainable home without making drastic changes. Now, I'm always saying that a great way for you to start your journey towards cutting down your carbon emissions and reduce your footprint starts right here at home. There are so many different ways you can do this. And believe me, the little things really go a long way. When it comes to cutting down on waste, I have found that a little bit of planning can go a really long way. Think of your kitchen. How much do you think it gets thrown away in any given month? It can be scary to think about it. But thankfully, there are lots of solutions out there that can help you with that. While it might be convenient to use single use products, the impact of these products on the environment and pollution. You will find these products often end in a landfill or the sea, contaminating our waterways with taking years to decompose. We cannot use reusable eco-friendly alternatives instead of single use province. They do the job just as well if not include your reusable bag. Food Storage Solutions, including beeswax wraps, reusable lunch boxes, cutlery and straws, and of course your water bottles and coffee cups. Some coffee shops will even offer you a discount on your coffee. If you bring your own cups, so you can also save money in the long run. It's not just in the kitchen that we can practice reusing and recycling but in the bathroom. Take bamboo toothbrushes for example, as well as razors and shampoo and so far, you can find lots of sustainable products at your local eco friendly shop. But remember that unless you know something works for you don't just buy it on a whim and this can ultimately lead to more wasting creative where when it comes to water, something that you literally surrounds Ireland, we often take it for granted we usually don't think twice about turning on the tap. But did you know that just up 4% of the Earth's water is freshwater. Despite is over 50% of Irish people admit to wasting water. So making a small efforts to reduce your water wastage can make a big impact. Try to hold off on using your dishwasher or your washing machine until you have a full load. These cuts out unnecessary in between washers which if you don't have a water efficient dishwasher or washing machine can save your toner once you're waiting for shallow water to reach the desired temperature, we use a bucket to collect the excess water which would usually be wasted and utilise it to water the plants. By using less energy, you can help me apart in the GC carbon emissions and of course your household. It can really pay for mindful of your electricity you're spending an environmental impact by installing a smart metre if you haven't already by 2020 for every household and business in Ireland will be offered one. So get ahead of the game, changing your energy supplier to one that's more renewable is a great tip for anyone. Anyone can do it. Switching is simple. Did you know that when cooking on the hob we can avoid lessen the heat by covering the pots and pans with a layered heating and avoid condensation in your kitchen. Also, make sure you're using the right sides help for your pants to match the left energy. For more tips on creating a more sustainable lifestyle, check out the article below this video.

00:04:05 Video Ends

If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out the below tips on how you can make small steps to become more environmentally friendly, from the comfort of your home.

Dry your laundry on a clothesline

A dryer uses more energy than a washing machine – and many other appliances, for that matter – meaning it’s a pretty energy-intensive machine. It also costs around €1 to dry an average load of clothes, so it’s not friendly on the pocket either! Dry your clothes on a clothesline or clotheshorse to reduce your energy usage; during the warmer seasons, there’s no excuse not to!

Opt for thicker curtains

Whilst blinds are a popular choice for the home, consider opting for thicker curtains in some rooms, such as your bedrooms. Thicker curtains help to keep rooms cooler and darker during the summer and are also a fantastic energy conserver!

Learn your local recycling and composting rules

When it comes to recycling, the rules are quite clear: paper and cardboard, soft and rigid plastics, tins and cans, always clean, dry and loose! Composting can be that bit more confusing, so reach out to your local waste collector to find out exactly what they accept.

Eat local and seasonal where possible

The food you eat every day can have a huge impact on the planet, but a sustainable diet can be easier to achieve than you might think. Opt for seasonal, local, and organic foods where possible; from cheese and carrots to bread and broccoli, Ireland is home to lots of fantastic local produce to enjoy.

And, find out how you can improve your eco-friendly credentials on the road with Pat’s top tips on how to make your driving more sustainable.

At Aviva, we understand that a sustainable lifestyle isn’t just better for the environment, but also better for our homes. Get 15% off when you buy home insurance online. Get your quote today.1

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