Eco-flat
You want to live ecologically? Nothing easier!
Nowadays everyone can protect the environment - especially in their own surroundings. A natural house not only provides the pleasure of living in nature-friendly environment, but also an important step towards a better future for the entire planet. It does not mean having to live less comfortably, but only changing some of our domestic habits.
Who would not wish to live in a healthy and inspiring space? Feeling great every morning, having time to read your favorite book and drink mint tea… You can achieve it by following some basic rules of “Everyday Ecology”.
Getting to the point. It is Saturday morning in the cold winter. You wake up full of energy to do something. It is the best time to reorganize your home and introduce some of our eco-tips.
Start with the heating. Make sure that heaters are not used near furniture or heavy curtains. Are your windows well sealed? The bathroom should be very warm as well, but in the bedroom it is healthier to sleep at a lower temperature. Remember: wasted heat is wasted energy, and great damage to the environment.
Think about your waste. While everybody is producing it, only some are able to consistently reduce their waste. Usually you prefer not to think about what happens to the packaging of your favorite cream – you just want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Thoughtful organization would help you to engage into the great process of recycling. Waste bins are no longer ugly elements. Many shops offer stylish designed baskets for selective collection – really pretty and practical! Selective collection can become your habit – you would soon notice how much your waste decreased. In addition, using compactors for cans and plastic bottles will save space, time and money!
Energy should be a field of environmental management in every household. I do not mean spending evenings with candles playing guitar (although that could be pleasant too!). There are other ways. You have an energy-efficient washing machine? Whenever possible, wash in cold (not hot) water to save on heating. Do not forget to sort laundry by color and fabric type.
Time for dinner? For cooking and frying use appropriate dishes, which transfer heat well and match perfectly the surface area of the element. Do not forget the lid on the pot! You want to bake a cake? Do not unnecessarily heat up an empty oven – passed energy will not warm anybody. You invested in a dishwasher? It’s great – use organic biodegradable detergents. And wash only when it is really full.
Finally the evening is coming. Suitable lighting in your home, garden or balcony does not necessarily mean higher electricity bills. Motion detectors, white LEDs, or turning off the bulbs in empty rooms are just some of the success tricks of eco-living. And when you get tired of watching television or working at the computer, turn it off and go for a walk. Your body movement is the best recipe for health. And health is eco.
Author: Katarzyna Dulko
