Think Property & Co are proud advocates for leading an environmentally friendly lifestyle. We’ve even switched all of our administrative processes to a digital paperless system, which you can read about here. However, we can all do our part in reducing our carbon footprint by adopting small changes in our daily routine. In this latest blog, we share some simple tips for achieving a sustainable lifestyle.
Chill vibes only.
Using the cold wash cycle can actually reduce washing machine energy usage by 80 per cent! A lot of the power goes towards heating the water, even though cold water is just as effective for keeping your clothes clean. It also prevents colours from fading, fabrics from shrinking, and protects delicate materials such as silk. That’s a win-win in our opinion!
Dishwasher do’s.
With a full load, running a dishwasher can be more efficient than handwashing them. However, a small change such as removing food scraps instead of pre-rinsing can save water in the long run! This could also be a good opportunity to invest in composting if you’ve yet to do so – it’s a fantastic way of repurposing and minimising your kitchen waste.
Shop savvy.
You don’t need to replace all your household items at once, but consider eco-friendly alternatives the next time you shop. Investing in reusable coffee cups, fabric grocery bags, bamboo toothbrushes – even reusable baking paper! – will save you money in the long run as well as improve your environmental footprint. While items such as bin liners and toilet paper remain disposable, we suggest looking for biodegradable, recycled or non-plastic options. Some of our favourite places to shop include Seed & Sprout, Who Gives A Crap, How We Roll, and Zero Co. We also love how gorgeous everything looks, adding an extra aesthetic flair to your home!
Flip all switches.
It’s all too easy to take your phone off its charger without turning off the powerpoint or unplugging from the wall. While it’s not actually in use, it can still consume small amounts of ‘phantom load’ that could accumulate to $100 in energy bills a year! While it’s understandable to keep the television plugged in, we recommend unplugging devices or appliances that aren’t in regular use, for example a blender or hair dryer.
For a rainy day.
While rainy days are mostly behind us (you can never be too sure in Melbourne!), collecting rainwater is a great way to water your garden or indoor plants (as we’re sure you also have a few of!) This could be as simple as placing a barrel underneath a downspout.
Not sure where to start? Don’t hesitate to reach out to TP&Co for tips and advice on reducing your carbon and energy usage at home. With new laws surrounding energy efficiency standards in rental properties, it’s never been easier to manage our utility consumption and go for green!