Paying attention to sustainability is one of the most important aspects. This can already be implemented in everyday life and in the home. We'll show you how!
Tip 1: Reduce electricity consumption and switch to solar energy
Electrical devices draw constant power, even when they are not in use. For this reason, they should be unplugged as soon as they are no longer needed. The use of multiple plugs with switches has long been known and recommended. Today's televisions also have a sleep timer. This ensures that the device switches off at a specific time. Using a solar system or harnessing renewable energy is a bigger step in this regard. The advantage is obvious: solar energy is inexhaustible and free. Only the purchase of solar cells or solar panels is expensive. But in the long run it pays off. Because solar storage allows the energy generated to be used regardless of the weather.
Tip 2: Sustainable heating
At the beginning of the heating season, the radiators must be bled. If there is too much air in the radiators, consumption increases. Furthermore, the radiators must not be covered or blocked. Good insulation and tight windows also help reduce heating consumption. In winter, the home should maintain a base temperature. Constantly raising the temperature consumes energy. Here, too, you can turn to nature: Geothermal energy, like solar energy, is inexhaustible and can be harnessed for your home.
Tip 3: Energy-saving devices
Unfortunately, most households still have appliances that consume too much electricity. These should be gradually replaced with appliances that have at least an A++ energy efficiency rating. Such appliances consume significantly less electricity. At first glance, there seems to be a financial disadvantage due to their high price. After a few years, the expensive purchase pays for itself through the savings in electricity costs. Sustainability can also be taken into account when washing clothes. Not every load needs to be washed at 60 degrees. The washing machine has programs that save money and energy.
Tip 4: Avoid plastic
Plastic is a hot topic. Most plastic waste can be recycled. To achieve sustainability, however, plastic should be avoided as much as possible. It's best to use your own shopping bags. Many fruits and vegetables, such as zucchini or oranges, don't require plastic packaging. You can shop at supermarkets that offer these products without packaging. Some supermarkets allow you to bring your own Tupperware containers for these foods.
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Tip 5: Pay attention to sustainability in furniture
- Used furniture : Often, it's not even necessary to buy new furniture. Every piece of furniture purchased secondhand saves resources elsewhere. It's especially important to keep an eye on your bank balance when moving into your first apartment or after making a major investment. Secondhand furniture is also perfect for those who enjoy flea markets, because new doesn't necessarily mean better. Many furnishings are far from reaching the end of their lifespan and can be purchased inexpensively.
- Plastic furniture: Yes, you heard right. Just like there are plastic Christmas trees, there are also plastic furniture options with a wood look, for example. Some companies specialize in making their plastic furniture exclusively from recyclable plastic. This means that your shampoo bottle or yogurt cup will one day see the light of day again in the form of a chair.
- And if you can't avoid buying new furniture?: If you can't avoid buying new wooden furniture, you should look for certain seals when searching for environmentally friendly products. For solid wood, these seals are FSC or PEFC. They require, among other things, sustainable forest management, the protection of biodiversity, and the promotion of tree species suitable for the location. These seals also guarantee that the wood has been treated only with natural waxes and oils, and that adhesives are free of harmful substances.
