More and more people are aiming to turn their spaces into more ecofriendly homes, not just because they care about the environment, but because it also makes financial sense. The rising costs of utilities like water and electricity are proof that the earth’s resources are not going to last forever, and the more demands we make on them, the less there is going to be.

To ‘go green’ doesn’t just mean recycling these days, but it also doesn’t mean you have to pay large amounts for things like solar panels. Implement some of these simple changes in your everyday life to make your home a healthier, greener place:

1. Be water-wise

Living in a water-scarce country, it should be second nature to watch the amount of water that gets used and wasted at home. Fix any leaks as soon as you discover them and keep an eye on your water bill – if it goes up suddenly there could be a leak in the pipes somewhere that isn’t visible. An inexpensive low-flow showerhead is a good idea, especially for larger families.

2. Save electricity by unplugging

Did you know that electronic appliances can use almost as much electricity when in standby mode as they do when they are in use? When you’re not using them, unplug them or switch them off at the wall to ensure you’re not wasting power unnecessarily.

3. Make your own green home products

There is an ever-growing number of companies that produce environmentally friendly products for cleaning your home. However, many of these green home products are rather pricey. If ecofriendly products are out of your budget, look no further than the basic items you already have in you cupboards: vinegar is an excellent alternative, along with bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice.

Try these recipes:

• Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle with bicarb, then use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces and stains.
• Mix 1 cup of olive oil with half a cup of lemon juice to use as a wooden-furniture polish.
• Put half a cup of bicarb, 10 drops of essential grapefruit oil and half a cup of vinegar in the toilet bowl and scrub until the solution fizzes.

4. Switch to energy-saving light bulbs

Save energy and your money by replacing all incandescent light bulbs with energy-savers. While compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are more expensive upfront, they last up to 10 times longer, which means you save in the long run.

The information contained in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

For an affordable insurance quote, click here.