Making small, eco-friendly changes at home can have a really big impact. 🌍 Whether you’re just getting started, or you're already a sustainability pro, there are plenty of simple ways to reduce your footprint without sacrificing style or comfort.
Here are 10 easy and practical steps you can take to make your home more sustainable today!
1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
This is one of the more common ones as most bulbs are LED lights, but it's also something you can do right now—swap your regular bulbs for energy-efficient LED lights. These bad boys use way less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs, meaning you’ll save on your electricity bill and reduce waste. Win-win! 💡
2. Choose Sustainable Home Décor
Your home should look good and do good. We can't always opt for sustainably sourced, recycled, or handmade home décor pieces that are kinder to the environment, but we know we should, sometimes that resin coaster is just too nice though. However, we stock some amazing pieces from independent makers like Charlotte Manser—handcrafted with love in the UK, using recyclable materials and local sourcing. Talk about guilt-free decorating!
3. Reduce Plastic Usage in the Kitchen
The kitchen is one place where plastic tends to sneak in everywhere—cling film, plastic bags, packaging, and it's still nearly impossible to go to a mainstream supermarket and not come back home with loads of plastic packaging. We've switched to reusable storage solutions like glass containers (which sometimes are oven safe, doubling as a way to reheat leftovers), beeswax wraps, and eco-friendly produce bags (like the ones we stock from Turtle Bags). They’re 100% plastic-free, and they look pretty cool too. 🌱
4. Invest in Reusable Items
Ditch the disposables! Sustainable reusables have become way more available than they were 10 years ago, from coffee cups to kitchen towels. Richard's current favourite? Reusable travel mugs from Fernweh Pottery—not only are they stylish, but they also help you avoid single-use coffee cups. Grab one and take your morning brew with you, guilt-free. ☕
Richard has mentioned how many compliments he gets when handing his mug over to baristas and when friends see it, he's been very smug about it.
5. Upcycle or Buy Second-Hand Furniture
Before you rush out to buy brand-new furniture, have a think about upcycling what you already own or checking out second-hand/charity shops. A little bit of creativity and TLC can turn an old piece into something fab again. Or, if DIY isn’t your thing, look for ethical furniture brands that focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing. Sargon & Richard have been using freecycle, the website where people put up items they no longer want or need, we've got furniture from filing cabinets to armchairs to dining sets from there!
6. Create a Home Composting System
This one is close to Richard's heart. Don’t let those kitchen scraps go to waste! Creating your own compost bin is easier than you think and a great way to reduce food waste while nourishing your garden, not everyone has a garden, however, there may also be a local community garden that would welcome the leftovers. They can be as easy as a few buckets, a big wheely bin, or using a few old pallets (ask around local businesses and they'll likely have a few they want to get rid of). You can even get the little ones involved with fun, eco-friendly gardening kits like the ones we stock from Gardening for Kids. They’ll love watching their plants grow—and learning about sustainability while they’re at it! Then when you replant them you have lovely nourishing and free compost to put in the bigger pots! It can even be used on indoor plants that need a bit of extra care.
7. Switch to Sustainable Cleaning Products
Many mainstream cleaning products are filled with harsh chemicals that aren't great for the environment (or you, for that matter). Swap them out for eco-friendly alternatives—think biodegradable, non-toxic, and refillable options. These products still get the job done without the nasties. 🌿
An easy way to see if it will be harmful for the environment is to look for the warning on the back "Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects" make sure it doesn't have that and you're already on the right track!
8. Choose UK-Made Products
Buying local isn’t just a trend—it’s one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. When you buy products that are made in the UK, you cut down on the emissions caused by shipping and transportation. Plus, you’re supporting small businesses! Many of our items at Balfern Grove are UK-made, so you can shop sustainably and locally. 💚
9. Reduce Water Waste
Here’s an easy one—try using a water-saving showerhead or fit a tap aerator to reduce the amount of water used without compromising water pressure. And if you’re feeling fancy, why not install a rainwater collection system to use in your garden? Every drop counts! (Richard is very proud of his water butts)
A note from Sargon, I can't deal with low pressure showers, so I personally won't judge you if you ignore us on this one. Also, sometimes we just want a strong flush.
10. Get Smart with Your Thermostat
Installing a smart thermostat can help you reduce energy waste by only heating your home when you actually need it. You can schedule it to turn down while you're out or asleep, so you're not heating empty rooms. Smart, right? Bleeding your radiators can also help with energy efficiency, as well as making sure there are no drafts from anywhere.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big
Making your home more sustainable doesn’t have to mean turning your life upside down. We all start somewhere and even small changes, like switching to eco-friendly products or cutting down on plastic, can make a huge difference over time.
We’re all about supporting you on this journey with sustainable products that are not only better for the planet but also beautifully made. 🌍✨
Ready to start making eco-friendly changes at home? Check out our range of Recycled Glassware!