The beginning of the cold season, how to be eco-friendly at home

The autumn is here, it’s November. In many European countries, temperatures outside are getting lower, and we stay longer indoors. Subsequently, we all have to use heating at home/office/university. But how can we still be good to the environment? A greener autumn and winter is not something impossible! 

Tip 1. The most obvious one – be like a cabbage, add more layers! Instead of wearing just a sweater, put on undershirt, use thermal underwear, and you can decrease the temperature on your radiator. By the way, choose natural fibers for your clothing instead of synthetics, – you will not only get warmer with, let’s say, a wool jumper, but you won’t pollute water with microplastics when washing!

Tip 2. Even when the set temperature is lower, it can escape from your home if it doesn’t have proper insulation. Inspect your windows for leaks, and make sure you don’t heat the street. Also, curtains are friends 🙂. Open them to let the sunshine warm up the room, and conversely, close them at night, so cold air doesn’t have a straight way to your home. It is a free extra layer of insulation. And don’t use the heating much when you’re not at home. 

Tip 3. When you use an oven for cooking, leave it open after you’re done and heat your kitchen! Plus, always use lits when cooking, it saves energy and accelerates the rate – your food is ready faster.  

Tip 4. Decrease the temperature of the water heater. Many households in Europe get their heating through water heaters. Usually, the set temperature is 60 degrees Celsius, but you can definitely adjust it to 45-49.

Tip 5. Do not use street salt which affects the water cycle and, subsequently, aquatic flora and fauna. If you live in a house, clear your own path with sustainable options like sand or sawdust. There are more alternatives: beet wastewater (yes, it’s what you think of – leftovers from sugar beet after cooking), cheese brine, pickle, or potato juice.

Tip 6. Use public transportation. This advice is always good to follow. But especially during cold months. A bus is not only cheaper for your wallet, but it is also preheated when you get there. If you have to use your personal car, do not heat it up even though it is comfortable to get into a warm car. Heating up increases air pollution. A car will anyway be warm inside after just 5-10 minutes of driving, and before that, stay in gloves, hat, and coat to keep you warm. 

Stay warm sustainably!