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Small actions count when it comes to eco-friendly and wallet-friendly behaviour.
A few small energy saving and eco-friendly actions can help your home’s performance – and your budget! Our experts share their ideas on how you can implement some easy fixes around the home.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Space heating accounts for around a third of the average New Zealand home’s energy use, according to the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ). One effective way to conserve energy but also keep your home warm and dry in winter is to set the thermostat on your heat pump to a maximum of 20-21 degrees Celsius.
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency, advises Bunnings building materials buyer Sharon Green. “Insulation in the roof and walls provides the best long-term results in both summer and winter – roof insulation can even be a D.I.Y. job,” she says.
Small changes, such as washing clothes in cold rather than warm water, can help with energy saving and reduce bill costs. Sustainability expert Kate Fenwick of Wasted Kate says cutting down time under the shower by just a minute or two can save thousands of litres of water a year. Look for water-efficient washing machines, dishwashers and showerheads, she advises, and attend to leaks promptly. “A dripping tap can waste litres of water daily, so fixing it quickly saves both water and money.”
Keep the heat out by installing blinds or shutters on sun-facing windows. Weiyue Ma, home furnishings buyer at Bunnings, says blockout blinds are great for insulation, while day/night blinds or shutters give you the flexibility to filter sunlight during the day and have privacy at night. Outside, consider fitting awnings or use plants to block heat. Deciduous trees will give afternoon shade in summer but let light in during winter. Planting taller native trees can encourage native birds such as tūīs and rurus/moreporks.
Choose appliances carefully and use them wisely. If buying new, shop around for the most energy-efficient options. When possible, turn off additional appliances – such as a drinks fridge. You’ll be amazed at the energy savings and money you can save.
To cut down on food and plastic waste in the kitchen, Kate recommends choosing unpackaged produce, buying in bulk (take reusable containers) and swapping plastic wrap for beeswax wraps. Also, try to plan ahead. “Write a shopping list based on planned meals to reduce impulse buys and unnecessary food waste,” she says.
Wish-cycling – tossing items in the recycling bin and hoping they’re recyclable – can do more harm than good. Familiarise yourself with what can be recycled in your local area and the location of community recycling bins, recycling centres for household items and in-store facilities. “The battery and plastic plant pot recycling services at Bunnings are fantastic initiatives, and remembering to use them requires a little habit-building,” says Kate. “Keep a small bin or box near your usual recycling bin for special items like batteries and plant pots.”
Tip: Did you know about our battery recycling program? Free and easy to use, all our stores have battery recycling units, making it convenient for customers and tradies to drop off used batteries with confidence, knowing they’ll be recycled. That means less waste, keeping harmful substances out of the environment and recovering and reusing valuable natural resources.
Permaculture expert Morag Gamble suggests setting a goal to eat from your garden every day – it will reduce your food footprint. For ongoing rewards, opt for perennials. “Plant fruit trees, herbs, bush foods and robust, long-lasting vegetables,” she says. To further trim costs, raise your own plants from seeds.
Create a diverse garden with a range of plants to attract beneficial insects and birds, and make your own compost to encourage good soil health. To conserve water for use in the garden, add a rainwater harvester, screened to keep out insects and animals. “Even a basic system can provide free water for your garden, pot plants or washing the car,” says Kate.
Food and organic waste accounts for four per cent of Aotearoa’s total greenhouse gas emissions^. Instead of sending it to landfill, use it to enrich your garden. Compost fruit and vege scraps or try a bokashi system to ferment scraps including meat, advises Kate. Rochelle Sherrard-Smith, Bunnings national buyer, garden hand tools, suggests feeding food scraps to a worm farm to make ‘worm tea’ for your plants.
When installing insulation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear long sleeves and trousers, eye protection and a mask.
Check out our story on eight ways to save energy at home.
Photo credit: Jonny Valiant, Sue Stubbs, Adobe Stock.
