How to make your home more sustainable

The climate crisis is perhaps the most significant issue facing humanity today. As such, we all need to do our bit to contribute to the health of the planet. An important step towards sustainability is ensuring that your home is environmentally friendly. So, with that in mind, here are five things you can do to make your home more sustainable this year. 

Invest in a solar system 

Given the huge increases in energy prices in 2022, now might be the time to switch your home to a solar system. While people worry about how well solar works in the UK, the fact is that solar panels are very effective, even when the weather is dank and gloomy. 

The beauty of a solar system is that not only does it save you money on your bills, but it also earns you money through the Smart Export Guarantee scheme. Presently, a solar system will set you back around £6,500. Installing a solar system is a home improvement project that you could pay for using an unsecured personal loan, so be sure to use our loan calculator to see how much you could borrow.

Upgrade your windows 

Upgrading your windows from single glazing to double glazing will have a huge impact on the energy efficiency of your home. Approximately 18% of your home’s heat escapes through the windows, so it’s really important to consider the thermal efficiency of your windows if you want your home to be more sustainable. 

Currently, windows are rated from E through to A++. All new builds must install windows with at least a C energy rating, but you can save hundreds of pounds per year by switching to the most energy-efficient products. 

Reuse, upcycle, or recycle 

The throw-away culture that we have all become accustomed to is one of the single biggest threats to the health of the environment. From bulky furniture to garden supplies, adding items we no longer want to landfill is a practice we need to stop. 

So, if you can, consider how you can reuse or recycle all of the features of your home that no longer serve their purpose. For instance, instead of discarding an old sofa set, consider reupholstering it with your chosen fabric. If you decide that reupholstery won’t work, find a way to recycle your bulky items. You can donate it to charity or offer it for free on the Facebook marketplace, for instance. 

Opt for low VOC paints 

VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. VOC paints are potentially damaging to your health and the environment, particularly when the paint is discarded. What’s more, VOCs are released into the atmosphere long after the paint is applied. Helpfully, the biggest brands out there all have low VOC paint options within their ranges, so you can make the switch when you redecorate your home without any issues.

Harvest your rainwater 

If there’s one thing the UK has in abundance, it’s rainwater! So, harvesting your rainwater is an excellent way to cut down on the amount of water you use from the mains, saving you money and alleviating the burden on the environment. 

Research shows that you could save 40-50% on water bills by drawing the water you need for washing your clothes and cleaning your cars from a tank. So, whether you create a DIY water butt in your garden or install a purpose-built rainwater harvesting system, doing so can make your home more sustainable.  

Final thoughts 

As we’ve explored, there are several ways to make your home more sustainable. As many of the above can be considered home improvement projects, you might consider taking out an unsecured personal loan to fund them. They’re affordable, easy to apply for, and can be used for a range of purposes. At Koyo Loans, we offer unsecured personal loans of amounts between £1,500 and £10,000. 24.9% APR Representative.

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