10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home

Want to save the planet without turning your life upside down? Good news – reducing your carbon footprint at home doesn’t have to mean living off-grid in a yurt (unless that’s your thing). With a few simple changes, you can cut down on waste, lower your energy use, and maybe even save a bit of cash. Let’s look at 10 ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home...

1. Consider your energy usage

Your home appliances might be secretly draining energy even when you’re not using them. That phone charger plugged in all day? Yep, still using power. The TV on standby? That too. The fix? Unplug gadgets when they’re not in use or invest in smart power plugs and strips that cut off the supply when devices are off.

Also, if you’re due an upgrade, look for energy-efficient appliances with an A+++ rating, as they use way less electricity, meaning lower bills and fewer emissions.

2. Switch to LED lights

Swapping out old bulbs for LED ones is one of the easiest ways to cut energy use at home. LEDs use up to 90% less power than traditional bulbs and last way longer. Plus, they come in different tones, so you can set the mood – warm and cosy for movie night, bright and energising for work-from-home days.

3. Turn the thermostat down

No one’s saying you have to shiver in your own home, but lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can cut your heating bill by around 10%. That’s a decent saving! Try woolly jumpers, fluffy socks, and hot cups of tea before cranking up the heat. Also, bleeding your radiators and keeping doors closed can make your heating more efficient – simple but effective.

4. Cut down on your hot water use

Heating water takes a lot of energy, so using less of it is a great way to shrink your carbon footprint. A few easy wins:

• Swap long baths for short showers.
• Fix leaky taps - a single dripping tap can waste thousands of litres a year!
• Fill your washing basin instead of running the tap endlessly.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full.

5. Go green with your food choices

Believe it or not, your diet can play a big part in your home’s carbon footprint. You don’t have to go fully plant-based overnight, but even cutting down on meat a couple of times a week can make a big difference. Other ways to help the environment include:

• Buying local and seasonal produce - it’s fresher and hasn’t travelled thousands of miles.
• Cut down on food waste by meal planning and using leftovers creatively.
• Compost food scraps instead of binning them - your garden (and the planet) will thank you.

6. Ditch single-use plastics

We all know how much plastic pollution has become a significant problem. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to switch to reusable options:

• Keep a tote bag handy for shopping trips.
• Invest in a reusable water bottle and coffee cup.
• Store leftovers in glass containers instead of cling film.
• Say no to plastic straws and cutlery when ordering takeaway dinners.

7. Get smart with your laundry

Washing clothes at 30°C instead of 40°C can cut energy use by up to 40%. And unless something is really dirty, you don’t need to wash it after just one wear. Hanging clothes out to dry instead of using the tumble dryer is another easy way to cut emissions – plus, they’ll smell amazing after a dose of fresh air! Easier said than done when living in Scotland, but “make hay, when the sun shines” as they say.

8. Embrace second-hand style

Fast fashion has a huge environmental impact, but second-hand shopping is having a major moment. Charity shops, vintage stores, and online marketplaces are packed with stylish finds – and you’ll often get designer pieces for a fraction of the price. Want to update your home décor? Try upcycling furniture instead of buying new.

9. Consider renewable energy

If you own your home, switching to a green energy provider or installing solar panels could be a game-changer. Even if you rent, you can still choose a supplier that invests in renewables – it’s a simple switch with big benefits.

10. Grow your own greenery

Indoor plants don’t just look good – they help purify the air, too. If you have a garden or even a small balcony, growing herbs, vegetables, or pollinator-friendly flowers can boost biodiversity and reduce your reliance on supermarket produce. No outdoor space? A few pots on the windowsill work just fine!

Small steps, big impact

Reducing your carbon footprint at home isn’t about making huge sacrifices – it’s about small, easy changes that add up over time. Plus, many of these swaps will save you money and make your home a more eco-friendly, enjoyable place to live. Start reducing your carbon footprint today with these handy tips!