17th May 2024
When setting out to live a green lifestyle, energy features large – particularly energy with a large carbon footprint. When we had a lump sum on my husband’s retirement, we invested in solar panels, double glazing and cavity wall insulation which have all been worthwhile. Having solar panels encourages us to do the laundry when the sun is shining so that the power we generate directly powers the washing machine.
We also invested in two clean-burn woodburning stoves for winter warmth. These used wood we collected locally – pallets from skips and trees that have been cut down locally by a friendly tree surgeon (cutting them into short manageable sections). We have a shed where the wood can be dried and stored. One stove on its own can warm much of the living space in the house. However we are now reluctant to use them as current research suggests that the harmful particulates produced are significant.
We tend to keep the thermostat low (gas boiler) around 16-18C, and instead to wear extra layers, and use a small fan heater to heat one room rather than the house. We are currently planning to replace the boiler with an air to air heat pump. By cutting back on showers and using the kettle for washing water, we obviate the need to use the boiler for heating water – instead running the emersion for a weekly shower.
Further readings – https://greentau.org/2022/06/22/eco-tips-living-sustainably-with-electricity/
The Green Tau 