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There are so many things that we can do to help save our planet, and even the smallest changes can make a big difference if more of us adopt these planet-friendly practices. Here we share 15 tips from installing low-flow shower heads to cutting out cut flowers to filtering your tap water rather than buying plastic bottled water. Since we’ve mentioned three already, here are 12 tips on how to help the planet.

Energy and water saving tips

A UK survey named the bicycle as the world’s most significant innovation. Not only is it an incredibly efficient mode of transport but it’s inexpensive, gives you a daily workout and requires no stops at the petrol station.

For year-round climate control, ditch the idea of buying an air conditioner and purchase a ceiling fan instead. It will cool the air in summer and push warm air back down in the winter if you turn the blades around. An energy efficient gas heater will help reduce your energy consumption too.

Give tumble dryers the boot and use an old fashioned clothes line instead. It worked for hundreds of years in the past, so why shouldn’t a clothes line work for us now? Put a brick in your toilet’s tank or install a dual-flush water saving toilet so as to save water.

Be plant-wise

Collect rainwater in order to water your garden and compost your garbage. Over 60 per cent of solid household waste is good for the compost heap so don’t throw it away. If you don’t have your own vegetable garden, buy organic fruit and vegetables. Organic food makes for a happier planet as it is free of pesticides and herbicides. Buy local at every opportunity.

When buying clothes or fabric, consider that conventional cotton farming uses around 25 per cent of the chemical pesticides and fertilisers while using only 3 per cent of the farmland. Rather buy organic cotton.

If you want to decorate your home, consider choosing bamboo products. Bamboo products are functional, attractive, durable, inexpensive and sustainable.

One last tip: use eco-friendly household products and cleaners.

Tags: environment, environmentally friendly