7 tips to live more eco-friendly

Plastic waste Curaçao, picture by Van de Sant Innovations

Last April 22, we all celebrated Earth Day. Many activities take place on this day to generate attention for the earth and the protection of the environment. We give this day extra attention because every day is Earth day for us! In addition to being necessary, sustainability is also inspiring and an important profit driver for companies. Van de Sant is happy to contribute to that inspiration.

That's why we started a blog! In this blog we give you all the tips to live more sustainably and eco-friendly. In addition to our articles, there are many other options for reducing the environmental impact. In this way we can all work together towards a more sustainable environment. Already familiar with the 7 best tips for living more eco-friendly? Not? Then read on quickly!

Van de Sant: 7 tips to live more eco-friendly

1. Reduce water consumption

A 'normal' household consumes an average of 182 m3 of water per year. Almost 20 percent of your gas consumption is spent on hot water for the bathroom and kitchen. By using less hot water and heating hot water more efficiently, you help to reduce the environmental impact. Think of taking a shorter shower, or pre-boiling water first in a kettle. Do you want to know more about how you can reduce your water consumption at home? There will certainly be a few useful tips in this blog, read on! Perhaps there is something useful for you.

By using less hot water and heating hot water more efficiently, you help to reduce the environmental impact.

2. Throwing away less food

You don't pay attention or you have not planned the groceries properly and hop into the waste bin with the spoiled stuff. Not nice for your wallet and not nice for the world. And now to throw the facts on the table: Only 65% of all food in the EU is eaten! The remaining 35% is wasted with most of it thrown away at home (as much as 15%!). If you compare this to shops, only 2% is wasted there. You can certainly improve the world from your own home!

An important tip to prevent waste is to pay close attention. For example, check the dates before you decide what to eat and make up what to eat first. For example, work with a FIFO system in your fridge! This way there is always an overview, simple and also very effective! In addition, if a product is past the 'best before' date, you can usually still eat it, as opposed to 'best before'.

3. Solar Energy

With energy prices soaring lately, you may want to consider switching to solar energy. Fun fact: To provide the whole world with energy for a year, the sun only needs to shine for one hour. Studies show that coal produces up to 25x more emissions than solar energy, according to National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

In the past and sometimes still the threshold to switch to solar energy was quite high, but this has become easier in recent years. You can now use solar energy without having to install panels yourself. You can do this by putting a panel in your name. This panel is then placed in a solar park and you get the return yourself. This seems like a great idea, right?

You can now use solar energy without having to install panels yourself.

4. Reduce Waste

As an individual person, we almost produce about 500 kilos of waste per year. Here too the following applies: the less, the better. Not only for the environment: it is also more pleasant for yourself. The simplest tips to reduce waste is to always have an extra bag with you. This way you never have to accept a bag at stores. Other easy tips are worth paying attention to in the supermarket: the less packaging material, the better. Finally: make sure that waste is well small, a small profit but every step helps and counts!

The less packaging material, the better.

5. Heating degree lower

Heating your home is a huge expense. A commonly used tip is to turn the heating down an hour before going to sleep. For example, if you do this at 15 degrees, this can save up to €95 per year in addition to the environmental benefit. You also benefit financially from this! In addition, you can set the heating standard to 19 degrees instead of 20. If you're having a good time, you hardly notice that degree difference. Finally, a practical little tip: close the curtains. Less heat then escapes: an easy way to be more eco-friendly.

6. Wash colder with your washing machine

By far the most energy that a washing machine uses is in heating the water. You waste a lot of energy when washing at high temperatures. For example, washing at 30 degrees (instead of 40 degrees) saves about 30% in energy consumption. In addition, it is easier to have a good washing machine for this, preferably with an eco-program.

Washing at 30 degrees saves about 30% in energy consumption

7. The thrift store

More reuse and less waste are simple tips for a more sustainable life. We at Van de Sant are working very hard on this in a comparable form. By reusing, you create much less waste. You come across this in almost all forms. Think of photo frames, clothing and our specialty furniture! So visit the thrift store ones.

Curious about how our furniture reduces waste? Then take a look at our website! With these tips you will go a long way towards making the earth a little better!

Need more tips for sustainable living? Or do you perhaps have questions about our impact to improve the environment? Keep an eye on our blog page for more tips on living more sustainable! Or email us with your question or request:  Sales@vandesant.com