Published 28th May 2021
Think Greener - Little changes, big difference
Being eco-friendly means doing everything we can to take care of the environment. That means living in a way to protect our planet from man-made damage. Around 45% of UK shoppers are now actively interested in buying products that are better for the environment.
Did you know?
- Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.
- More than 1/3 of all energy is used by people at home
- Plastic bags and other plastic rubbish thrown into the ocean kills as many as 1 million sea creatures every year
- A modern glass bottle takes 4000 years or more to decompose
- Only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and two-thirds of that is tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.
What Can We Do?
There are several ways you can do your bit for the environment, from small changes to big investments. The following hints, tips and guidance aims to help you reduce your wastage, save you money and ultimately, help the environment.
To begin with, let’s look at how we can make changes in everyday life:
- Use a reusable water bottle – A lot of single-use plastic water bottles end up in the ocean. Why not switch to a reusable bottle so you can take it and refill it wherever you go.
- Use recyclable wrapping paper – Lots of trees go into making wrapping paper, make the switch to recyclable paper or why not make your own from patterned cloth? Pretty and reusable!
- Ditch the single-use plastic straw – Straws can take up to 200 years to decompose, hurting animals and the environment in the process. Invest in a reusable metal or bamboo straw you can take out with you – just remember not to leave it anywhere!
- Changing household cleaners - A lot of mainstream cleaning products contain various ingredients that are harmful to the environment. You should ideally opt for products that contain no synthetic ingredients if you want to go for eco-friendly household products.
- Swap your shampoo and conditioner - Just like ingredients in cleaning products, regular shampoo and conditioner also contain various ingredients that are washed down the drain and end up in the ocean again. Why not opt for soap bars instead? They’re often made from natural, biodegradable ingredients and are a great alternative.
Product Technology
There are other ways you can become more eco-friendly in your home, by upgrading your appliances to include technology which helps you live more sustainably. Here, we will explain the best technologies on the market so you can make the right decision for your home.
Washing Machines
Beko AquaTech
The Beko WEC84P64E2W 8kg washing machine comes with Aqua Tech to deliver 50% faster washes, whilst being 50% gentler to your clothes. A powerful cascade of water and detergent from the top of the drum replaces vigorous movements, giving you a wash that’s both fast and kind.
The Beko WEC84P64E2W 8kg washing machine comes with Aqua Tech to deliver 50% faster washes, whilst being 50% gentler to your clothes. A powerful cascade of water and detergent from the top of the drum replaces vigorous movements, giving you a wash that’s both fast and kind.
Siemens Water Perfect Plus
Siemens has included a WaterPerfect Plus water management system on the Siemens WM14UT93GB 9kg washing machine. This clever system automatically detects load size and type of fabric to determine the required amount of water. The result - every wash is perfectly cleaned with optimum water consumption.
Siemens has included a WaterPerfect Plus water management system on the Siemens WM14UT93GB 9kg washing machine. This clever system automatically detects load size and type of fabric to determine the required amount of water. The result - every wash is perfectly cleaned with optimum water consumption.
Samsung EcoBubble
The innovative Samsung WW90T554DAX 9kg washing machine includes EcoBubble technology and Bubble Soak. Bubbles penetrate your clothes faster than conventional washing machines, allowing you to wash at cooler temperatures without compromising on cleaning performance. Add a 30 minute Bubble Soak to your preferred programme to loosen tough stains.
The innovative Samsung WW90T554DAX 9kg washing machine includes EcoBubble technology and Bubble Soak. Bubbles penetrate your clothes faster than conventional washing machines, allowing you to wash at cooler temperatures without compromising on cleaning performance. Add a 30 minute Bubble Soak to your preferred programme to loosen tough stains.
Tumble Dryers
Blomberg FasterDry & SensorDry
The FasterDry feature reduces the drying time, making it faster than other heat pump and even conventional condenser dryers. Prevent over-drying and save money on your bills with the sensor drying programmes. Simply select your desired drying level, and the Blomberg LTH3842W 8kg tumble dryer will do the rest for you. The sensors detect the level of moisture in the drum during the cycle and automatically stop the programmes when your clothes have reached the desired level.
The FasterDry feature reduces the drying time, making it faster than other heat pump and even conventional condenser dryers. Prevent over-drying and save money on your bills with the sensor drying programmes. Simply select your desired drying level, and the Blomberg LTH3842W 8kg tumble dryer will do the rest for you. The sensors detect the level of moisture in the drum during the cycle and automatically stop the programmes when your clothes have reached the desired level.
Hoover RapidDry & SensorDry
Featuring Sensor Dry, the Hoover HLXV9TG 9kg tumble dryer will stop the machine automatically when your load is dry, to save energy and treat your clothes with the greatest care. Plus, you’ll also find Rapid Dry options on this Hoover tumble dryer, including 30, 45 and 59 minutes, reducing the time your appliance is being used.
Featuring Sensor Dry, the Hoover HLXV9TG 9kg tumble dryer will stop the machine automatically when your load is dry, to save energy and treat your clothes with the greatest care. Plus, you’ll also find Rapid Dry options on this Hoover tumble dryer, including 30, 45 and 59 minutes, reducing the time your appliance is being used.
Siemens High Energy Rating
The Siemens WT47RT90GB 9kg tumble dryer has a high A++ energy rating, so you can take care of the environment as well as your wallet.
This product also has a great additional feature, autoDry that detects your clothes’ dryness and stops the cycle at the right time preventing over-drying which saves you time and money.
The Siemens WT47RT90GB 9kg tumble dryer has a high A++ energy rating, so you can take care of the environment as well as your wallet.
This product also has a great additional feature, autoDry that detects your clothes’ dryness and stops the cycle at the right time preventing over-drying which saves you time and money.
Dishwashers
Blomberg RapidClean
Blomberg understand that time is precious, so the RapidClean function on the Blomberg LDV42244 full size dishwasher uses higher water temperatures to shorten programme durations by up to 70%. This is ideal for when you’re in a hurry and it helps save you money and the environment too.
Blomberg understand that time is precious, so the RapidClean function on the Blomberg LDV42244 full size dishwasher uses higher water temperatures to shorten programme durations by up to 70%. This is ideal for when you’re in a hurry and it helps save you money and the environment too.
Bosch ActiveWater
The innovative ActiveWater technology on the Bosch SMD6ZCX60G full size dishwasher ensures environmentally friendly rinsing for excellent cleaning results. Thanks to targeted water distribution, optimised filter technology, faster heating and higher pump performance, water circulation is increased which helps save water and energy.
The innovative ActiveWater technology on the Bosch SMD6ZCX60G full size dishwasher ensures environmentally friendly rinsing for excellent cleaning results. Thanks to targeted water distribution, optimised filter technology, faster heating and higher pump performance, water circulation is increased which helps save water and energy.
Refrigeration
Bosch Eco AirFlow
In the Bosch KIV87NSF0G low frost built-in fridge freezer, there’s Eco AirFlow in the fridge to ensure even cooling. Humidity and the temperature are evenly distributed throughout the cooling area, which helps food retain its flavour for longer – meaning you waste less food.
In the Bosch KIV87NSF0G low frost built-in fridge freezer, there’s Eco AirFlow in the fridge to ensure even cooling. Humidity and the temperature are evenly distributed throughout the cooling area, which helps food retain its flavour for longer – meaning you waste less food.
Fisher & Paykel ActiveSmart™ Foodcare
With ActiveSmart™ Foodcare, the Fisher & Paykel RF523GDX1 multi door fridge freezer adjusts the temperature to maintain a perfect climate for your food. As a result, your groceries will stay fresher and tastier for longer – helping you to waste less food.
With ActiveSmart™ Foodcare, the Fisher & Paykel RF523GDX1 multi door fridge freezer adjusts the temperature to maintain a perfect climate for your food. As a result, your groceries will stay fresher and tastier for longer – helping you to waste less food.
Bosch Multi AirFlow
The Multi Airflow system in the Bosch KGN39VWEAG frost free fridge freezer distributes air evenly throughout the compartments, keeping food fresh. This helps you keep waste to a minimum and means less trips to the supermarket.
The Multi Airflow system in the Bosch KGN39VWEAG frost free fridge freezer distributes air evenly throughout the compartments, keeping food fresh. This helps you keep waste to a minimum and means less trips to the supermarket.
Blomberg Blue Light Technology
Blomberg’s innovative Blue Light technology illuminates the salad drawers with blue light, which allows fruit and vegetables to continue photosynthesis while in the fridge. This keeps your fruit and veg fresh, so less food is wasted, and you can make fewer trips to the shops. The Blomberg KFD4953XD american style fridge freezer is exclusive to Euronics and Agent stores, so you won’t be able to buy it anywhere else.
Blomberg’s innovative Blue Light technology illuminates the salad drawers with blue light, which allows fruit and vegetables to continue photosynthesis while in the fridge. This keeps your fruit and veg fresh, so less food is wasted, and you can make fewer trips to the shops. The Blomberg KFD4953XD american style fridge freezer is exclusive to Euronics and Agent stores, so you won’t be able to buy it anywhere else.
Sources:
- https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/how-to-be-more-eco-friendly
- https://www.ecoecostat.co.uk/pages/did-you-know
- https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/Deforestation-Facts-for-Kids
- https://earth.org/the-biggest-environmental-problems-of-our-lifetime/
- https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/02/23/almost-half-of-uk-consumers-seek-more-eco-friendly-products/
- https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/water-scarcity
