It's decided, this year, environmental protection will be the watchword at home. Find out what you can do.

Saving energy...

Without embarking on major insulation work or changing your entire heating system, there are some very simple ways to save energy at home. For example, did you know that keeping your electrical appliances on standby instead of turning them off adds 10 % to your bill ? Savings on electricity can also be made by using low-energy light bulbs, appliances that are used at a lower power level and at off-peak times, or even a programmable socket. Energy is also about heating, and here again there is no question of turning your home into an igloo. Lower the temperature of the rooms slightly can save you a lot of money: 20°C during the day and 18°C at night are more than enough. To keep the cold (or heat) out, use your shutters wisely and put up thick curtains, but not in front of your radiators. Regular maintenance of your heating system ensures that it works optimally.

...and water

On average, we consume 150 litres of drinking water per person per day... of which 93 % is used for personal hygiene and household chores. Take showers rather than baths, turn off the water when soaping up and install a mousseur on your taps to reduce the flow. Also, watch out for small leaks. To spot them, simply read your water meter one night at bedtime and the next morning when you get up.

Sorting your waste...

It has become a habit for many of us, but not yet for everyone! It's simple, though: all you need is three bins at home, one for bottles, cans and other clean packaging, a second for recyclable glass and a third for the rest. Be careful, the "rest" does not include special waste that should be taken to the waste disposal centre or to collection points, such as batteries, chemicals, medicines, etc. And if you want to throw away clothes, first ask yourself if they could be of use to someone else... If you have an outdoor space (but not necessarily!), you can compost your wasteThis is the perfect way to turn your peelings and other food waste into a high-quality potting soil.

...and its household products

Some household products are harmful to the environment, just open the cupboards where you store them and read the labels carefully. Moreover, home cleaning can also be done naturally with a few basic products: white vinegar, baking soda, black soap, lemon, and certainly a little elbow grease. The shelves of supermarkets are also full of organic products, and you can also have fun making your own cleaning products. There is no shortage of specialised websites with all the right recipes!