Everyone has a responsibility towards the environment. We all share the planet and our territories, not only with each other, but also with plant and animal life. There are many things homeowners can do to help care for the environment, limit their impact on wildlife, and protect the local ecology.
Live with sympathy for local wildlife
You can be forgiven for never giving much importance to the wildlife that lives around you. Whether you know it or not, you are close to birds, insects and animals. Every species has a role to play in nature, and by disrupting the life cycles and habitats of the creatures we share our spaces with, we are disrupting the natural world.
The UK is home to millions of unique species of plants, insects, birds and many other types of animals. The nation’s biodiversity is one of its greatest natural assets, yet we often take it for granted or barely think about it. We must live and work with nature to protect it for future generations to enjoy. Owners have a role to play in this, as do industry and government.
Before undertaking construction work, such as a property extension or the construction of a new outbuilding, you must have your property appraised by experts in order to assess the impact of the project on the surrounding environment. Bats are a common species in the UK and can inhabit rural and suburban areas. You may need to hire bat surveyors to do an assessment.
Batsurveys.co.uk can help. Their skilled and experienced bat inspectors can perform a quick and accurate survey of your property, looking for roosting sites and signs of bat habitats. This can save you from disturbing the natural habitat of one of the UK’s most important animals, some species of which are endangered.
Encourage your local wildlife to thrive
Maintained and landscaped outdoor spaces are popular with many homeowners, but despite their appeal, these spaces are often underutilized. A well-landscaped garden may provide a great view from the back window, but it doesn’t provide much shelter for local wildlife. You can turn your backyard into a sanctuary for local species and a hive of activity.
By working with nature and taking actions that will encourage the growth of local species of plants and increase the number of insects and animals in the area, you are giving something back to the land. This not only benefits the ecology of the area you live in, but also gives you a peaceful place where you can reconnect with the natural world.
Letting your garden go wild can also be an opportunity to grow your own food. The UK is known worldwide for its wild fruits and berries. By allowing brambles and bushes to take over your garden, you will be rewarded with edible treats like rose hips, mountain ash and blackberries.
If you are a nature lover and an avid birdwatcher, you can enjoy a wild garden even more. The birds and animals that this type of garden attracts will keep you busy all year round, watching the changes in species of birds and animals that you see change with the seasons.
Reuse, recycle, reinvent
One of the biggest impacts a home has on its local and global environment is its waste. By reusing and recycling, you can reduce the amount of trash and waste your home produces and reduce the impact of your home and home life on the environment. Most local councils have recycling collections which can take most of your recyclable waste, but UK homes still recycle less than half of their household waste.
The most effective way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill is to reduce the number of products and packaging you take home. When buying items from the supermarket or online store, consider the household waste they will generate and look for low-waste alternatives.
Plastic milk and juice bottles are mostly recyclable, but switching to a local milk delivery service is much more eco-friendly and sustainable. Glass milk and juice bottles are washed and reused, and milk floats are electric vehicles. Reusing these bottles is much more sustainable than recycling plastic bottles.
Recycling and reinventing unwanted furniture or products is much better for the planet than throwing them away. Find new uses for things instead of throwing them away and buying something new. Constant consumption wreaks havoc on our local and global ecology. Using less and reusing more is the key to sustainable living.
Generate your own energy
Switching to home solar power or geothermal home heating is an investment that pays for itself and will help preserve the planet for future generations. Solar panels are becoming more common on the roofs of homes across the country, in cities, suburbs and rural areas.
Although many people don’t think of the sun when they think of the UK weather, there is more than enough sunshine a day to power your home. Pairing solar panels with home battery storage is a game-changer. Using batteries similar to those that power electric vehicles, home batteries store electricity produced by solar panels during the day for the home to use at night.
On sunny days, you can generate enough electricity to power your home all day and night, saving you huge amounts on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint. With the right setup, you can even sell excess energy to the national grid and turn your home solar panels into a source of income.
Making these changes and taking these actions is part of responsible homeownership. Everyone has a duty to protect and encourage local flora and fauna and to provide suitable habitats for local fauna to help preserve them for future generations.
