To wrap up this somewhat eventful month, I’ve decided to highlight our most sustainable appliances which we supply for our bespoke designs. Sustainable not only in the environmentally friendly context, but also in cost efficiency. From kitchen dishwashers to wardrobe lighting – we choose these appliances and technology not just solely for the sustainability factor, but for the functionality, performance, and aesthetic.
First off, let’s define sustainability: ‘the avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance’, Google Dictionary. It probably doesn’t need to be said, but the world has finally turned their attention to saving natural resources, but every individual has to contribute their efforts to live a more sustainable life – and here is how you can do your part.
Before you continue, it’s probably worth considering and assessing the state of your kitchen appliances – because instantly replacing your appliances without due cause could be more harmful in your attempt to become more environmentally friendly, as those appliances will most likely make their way to landfill. So what I am suggesting, is replace appliances only when necessary, or even trying to sell your old appliances before purchasing new ones. Furthermore, the price of some of these appliances might scare you off – but consider the cost from a long term point of view, similar to the costs of an electric car, costs up front are high but are counterbalanced by long term saving whilst helping the environment.
Ok, I am done with my speech, you can carry on in peace – don’t hesitate to comment your opinion and feedback 😊
Dishwashing VS. Handwashing
I first heard this from Catherine, but it turns out that using the eco cycle on your dishwasher can save up to 3 or 4 times the amount of water than you would do if you washed your dishes by hand…I know, I found this very suspicious as well but if you don’t want to take my word for it, check out www.greenerchoices.co.uk
So, what is so special about the eco cycle? Basically, it achieves a good standard of cleaning your dishes whilst using approximately 3-5 litres less water than your standard cycle, as well as a lower temperature meaning less energy usage. If your home is already environmentally friendly and you have solar panels, the advice is to run your cycles during the day for ultimate efficiency.
Other advice that is outlines is the following:
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- Scrape off your food or any runny liquids
- Don’t pre-rinse! Modern dishwashers are geared to tackle harsh stains.
- Max it out, wait until the dishwasher if full
- When buying/choosing your new appliance, look out for A/A++ graded dishwashers as this is an indication of their sustainability
It’s odd, because I have always found washing dishes by hand somewhat therapeutic (especially when standing in front of the window…no off course I don’t spy on the neighbours!), but if this is the advice it will help save the planet and touching wet and icky food at the bottom of the basin – hopefully that image has convinced you.
For kitchens especially, we highly recommend Siemens Appliances, and if you are curious check them out here https://www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com/uk/ . However, if you would like for us to fit a certain brand of appliances, we have no problem working together on your dream kitchen.
Boiling Hot Water Taps
Following in the footsteps of the most sustainable office in London – Bloomberg – we have installed an instant boiling hot water tap. I must say, I am impressed – usually I’m deterred from making a cup of coffee when I think about the wait for the kettle, but this tap makes the whole process about 30 seconds long! But other than this tap solving my impatience, it also provides a cheaper and more environmentally-friendly substitute.
Bare with me whilst I throw some statistics your way – according to www.Billi.co.uk if everyone in the UK stopped using a traditional kettle we could save 1,270,000,000 kWh of electricity per year, which apparently is the equivalent to run all the street lighting in the UK. Now, don’t worry – no one is going to deprive you of tea. Instead, the boiling tap can produce up to 25 cups of tea per hour at an approximate cost of 1p per litre.
”Finding ways to reduce energy costs is not just a cost-cutting exercise, but a stance on climate change”
Billi.co.uk
Light The Way
If you happened to read one of our recent blogs – https://www.jacob-roberts.co.uk/how-to-bring-colour-into-your-home/ – you would have noticed me mentioning that one of our recent clients have opted for HUE lighting, which is a lighting system controlled by your phone, allowing you to control colour, shade and brightness. As well as being a great feature to adjust constantly for absolutely no reason other than boredom, we have found that HUE lighting has made an incredible effort with their products to become as environmentally friendly as possible.
To conclude, at Jacob Roberts we don’t force you into this one way path of no return in terms of appliances. In fact, we are quite flexible dependant on what our client requires from us, some clients wish to keep their appliances and others want to completely start from nothing. This blog post was simply made with intention to make you aware of potential sustainable options when the time comes to transform your space. Equally, any opinions/reviews/recommendations are my own and are not meant to influence or offend.
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