Reducing our carbon footprint is something we’re all concerned about, and with good reason. With CO₂ emissions intensifying climate change, it’s time we all looked at our lifestyles and tried to make realistic changes that can make a difference.
Samsung has come up with an extremely ingenious solution: Carbon offsetting. Its appliances are already highly energy efficient, but now, if you buy any Samsung washing machine or tumble dryer, the brand will offset the lifetime CO₂ output of your new appliance! It’s partnered with Carbon Footprint, a leading provider of climate change solutions, to make this possible. The result is your Samsung washing machine or dryer is effectively carbon neutral during its lifespan. This is an extremely bold idea, but all you have to do to take advantage of it is to buy an appliance before the end of 2021.
Here are six great ways to help reduce your carbon footprint, including snapping up a beautiful – and carbon neutral – Samsung washing machine.
1. Think about your food
One of the best ways to cut your carbon footprint is to go veggie or, even better, vegan. The mass production of meat and dairy products produces much larger amounts of CO₂ than using the same fields for vegetables.
If you’re not ready to go ’full veggie’, you could start with cutting out meat on 1-2 days per week. Whatever you decide to do with your diet, it’s much more planet-friendly to eat food that’s as locally sourced as possible, rather than having your meat, fish and vegetables shipped from the other side of the globe. It should be fresher and tastier as well, of course.
2. Go by bike
A journey by bicycle is better for the planet than one by car. It’s also better for you, since you’re getting a workout every time you commute to the office or visit the shops.
If the idea of being a Lycra-clad pedal-pusher is a little off-putting to you, how about an electric bike? These do involve a battery and motor, but the energy – and CO₂ – involved is absolutely minimal compared to a car.
Cargo bikes are becoming very popular. A heavy duty e-bike with a trolley on the front, cargo bikes are great for transporting everything from shopping to your kids. In cities, they’re increasingly used by small businesses for delivering goods, too.
3. Holiday at home
Staycations are all the rage this year, of course, but they could become an important weapon against climate change? That’s because air travel is among the absolute worst things you can do in terms of CO₂ emissions – even driving your diesel car to Scotland is better. An even more environmentally-friendly way to go on holiday is by train – including the Eurostar if you want to venture overseas. Or look into getting an electric car.
4. Insulate your home
Sure, this is more of an undertaking than eating more vegetables or cycling to work but for older homes it can make a huge difference to both your environmental impact and your energy bills. With electricity and gas prices only likely to head upwards in coming years, getting your loft and walls properly insulated, by reputable professionals, will bring huge benefits.
5. Turn off your tech
If you have a smart meter you probably already know this: electronics and electrical devices can use a huge amount of electricity. If you’re not using a device, it’s best to turn it off entirely. Voice-controlled smart plugs, especially with a multi-plug strip plugged into them, can be a great help here. Another excellent upgrade to consider is LED lighting. LED is a great light source, unlike certain previous low-energy bulb types, and can last for decades before needing to be replaced.
6. Buy a new Samsung washing machine!
Thanks to Samsung’s genius carbon offsetting programme, buying a new appliance has never been more beneficial to the environment – especially if you sell or recycle your old appliance. Modern washing machines are far more energy efficient than old ones anyway, but with Samsung carbon offsetting, your new machine is effectively carbon neutral.
The hero product here is the Samsung Series 5+ AddWash™ WW10T554DAN washing machine at AO.com. This great-looking, affordable washing machine is rated A for energy efficiency – and yes, that’s on the new energy ratings for 2021. It’s got a substantial, 10.5kg capacity and 1400 rpm maximum spin speed, and the graphite colour is very cool too.
The handy AddWash™ door means any forgotten socks can be easily added after a cycle has started1. Hygiene Steam technology adds vapour at the end, giving deeper cleaning than water and detergent alone, killing up to 99.9% of bacteria and allergens2. The machine is also extremely quiet, thanks to a Digital Inverter Motor that uses brushless magnets – ideal for open-plan living.
1 AddWash™ door can be opened at any time when the drum temperature is below 50°C.
2 Testing done by Intertek on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and DermatophagoidesfarinaeHughes, on 100% cotton, 3kg load, with standard powder detergent. Individual results may vary.
