Looking to reduce your carbon footprint and be kinder to Mother Earth, while also cutting your energy bills? Here’s why choosing the park lifestyle can pay dividends

One of the less well publicised features of park home living is that this lifestyle naturally lends itself to a reduced carbon footprint, lower energy bills and a more environmentally friendly way of life.

That’s a great combination and a ‘win-win’ for both our planet and anybody taking advantage of the significant financial benefits of moving into a park home.

This month, in association with Barton Group, we discuss some small lifestyle changes that, when added together, can save a decent amount of money and help the environment, too.

A PLANET IN NEED OF RESCUE!
It can be a great feeling to know that you are doing your bit for the environment. As global warming, overuse of plastics and carbon emissions are clearly affecting our vulnerable eco system and wreaking havoc with our weather, we can all play our part to help.

Who can deny that the recent flash floods, fierce thunderstorms and unseasonably tropical days are the result of a planet in need of rescue?

YOU HAVE MADE A GREAT START!
The combination of cutting-edge design and quality materials add up to park homes that are both energy efficient and low maintenance.

As Omar Homes states on its website: ‘With energy prices at a high, we all want to try to get our bills down as much as possible, something which is especially important in retirement. Modern park homes, built to BS: 3632 (2015), are built with energy savings in mind. The new British Standard brings with it improved insulation, heat retention, higher maintainable room temperatures and low energy lighting, these are just a few of the features that help save money on energy bills.

‘Modern park homes are therefore generally economical to run and low maintenance, and if household bills in general are a concern, then in nearly all cases, council tax will be band A.’

That’s a great way to begin your journey to a lower carbon lifestyle!

ENERGY SAVING INITIATIVES
Stunning modern kitchens are just one of the attractions that buyers find irresistible when choosing a home. Invariably they are equipped with stylish integral appliances, benefiting from the lowest energy ratings and energy- saving cycles.

Designs featuring floor-to-ceiling doors and windows mean that, even in the depths of winter, residents are guaranteed natural daylight streaming in, helping to minimise the need for artificial lighting and keeping rooms warm.

Park homes are not only energy efficient but are designed to be cosy all year round – without huge bills.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
In addition to the lower demands that your park home makes on the planet’s resources, here are our suggestions for other lifestyle choices you can make today, for a better tomorrow!

DOWNSIZING? PASS IT ON
It’s easy to give in to the temptation to keep unwanted items in the back of the wardrobe, rather than to part company with something that you’ve had around for years. But decluttering as part of a downsizing decision is the perfect opportunity to dispose of those boxes that have remained unopened since your last move.

Rather than go to the tip, pass these items on or donate them to charity!

Unwanted items, clothes, knick-knacks or toys can receive an extended life when passed on, either by resale or donation. Non-profit organisations or charities will often redistribute your items to those in need.

DITCH THE CAR
Most residential parks, including Barton Group’s parks based in Devon and Somerset, are situated in carefully chosen locations, close to amenities and places of interest, so you won’t have far to travel for a fun day out. Many parks have excellent public transport options so it’s easy to get where you need to be, without costing the planet!
Leaving the car behind is much more achievable when time pressures of a busy working life are lifted, and every journey saved helps reduce emissions and the pressure on scarce resources.

BEACH CLEAN UPS
Barton’s parks in Somerset and Devon are close to the sea (Seascapes overlooks the Bristol Channel). Coastal parks are always popular locations, but marine life is at severe risk from the overuse of plastics. Why not give up some time to help to keep UK coasts clean and tidy by taking part in a beach clean? These are an excellent way to protect wildlife and preserve the UK’s beautiful beaches. Visit the National Trust website to find out about beach cleans happening near you.

MORE REUSABLES
Avoid using disposables and single use items such as spring water bottles razors, coffee cups, supermarket bags and food storage containers.

Develop the habit of multiple use water bottles and flasks, topped up from the tap. Remember to choose loose fruit and vegetables, in place of pre-packed foods. It will actually save you money in the long run!

GROW YOUR OWN
There’s nothing more rewarding, or satisfying, than tucking into your own homegrown produce! Reduce the fossil fuels used to transport produce up and down the country in delivery to supermarkets by growing food yourself.
You don’t need acres and acres to grow your own crop of herbs, fruit and vegetables – simply try a window box or a raised bed made from sleepers.

DRINK DEEPLY FROM THE TAP!
Our dependence on bottled water has led to more than a million tons of plastic being wasted each year. Buy refillable water bottles instead to use at home, on your travels and when you’re out and about as well.

GOOD LUCK!
That’s our collection of simple ideas for living the low carbon footprint lifestyle.

Good luck with trying something new, reducing your carbon footprint, lowering your energy bills and living a more environmentally-friendly way of life – after all, buying a park home is a great start!