With energy costs still a concern for many households and growing awareness of environmental issues, more local residents are looking for practical ways to make their homes greener, more efficient and more wildlife-friendly.
To help, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has produced its Green Your Home Guide, packed with simple ideas that can help reduce waste, lower energy use, support local wildlife and create a healthier home environment. The good news is that you don't need to make drastic changes to make a difference. In many cases, small improvements can add up to significant benefits over time.
One of the most effective ways to reduce both your carbon footprint and household bills is to improve your home's energy efficiency.
The guide highlights simple measures such as:
Many homes lose a surprising amount of heat through gaps, poor insulation and inefficient systems. Tackling these issues can make your home more comfortable while reducing energy consumption.
We're fortunate to have wonderful green spaces across Epsom & Ewell, from Epsom Common and Horton Country Park to the many parks and gardens that support local wildlife.
The Green Your Home Guide encourages residents to create wildlife-friendly gardens by:
Even a small garden, patio or balcony can become an important habitat for local wildlife.
Water is a precious resource, and there are simple ways to use less of it.
One suggestion is installing a water butt to collect rainwater from roofs and sheds. This stored water can then be used for plants during drier periods, reducing reliance on treated tap water. The guide also recommends looking for opportunities to improve drainage and reduce surface water run-off where possible.
The guide notes that many species are under pressure both nationally and locally. By making thoughtful choices at home, residents can help create a network of wildlife-friendly spaces across the borough.
Simple actions include:
🌼 Growing pollinator-friendly plants
🦔 Creating gaps in fences for hedgehogs
🌳 Planting trees where space allows
🐦 Providing food and shelter for birds
🌙 Reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting that can disturb nocturnal wildlife
These small actions can collectively make a significant difference to local biodiversity.
Perhaps the most encouraging message from the Green Your Home Guide is that you don't have to do everything at once.
The council suggests:
✅ Reviewing what you're already doing
✅ Looking at other ideas that could work for your home
✅ Committing to one new change at a time
Whether that's adding a water butt, planting a few wildflowers, improving insulation or creating a hedgehog-friendly garden, every positive step helps.
The Green Your Home Guide forms part of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council's wider Climate Change Action Plan, which aims to help create a greener, more sustainable future for the borough.
You can view the full guide here:
👉 Green Your Home Guide: https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/greenyourhomeguide
What small change could you make this year? You might be surprised how much difference it makes — for your home, your wallet and the environment.
