Are you a winter person? Do you love cardigans and chilly mornings, or are you more likely to linger in bed and dread the morning chill? 

Whether or not you love cold weather, staying warm in winter can be a challenging task that increases your energy consumption, as every degree you increase your heating adds up to 10 per cent more on your energy usage. 

But here’s the good news: simple changes can go a long way towards reducing your energy consumption, so you’re doing your bit to lower greenhouse gas emissions and better care for the earth’s resources.   

Here’s seven ways you can look after God’s creation more effectively this winter. 

1. Rug up before turning up the thermostat 

Adding layers of clothing before turning up the heating makes a significant difference—not just to your energy consumption, but the amount of savings on your power bill. Thermals are a hardworking yet inexpensive clothing item to invest in, as you can trap body heat and prevent heat loss without adding bulk to your clothes. Check out our Ethical Fashion Guide to shop for brands that protect both people and the planet. 

2. Look after your knitwear 

Has your favourite jumper gone from perfect to baggy in one season? To prevent this from happening too quickly, fold your knitwear instead of hanging them, as the weight can cause them to lose their shape or develop those annoying ‘cat ears’ on the shoulders. The same goes for drying—lay your knits flat on an airer (use a foldable clothes horse) to avoid misshaping. A little extra care means your warm layers will last much longer. 

3. Wash on cold 

Most modern detergents are formulated with enzymes to work just as well on cold water, so skip the warm cycle and lower your energy consumption while save on your power bill. You’ll also avoid accidentally shrinking your winter woollens (we’ve all been there!) For more garment care tips on how to make your clothes last longer, read our article here. 

4. Shop smarter 

If you can, opt for natural fibres such as wool which are generally warmer than acrylic options, and avoid shedding microplastics into the waterways during washing. Second-hand shops are a great place to score quality knits at a fraction of the price. Also, be cautious about outerwear trend cycles: buying the latest style of trench coat may seem appealing, but you’ll get more use out of something you love, regardless of what’s trending. 

5. Embrace soup season 

Enjoy seasonal vegetables (think root vegetables and everything hearty!) and fight food waste by making filling soups and stews this winter. Almost any sad end-of-week veggies can be transformed and blended into a roast veggie soup. Love Food Hate Waste has some great recipes that are warming and easy to make. 

6. Work those curtains! 

Use your curtains and blinds to naturally heat and insulate your home. Open your curtains when the sun is shining to let the heat in (especially on north-facing windows) and close them at dusk to prevent heat from escaping. This can save around $50 a year on your power bill. 

7. Don’t forget about active transport 

While it’s tempting to use the car for short trips when the weather is gloomy, active forms of transport such as cycling and walking can help you save petrol. There’s also plenty of health benefits such as staying fit, improving your mental health, and getting vitamin D during those chilly winter months. 

With a few intentional choices, you can reduce your energy consumption and help care for God’s creation. Every small step adds up to a bigger impact, and together, we can live more sustainably, even when winter sets in.