One significant aspect of leading a sustainable lifestyle is transforming our homes into eco-friendly havens. By making simple yet impactful changes, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the preservation of our planet’s precious resources.
While the focus on building “greener” homes is increasing significantly each year, most people who want to contribute to the environment end up not doing it because of the high up-front investment.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to become eco-friendly that don’t involve starting from scratch. Here are five ways to make your home more green.
Reduce Heating Energy
Making your heating system more efficient is one of the best ways to reduce energy, as this is one of the most significant sources of energy consumption. During the winter months, the heat is often used much more than necessary.
One way of solving this is by installing a smart thermostat, which can be programmed to only turn on at specific times of the day. Another way to improve energy consumption is by insulating your home. Proper insulation helps retain the heat, meaning you don’t have to waste energy by always reheating your home.
Low-E window coatings are yet another alternative to retain heat, which reflects interior heat into the room during the winter and reflects heat outside during the summer. In turn, making your home more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Get Energy-Efficient Appliances
When it comes to selecting energy-efficient appliances, a reliable guide is the Energy Star certification. Look for refrigerators, washers, air conditioners, and other household appliances that carry the Energy Star label.
This certification guarantees that the appliance meets or exceeds the strict energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Department of Energy. Energy Star appliances consume less electricity while maintaining optimal performance, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower utility bills.
While investing in Energy Star appliances may require a higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial expense. These appliances are designed to maximize energy efficiency, often featuring innovative technologies such as advanced insulation, efficient compressors, and intelligent programming.
If you’re not ready to make a significant investment, there are still energy-saving measures you can take with your existing appliances.
Consider replacing your regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). CFLs and LEDs are highly energy-efficient alternatives that consume significantly less electricity while providing the same level of brightness. Moreover, they have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the frequency of replacements and further minimizing waste.
Water
“Sustainable” not only means energy efficiency, but water consumption too. The first thing you should take care of is water leaks. As basic as it is, many people are not aware of leaks throughout their homes and this can waste a significant amount of water.
Another way to be smart about water consumption is by installing low-flow showerheads and ultra-high-efficiency toilets. Toilets use approximately 30% of homes’ water, so change the standard 1.6 gallons per flush toilet model to the ultra-high efficiency toilets that use only 0.8 gallons per flush. Your bank account will thank you in the long run.
Another great idea to save water – and energy – is to get wool dryer balls to dry laundry more quickly. The dryer balls will get in between the towels and clothing, separating them and allowing more hot air in and around your laundry. This way, your laundry heats faster and the evaporated water is extracted more efficiently.
Switch to Green Power
To make the switch to green power, you can contact your electricity provider and inquire about their green power options. Many providers now offer renewable energy plans that allow customers to choose clean energy alternatives.
These plans may involve an additional fee, as the cost of producing and distributing renewable energy is often higher than that of conventional energy sources. However, the small premium you pay for green power is an investment in a cleaner, healthier planet.
When you opt for green power, your electricity provider ensures that a portion or all of the electricity you consume is sourced from renewable energy generation. This means that for every unit of electricity you use, an equivalent amount is produced through renewable resources.
Switching to green power not only helps combat environmental challenges but also has long-term benefits for society as a whole. It encourages the growth of renewable energy industries, creating jobs, and fostering technological advancements in sustainable energy production.
Replace Chemical Cleansers and Air Fresheners
Strong chemicals in cleansers are very harmful to the environment because they go straight into the water supply when you wash them away. There are now plenty of organic, natural, and odorless cleansers to choose from that work just as well as regular ones (and are environmentally friendly to boot).
If you still want that citrus or lavender scent in your home, you can use an essential oil diffuser. You can also add essential oils to the previously mentioned wool dryer balls to make your laundry smell good!
Final Thoughts
While the idea of building a completely eco-friendly home may seem daunting and expensive, there are plenty of practical and affordable ways to make your existing home more environmentally friendly. By focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and conscious product choices, you can create a greener living space without compromising comfort or style.
Every small action adds up, and by incorporating these steps into your daily life, you can make a tangible impact on the environment. Embracing an eco-friendly lifestyle not only benefits the planet but also inspires others to join the movement toward sustainability.