Have you ever wondered if you could do more to be environmentally friendly?
It’s no secret that our planet is hurtling toward an ecological catastrophe. Products have resulted in billions of tons of CO2 emissions. But have you considered what you can do to help?
Swapping some of your more unsustainable habits for a more sustainable home can go a long way toward making your lifestyle more environmentally friendly. Even if you can’t go as far as building solar panels on your property, you can still do something to diminish your impact on the environment.
So what can you do to lessen your footprint on the planet? Read on to find out more!
1. Ditching Disposables for Reusables
Reusable items like bags, straws, and water bottles cut the need for one-time-use items that can not only take months to decompose but also add to the global waste crisis.
You can also replace paper towels with dishcloths and use products like microfiber cleaning towels that can be washed and reused. The same goes for things like sponges, razors, and menstrual products.
Even things like batteries and lightbulbs can be switched out for reusable varieties that might last a lot longer than their disposable counterparts.
2. Go Green and Use Solar Panels
Swapping out the common items you have in your home for more sustainable alternatives is a great way to go green and make a more sustainable home. Consider solar panels.
Solar panels allow you to capture the solar power of the sun and convert it into usable electricity. Not only are solar panels friendly to the environment, but they’ll also save you money on your energy bill as they attract energy generated from natural resources.
Click to find out more about a professional installer of solar panels.
3. Installing a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable eco-friendly thermostat is a great way to make your home more sustainable while also saving on energy bills. Programmable thermostats provide control of your home’s temperature as well as the ability to schedule times when the heater or air conditioner is necessary.
This helps to keep the temperature at the same level of comfort while shutting off the heating or air conditioning when no one is home, saving energy and money.
4. Repurposing and Upcycling to Reduce Waste
Repurposing and upcycling can be a great way to make a sustainable home. Furniture and accessories from thrift stores can be given new life with some paint or unique finishes.
Instead of buying new items for the home, switch to purchasing second-hand goods that were previously owned.
5. Greener Cleaning Products for Sustainable Home
Cleaning products with natural ingredients, such as eco-friendly detergents, oils, and vegetable-based soaps, are great replacements for the harsh chemicals found in store-bought items.
Baking soda and vinegar both come with a range of cleaning uses, from eliminating odors to scrubbing away stuck-on residue. Even better, these products are usually very affordable and can be found at most grocery stores.
6. Use Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Reduce the amount of plastic stored in the home by using glass jars for storage or purchasing items wrapped in paper rather than plastic.
Get creative by finding eco-friendly beauty and use in items not normally seen as valuable or desirable.
7. Replacement Items for Water Conservation
Older appliances are often inefficient and use more water than modern models. New dishwashers are also more efficient than models from a few years ago.
Water-saving faucets are also readily available and come in styles to suit any decor. Reusing water saves energy and resources; look for ways to capture gray water from showers and laundry to use on landscaping or car washing.
8. Reduce Your Home’s Energy Consumption
Simple things like switching to LED lightbulbs and using power strips so devices can be switched off when not in use can help reduce energy consumption by a significant amount.
Consider also swapping out single-glazed windows and doors with double-glazed ones to create a better level of insulation. Invest in proper insulation within your walls and install solar panels on your roof if possible.
9. Appliance Upgrades
Upgrading the largest appliances, like refrigerators and dryers, can particularly lead to big savings. Washers and dishwashers are also worth investing in, as are heating and cooling systems.
When replacing appliances, look for those with an ENERGY STAR rating, as they have undergone testing to ensure they meet energy standards and are energy efficient.
Smaller appliances, such as microwaves and ovens, can also benefit from upgrades, especially if they are replaced with more energy-efficient models.
10. Renovating for Lifelong Durability
Making your home more sustainable doesn’t have to mean big, expensive projects. Making swaps that cost little to no money but improve your home’s overall sustainability can have a big impact.
Weather stripping and caulking help improve insulation in your home and reduce the impact on the environment. Install low-flow toilets and shower heads to save water, switch to organic and all-natural cleaning products, and choose non-toxic and chemical-free paint and furniture.
Make a Difference Today
Overall, making swaps to create a more sustainable home is a simple but effective way to help the environment, reduce excess waste, and save money. Start incorporating more sustainable options today and make a difference! See how much you can reduce your environmental impact by switching to a more sustainable home.
Would you like to read more articles like this one? Check out our blog for more!
