How much time do you spend at home each day? If you live alone or with other family members, you probably spend a reasonable amount of time at home. This means that you should take care of your environment and ensure that your home is eco-friendly.
There are many ways to go green in your home. These simple changes can save money and reduce pollution from using energy-efficient appliances to recycling old items.
Here are 12 small changes you can make to improve your home’s environmental impact.
1. Use Less Water
Water is one of the most precious resources on earth. It takes about 1 gallon of water to produce 1 gallon of gasoline. So if you want to save money, use less water. You can use low-flow shower heads, faucets, toilets, etc. Also, try to avoid washing clothes in full loads. Wash smaller loads and hang them outside to dry. If you have a dishwasher, run it only when necessary.
2. Go Plastic Free
You can start cutting down on plastic waste in a few easy steps: Use reusable bags when you shop; ditch single-use water bottles, bags, and straws; and avoid buying products made from or packed in plastic whenever possible (select unwrapped produce at grocery stores, choose local foods, reduce online purchases). You can even opt to use biodegradable garbage bags instead of plastic too.
3. Use Natural Products for Cleaning
Most cleaning supplies on the shelf today contain harmful chemicals damaging to our planet and bodies. In addition, most of those products are packaged in plastics that pollute landfills and oceans. This is why many people are turning to homemade solutions. They want to avoid the toxins found in store-bought cleaners. But it turns out there are some things you cannot do without. Here are three reasons why you should consider making your cleaning products.
4. Efficient Energy Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting is one of the most effective ways to save money and protect our environment. If you are looking for great deals on energy-saving lights, here are three types of bulbs that could help you out.
- LED Bulbs –
LED bulbs use around 90% less energy than standard bulbs. They come in various colors and designs, making it easy to find something that suits your décor. You can buy them online or in high street stores. - Halogen Bulbs
Halogen bulbs work well in areas where there is lots of natural sunlight, such as gardens and conservatories. However, halogens produce quite a lot of heat, meaning you must keep them away from flammable materials like curtains and carpets. - Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)
CFLs are often considered the best option for those living in apartments because they fit into smaller spaces. However, they do tend to cost slightly more than regular bulbs. But, they don’t put off harmful chemicals like mercury, so they’re safe to use.
5. Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy efficient appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washer/dryers, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, and clothes dryers can save you money over the appliance’s lifetime. They also use less energy when compared to traditional models.
6. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels can provide power for your entire house. Solar panels cost depending on size. However, installing solar panels can save you thousands of dollars over the system’s life.
7. Plant Trees
Planting trees around your property can help absorb CO2, reducing your carbon footprint. Planting trees provides shade, reduces soil erosion, and improves air quality.
8. Buy Local Produce
Buying local produce cuts out the middleman, saving money and supporting your community. Buying locally grown food also helps farmers and encourages sustainable practices.
9. Repair Leaks
Leaks don’t just cause flooding; they can also leak water into your home. Look for cracks or holes near pipes, sinks, tubs, and faucets. You can quickly repair these leaks yourself.
10. Insulate
Insulating your home will reduce your energy consumption. Insulation can be essential if you live in an area with harsh winters.
11. Donate Old Electronics
Donating old electronics to charity helps those in need while keeping e-waste from going into our landfills.
12. Grow Vegetables
Growing vegetables at home mean you control what goes into your body. It’s also good for the environment since vegetable production requires little to no pesticides or fertilizers.
In conclusion, we all need to take responsibility for the state of our environment. We need to change how we live our daily lives. By making these simple changes, we can help preserve our planet for future generations.
Read more great guest posts from Tracie Johnson here on Eighty Mph Mom!
One Response
Environmentally-friendly biodegradable garbage bags, helping reduce plastic waste and promoting a cleaner, greener future. #SustainableLiving