Being eco-friendly means living in a way that reduces the stress on the environment. In the past few years, people have become more aware of greener living and many have taken steps towards a sustainable life.
Most people struggle to make a meaningful change because they really don’t know where to start. It is important to note that every decision we make on this planet either works towards protecting the environment or depleting it.
There are several ways you can reduce the harm to your surroundings and the best place to begin is at home. By making certain sustainable changes you will reduce your carbon footprint on the earth.
So here are some essential tips to make your home eco-friendly:
LED Lights
One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint on the earth is by switching your traditional incandescent bulbs for LED or energy-efficient light bulbs. The bulbs are far more eco-friendly as they have a long life and use less electricity. While they may be costly upfront but they save money in the long run.
Smart Thermostat
A great advantage of technology is that they allow you to do several things remotely. A smart thermostat allows you to control the cooling and heating systems of your home. You can create schedules so it uses energy only when you are home and turns off when away. Some systems have behavior preferences which is a great addition to your sustainable changes. They help you save money and energy at the same time.
Solar Panels
Investing in renewable energy for electricity can be expensive but it is a long-term investment that will save a lot of energy. Solar panels are great ways to protect your environment and an essential feature in sustainable homes. So make sure that you are aware of the pros and cons of installing solar panels before making any drastic steps early on.
Insulation
Sealing air leaks and water leaks is a great way to live a more eco-friendly life. There is a lot of energy that is lost through air leaks indoors, floors, ductwork, and even windows. Ensuring that these openings are well insulated and closed so that it will take less energy to heat or cool your home. Caulking and weatherstripping is a great solution to your insulation problem.
Cleaning Products
Traditional household cleaning products are often packed with harmful chemicals and gasses not only affect the environment but health as well. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products for your home will be healthier as it improves the quality of life. You can even consider making your cleaning products at home which are made of lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar.
Recycled Furniture
The best way to be eco-friendly is by using eco-friendly furniture such as recycled wood, and other materials. These materials are environmentally friendlier and reduce the stress on your surroundings. You can also consider upcycling old furniture or purchasing second-hand furniture from auction sites, garage sales, and so on. These products are cost-effective and can help in adding a vintage look to your home. While they might need some maintenance but by bringing it to life they would otherwise end up in some landfill.
Plastic-Free
The most common step in living an eco-friendly life is avoiding plastic. There are millions of tons of plastic that are polluting the earth every year. By avoiding plastic, you are playing your part in reducing your carbon footprint on the earth and protecting it. You can consider using wood fiber, composite lumber, glass, steel, etc to live a more eco-friendly life.
Switching plastic straws, bottles, even clothes to eco-friendly products is a better alternative. You can even try out bamboo sheets for an eco-friendly bedding option that will enhance your sustainable living.
Save Water
The most obvious tip in living a green life is saving water. Whether being eco-friendly or not, it is a crucial resource that needs to be conserved and utilized wisely. There are many ways you can save water such as low-flow showerheads, installing aerators, fixing water leaks, and so on. You can even consider showering for a shorter period to avoid any water waste.
Check Your Appliances
The appliances you use at home can play a huge role in saving energy. By replacing outdated appliances with energy star models, you will be able to consume less energy compared to traditional appliances. Whether it is your TV, AC, fridge, washing machine, or even your dishwasher, the more the stars, the larger the savings. They will not only save money but also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Decorate with Plants
A great way to improve the quality of air at home is by adding potted plants. These plants can make your home more welcoming. They also have calming elements of nature that help you stay relaxed when at home. If you have a small backyard, you can even consider starting a small garden that does not require much water or any kind of pesticides.
Ready to Go Green?
These are just some exciting ways you can make your home more eco-friendly. It is also a great way to encourage your friends and family about the importance of sustainable living.
