We hear a lot about the environment these days, with massive protests being held in London, world leaders talking about climate change at summits and, of course, the enormous focus on reducing the amount of plastic waste we create. Even big corporations such as McDonald's are getting on board, with news of them eliminating plastic straws. It's awesome that so many people across the world are becoming more and more conscious of the environment. Being more eco-friendly will not only help you contribute to a more sustainable environment for future generations, but it can even help to save you a ton of money, too!
As well as thinking about our day to day living, one of the best ways to contribute to this super important cause is by looking at your home and your garden. There are so many easy ways - and some not so easy ways - that you can make a huge difference. Read on to find out more.
As well as thinking about our day to day living, one of the best ways to contribute to this super important cause is by looking at your home and your garden. There are so many easy ways - and some not so easy ways - that you can make a huge difference. Read on to find out more.
9 Ways To Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly
Get Serious About Your Water Consumption
Fresh, clean water is not an inexhaustible resource. The American population has doubled over the last 25 years, and our demand for clean, potable water has tripled (source). The first step in making your home more eco-friendly is to check for any water leaks, then install a low-flow shower-head – these have been shown to save up to 160,000 litres of water for a family of four - a massive saving of not only water, but cash. If your property is large enough, you could install a rainwater water tank. A water tank like this allow you to collect rainwater for uses such as watering the garden, filling a pool and washing cars.
Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is one of the best investments any eco-friendly homeowner can make. While it may be seem like a pricey investment, solar panels pay for themselves in about six years' time and have a lifetime savings of almost $63,000. Additionally, there are state-based incentives as well as the federal tax credit to think about.
To learn more about solar panels and solar energy for your home, as well as the average cost for installation in your area, check out solarreviews.com.
Insulate
One of the best ways to improve your home's eco-friendliness is to make sure that you use as little energy as possible. Investing in whole home insulation is a great way to do this. Whether you choose from spray foam insulation or, blown-in fiberglass insulation, when your home is properly air sealed and insulated you'll find that you improve comfort, reduce energy usage, and save money on heating and cooling bills.
Install Smart Meters
Smart meters are relatively new and are a super easy way of keeping an eye on the amount of energy we are using on a day to day basis. By having one installed, you can see what is consuming lots of energy: for example, your clothes dryer or hot water heater, and you can make adjustments accordingly. Most energy suppliers will swap out meters for no cost or a small fee. Just like most of the tips we're sharing on this post, as well as helping you to do your bit for the environment, installing smart meters will help you to save money on your utility bills.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make an eco-friendly change at home is to swap out your light bulbs for LED bulbs. LED bulbs are better alternatives to the older, incandescent bulbs because they are more energy efficient: a 60 watt equal LED only consumes about 8.5 watts of energy and some LEDs can last over 50,000 hours! The price for an LED bulb is roughly $5, and probably the least expensive eco-friendly tip we're sharing today.
Smart meters are relatively new and are a super easy way of keeping an eye on the amount of energy we are using on a day to day basis. By having one installed, you can see what is consuming lots of energy: for example, your clothes dryer or hot water heater, and you can make adjustments accordingly. Most energy suppliers will swap out meters for no cost or a small fee. Just like most of the tips we're sharing on this post, as well as helping you to do your bit for the environment, installing smart meters will help you to save money on your utility bills.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to make an eco-friendly change at home is to swap out your light bulbs for LED bulbs. LED bulbs are better alternatives to the older, incandescent bulbs because they are more energy efficient: a 60 watt equal LED only consumes about 8.5 watts of energy and some LEDs can last over 50,000 hours! The price for an LED bulb is roughly $5, and probably the least expensive eco-friendly tip we're sharing today.
  GE Refresh LED Light Bulbs, 4 Pk, amazon.com |
  GE Refresh LED Floodlight Bulbs, 2 Pk, amazon.com |
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Using cleaning products with harsh chemicals can result in poor air quality in your home on account of the release of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs have been linked to illnesses such as leukemia, asthma, autism and cancer, so if there is one tip you take away today, it's to please swap out your harsh cleaning products for natural or at least naturally-based ones.
  Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent, amazon.com |
  Mrs. Meyers 3 Pc. Set, amazon.com |
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Create Your Own Compost Bin
It doesn't take much doing at all to create a decent DIY compost bin. You'll need a few items to start: A sturdy tote with lid, a drill (for drilling small drainage holes in the lid and the bottom of the tote), shredded newspaper, organic garden soil and, of course, food scraps & yard waste.
Drill holes in the tote, about 6 on the bottom and on the lid (this helps with air flow). Place shredded newspaper on the bottom of the tote, then cover with soil. Repeat until the tote is about half full. Top with the food scraps & yard waste: eggshells, coffee grinds, fruit & vegetable peels, leaves, sticks and grass clippings (DO NOT use animal waste as it could carry bacteria). Use a watering can or garden hose to dampen the compost, and a small shovel to stir. Cover and keep in a handy area. Stir thoroughly about once every two weeks; you'll know the compost is ready when it looks and smells exactly like soil.
Buy Recycled
There is a heavy focus on recycling at the moment, and for good reason. So many things can be created from recycled materials, such as toilet paper and kitchen tissue to reusable coffee cups. Again, these may cost a little more because of the additional processes involved, but are no doubt great for the environment. Purchase recycled, renewed and refurbished as often as you can to help reduce your carbon footprint, and to keep more waste out of our landfills.
Shop Second Hand
Much like buying things that are recycled, purchasing from a thrift store, consignment shop, tag sale or flea market is a great way to do your part for our environment AND your wallet. Some of our favorite thrift store finds include dishware and drinkware, clothing (natch), small kitchen appliances and gadgets and furniture. Upcycling furniture is great if you are creative, because you'll get to re-design a piece that's more your style and taste!
It doesn't take much doing at all to create a decent DIY compost bin. You'll need a few items to start: A sturdy tote with lid, a drill (for drilling small drainage holes in the lid and the bottom of the tote), shredded newspaper, organic garden soil and, of course, food scraps & yard waste.
Drill holes in the tote, about 6 on the bottom and on the lid (this helps with air flow). Place shredded newspaper on the bottom of the tote, then cover with soil. Repeat until the tote is about half full. Top with the food scraps & yard waste: eggshells, coffee grinds, fruit & vegetable peels, leaves, sticks and grass clippings (DO NOT use animal waste as it could carry bacteria). Use a watering can or garden hose to dampen the compost, and a small shovel to stir. Cover and keep in a handy area. Stir thoroughly about once every two weeks; you'll know the compost is ready when it looks and smells exactly like soil.
Buy Recycled
There is a heavy focus on recycling at the moment, and for good reason. So many things can be created from recycled materials, such as toilet paper and kitchen tissue to reusable coffee cups. Again, these may cost a little more because of the additional processes involved, but are no doubt great for the environment. Purchase recycled, renewed and refurbished as often as you can to help reduce your carbon footprint, and to keep more waste out of our landfills.
Shop Second Hand
Much like buying things that are recycled, purchasing from a thrift store, consignment shop, tag sale or flea market is a great way to do your part for our environment AND your wallet. Some of our favorite thrift store finds include dishware and drinkware, clothing (natch), small kitchen appliances and gadgets and furniture. Upcycling furniture is great if you are creative, because you'll get to re-design a piece that's more your style and taste!
These are just nine ways to make your home a little more environmentally friendly--there are literally dozens more. Try some of our eco-friendly tips today and rest easy knowing that not only are you possibly saving yourself money, but you are doing your bit to keep our world great for future generations.
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*This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see our Disclosure Policy & Terms of Use.
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