Did you know that the average American's carbon footprint exceeds 20 tons of garbage, and that we send 64 tons of trash into the landfills during our lifetime? Americans represent 5% of the world's population, however we consume 25% of the world's energy [source].
Being environmentally conscious starts at home, and we came up with seven simple changes that you can make to become a little more green around the house.
Being environmentally conscious starts at home, and we came up with seven simple changes that you can make to become a little more green around the house.
How To Create An Eco-Friendly Home
Reduce The Amount Of Electricity You Use
Obviously, you can’t stop using electricity altogether, but making more of an effort to turn off appliances and unplugging them when they’re not in use will make a huge impact on your energy consumption. Even just remembering to turn the lights off could have a massive impact on the amount of energy you use, so try sticking up helpful reminders that remind you to switch them off your way out.
Reuse, Renew & Recycle
In most place recycling is now a requirement, but that doesn’t mean that everyone abides by the rules. If you often forget to recycle certain items, why not create a handy system that reminds you to throw things into the correct trashcan. There are even specially designed trashcans you can purchase that allow you to separate items by what can be recycled, and what can’t.
Use Reusable Bags When Shopping
Luckily, many municipalities are starting to crack down on plastic bag use. But if you live in an area where plastic bags are still the norm you can do your part by taking reusable bags whenever you’re out and about. There are lots of handy reusable bags you can purchase that can fold away neatly in your purse when not in use.
  Set of 12 Reusable Grocery Bags With Tote, Other Colors Available, amazon.com |
  Set of 3 Reinforced Grocery Totes, Other Colors & Patterns Available, amazon.com |
Repurpose Old Furniture
Rather than throwing out your old furniture and replacing it with something new, try repurposing or upcycling it. Not only does repurposing mean that you’re not contributing to landfill on a large scale, but you’re also getting a piece of furniture that feels brand new. If you truly don't have a need for it, list it on your town's social media marketplaces, or even on your local Freecycle.org.
You May Also Like:
Invest In Smart Energy
While we probably won't see flying cars or jetpacks anytime soon, we are living in the future. Take solar energy, for example. You can add home solar panels to your property, and generate your own clean, sustainable energy using the power of the sun. Aside from giving clean energy, they can also add value to your home and dramatically reduce your energy bills. If installing solar panels isn't an option, consider installing a smart meter. It’ll help you to visualize how much energy you’re using, which is a good motivator for reducing your usage.
While we probably won't see flying cars or jetpacks anytime soon, we are living in the future. Take solar energy, for example. You can add home solar panels to your property, and generate your own clean, sustainable energy using the power of the sun. Aside from giving clean energy, they can also add value to your home and dramatically reduce your energy bills. If installing solar panels isn't an option, consider installing a smart meter. It’ll help you to visualize how much energy you’re using, which is a good motivator for reducing your usage.
Start A Compost Pile
If you want to take your eco-friendly lifestyle to the next level, consider starting your own compost pile. Starting a compost pile is super easy, and extremely beneficial to your garden's soil. If you don't have a garden you can still compost, and offer it to friends and family that do.
Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
Whilst you may not be able to have an entire sustainable home like the ones at Sustainable 9, you can do your part by installing energy-saving light bulbs in every room. These light bulbs don’t emit less wattage than a standard bulb, but they do ensure you use a lot less energy when they’re switched on.
If you want to take your eco-friendly lifestyle to the next level, consider starting your own compost pile. Starting a compost pile is super easy, and extremely beneficial to your garden's soil. If you don't have a garden you can still compost, and offer it to friends and family that do.
Use Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
Whilst you may not be able to have an entire sustainable home like the ones at Sustainable 9, you can do your part by installing energy-saving light bulbs in every room. These light bulbs don’t emit less wattage than a standard bulb, but they do ensure you use a lot less energy when they’re switched on.
  6 Pk. 60 Watt LED Light Bulbs, amazon.com |
  4 Pk. 40 Watt LED Light Bulbs, amazon.com |
Donate
If you’re looking to get rid of belongings you no longer need, why not consider donating them to charity stores or a woman's shelter? If you have larger items that you'd like to donate, places like The Salvation Army will come pick them up. Bonus: Your donations are tax deductible!
Use Naturally-Based Cleaning Products
Swap out those chemical-laden cleaning products for more eco-conscious ones. Not only will you be helping the environment by eliminating the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you'll be helping yourself as well. According to a recent study conducted by the University of Bergen in Norway, regular use of non-organic cleaning sprays has an impact on lung health comparable with smoking 20 cigarettes a day. Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products, or consider using green housekeeping services.
We love, love, love this advice from apartmentguide.com. Click on the infographic to learn more about what you can do to go green in your home!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please visit our Disclosure Policy & Terms of Use.
Comment Box is loading comments...
