When it comes to eco-friendly living, many people are at a loss about where to start. It can seem daunting, but there are plenty of ways to make your home more environmentally friendly without making too many sacrifices. You may find that you don’t have to change much to make a difference. Here are some tips to get you started:
Install a programmable thermostat.
Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to save energy and money. A programmable thermostat can help you save up to 10 percent on your energy bill when you turn the thermostat to seven to ten degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours each day. Programmable thermostats are easy to use. They can be set to automatically turn the temperature up or down based on the time of day, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to adjust the thermostat.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
One of the best ways to save energy and money is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy, which means they cost less to operate. Some common energy-efficient appliances include Energy Star-certified dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. You can also find energy-efficient options for your lighting fixtures, windows, and doors.
Energy Star-certified homes are around 10 percent more energy-efficient than homes that are not certified. You will also see a reduction in energy bills, and you may be eligible for federal tax credits when Congress approves pending legislation.
Choose eco-friendly building materials.
When you’re remodeling or building a new home, choose eco-friendly building materials. Many sustainable options are available, including bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paint.
You can also look for products with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label, which means they come from responsibly managed forests. If you plan to build a deck, you should also use eco-friendly materials, such as composite lumber and fiber cement.
You can also hire a company offering deck waterproof coating services to reduce maintenance costs. Waterproofing prevents the formation of mold and mildew. It also makes the deck more durable and withstands constant exposure to the elements.
Use green cleaning products.
Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that pollute the air and water. Look for cleaning products made with natural ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. You can also make your cleaning solutions using these ingredients.
Not only are green cleaning products better for the environment, but they’re also better for your health. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health problems.
Make sure your home is well insulated.
There are many benefits to ensuring your home is well-insulated. One of the most important is that it will help you save money on your energy bills. Well-insulated homes are better able to keep in heat during the winter and keep out the heat during the summer. This can lead to significant savings on your energy costs.
Another benefit of having a well-insulated home is that it can be more eco-friendly. Poorly insulated homes often require more energy to heat and cool, leading to increased emissions. By insulating your home, you can help reduce your carbon footprint.
There are several ways to insulate your home, including adding insulation to your walls, attic, and floors. You can also seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors to help prevent heat from escaping.
Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer whenever possible.
The benefits of hanging clothes to dry include reducing your energy use, saving money, and helping the environment. When you hang your clothes to dry, you don’t have to use the dryer, which consumes a lot of electricity. Hanging your clothes also helps them last longer, since the dryer can damage fabric over time. In addition, hanging your clothes dry is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
If you can’t hang your clothes outside, try using a clothesline or drying rack inside your home. These options will still save you energy and money and won’t damage your clothes like the dryer can. You can also find solar-powered clothes dryers, which are even more eco-friendly. With a little effort, you can easily make your home more eco-friendly by hanging your clothes to dry.
Start a garden and grow your food.
There are many benefits to starting a garden, the most obvious being that you will have fresh, homegrown produce to eat. Gardening is also a great way to get exercise, and it’s a fun way to spend time outdoors. Plus, gardening is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, as you’ll be using less energy than you would if you were to buy your produce from the store.
Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. You can make a big difference by taking simple steps, like insulating your home.