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Going green at home: Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is a goal shared by millions of people across the country. Unsurprisingly, your home is the perfect place to begin the transformation – and now is the time to start greener living!
You spend more time at home than any other setting while it is also the key contributor to your carbon footprint. Thankfully, there are many ways to build a better setting. Many of them will additionally lead to financial savings and improved family health. Here are 10 great ideas that you can incorporate for success. Let’s get started.
Greener Living
Improved Lighting
If you are eager to improve your home environment, it makes sense to start with a quick and easy update. With this in mind, improved lighting setups should be the first job on your checklist. The transformation it can bring to the home’s esthetic and carbon footprint can be huge.
The amount of energy used by LEDs compared to incandescent is minimal. This means that you’ll use less energy and spend less money. Likewise, the products will last longer, which can aid your desire to go green. The fact that you’ll gain the versatility of multiple colors and brightness levels is another bonus.
Switching to eco-friendly light bulbs is a job that can be completed within a single day. You can even order smart light bulbs that can be controlled remotely via your phone. Aside from the direct rewards that it brings, you should find that it puts you in the right mind for further updates.
Enhanced Home Insulation
Lost heat is one of the biggest causes of wasted energy and increased carbon footprints. The sooner you correct this issue, the sooner you will see benefits for the planet and your pocket; it’s on our family’s to-do list before winter sets in. Better still, it’s a crucial step for making the home environment remain comfortable at all times.
Heat is primarily lost through the walls and windows (35%) and roof (25%). Finding roofers to promote improved insulation from internal and external elements is key. It’s often a lot quicker than treating all of the walls and windows too. Still, double glazing or cavity wall insulation will help significantly.
New roofing and windows can also make your home the envy of your neighbors by adding curb appeal. When combined with the fact it prevents leaks, it’s a win-win on all fronts.
Smart Tech Updates
Increased reliance on technology has often contributed to rising energy consumption. But it would be wrong to assume that all tech is bad. On the contrary, there are many circumstances where this can actively reduce energy waste. Not least when using tools with AI capabilities.
A modern Smart tech facility can learn from your habits to automate the room temperature, shower, or a host of home items. This can even include turning products off when they are not in use. So, the days of heating the whole home when only using a single room can be a thing of the past.
Aside from making the home more efficient, it’s a move that is sure to bolster your sense of comfort at home. Quite frankly, that’s the least you deserve as a reward for actively adopting greener living.
Water-Savvy Tech
Many of the eco-friendly home updates are focused on conserving energy and resources. However, gas and electricity aren’t the only features; the average household is also guilty of wasting large volumes of water. Taking the time to put this issue right can generate immediate and ongoing savings.
There are many water-saving solutions you could consider. Energy-efficiency toilets with low-volume flushing capabilities are ideal. You could save several gallons with each and every flush. On a similar note, efficient washing machines and dishwashers will yield significant savings.
You could also consider using a water storage tank to collect water for future gardening tasks. We have several water barrels outside to collect rainwater. If it saves you from needing to use the hose, it can only have a positive influence on your home environment.
Upcycled Products
When seeking the best results for your home transformation, you must think beyond the setting. It is equally crucial that the surroundings encourage you to form better habits. Updating your approach to material utilization should be the priority; upcycling is the ultimate solution.
There are many options at your disposal. Old pallets can be repurposed as storage items while old toys can become bedroom decor. In today’s world, you have a world of inspirational guides at your fingertips. Aside from reducing your carbon footprint, it’s a job that will fill you with a sense of satisfaction.
On a side note, learning to repair faulty products rather than replace them prematurely can be very useful. Many jobs can be completed on a DIY basis, although some may require the support of a professional repair team.
Reduce Food Waste
Giving old products a new lease of life is one thing. However, it’s not the only new habit you can look to encourage at home. It is well known that around one-third of all food ends up in landfills. Any opportunity to reduce your figure will save money and help protect the environment in one fell swoop.
Adding the right home cooking products will make life easier. Batch cooking in the slow cooker, for example, can make your life a lot easier while reducing waste. It also means using less energy per meal during the cooking process. Similarly, is it necessary to head to the grocery store weekly? Maybe not. Consider using up what you have in your house before making a grocery run.
Another option is to make better use of the food waste. If you already make use of composting, the combination of food scraps and carbon-rich materials will be fantastic for your garden. It’s a great educational tool for kids to learn greener living, too.
External Comforts
The inside of your home isn’t the only thing to consider. External elements play an equally important role, affecting your enjoyment and pride felt for the property. Meanwhile, simply spending more time outside in these spaces can be a great way to boost energy efficiency levels.
This is because you will be using far fewer energy-sapping resources inside. Completing a backyard decor update to promote long afternoons in the yard works wonders. This could mean hosting friends and family or simply relaxing alone. As well as entertainment options, you can consider gardening activities.
The process of spending more time outdoors can help you find more things to upcycle, compost, or garden for a greener living.
Go Digital
As already mentioned, modern technology doesn’t have to be the enemy. In fact, adopting digital technology can often remove the need for using physical products. In turn, this will reduce your overall carbon footprint. The fact that it makes the rooms look bigger and brighter is a bonus.
Going digital could also mean using paperless billing. Aside from not using paper, it removes logistical aspects of delivering that piece of mail. Another common choice is to use online streaming services rather than having physical DVDs and games. You can make the switch at any time.
Once again, it’s not just about the direct and indirect reductions of energy and resources used. It also puts you in a far healthier mindset that can encourage you to focus on the other steps mentioned above.
Regularly Service Products and Appliances
In addition to upgrading outdated features, you must take better care of existing products. By keeping them in better health, you will reduce unnecessary waste. You’ll simultaneously keep your home protected. Treating issues early also stop potential damage (such as repairing the roof before it leaks).
Calling a plumber to service your pipes should be the top item on your list. Aside from keeping your pipes in good health, they can advise you about water tank jackets and pipe insulation foam. Identifying leaks or damp patches allows for a quicker response. This is crucial for your home and the environment.
Regular servicing can extend to appliances and other home items. Besides, it’s far better to take control of the situation than face problems later on.
Adopt Green Cleaning
This guide started with an idea that’s easy to implement, and it’s ending with another. The switch to a greener cleaning practice will make a minimal impact on your life and requires very little investment. Meanwhile, you will see a small but noticeable impact that brings instant results and continued rewards.
First and foremost, you’ll want to start using green cleaning materials. Avoiding chemicals will significantly reduce your carbon footprint. The applicators should be made from sustainable producers too. As well as the home cleaning products, you can consider items like bamboo toothbrushes.
For optimal results, you will also want to consider having a minimalist design. When there are few items causing dust, it’s better for your air quality and cleaning rituals. A cleaner, greener, and happier home awaits.
Greener Living Bottom Line
Greener living doesn’t only reduce your carbon footprint at home. It’ll encourage you to make further updates, such as driving an eco-friendly vehicle. Now more than ever, these small changes are necessary for everyone — the very future of our planet depends on it.
Very nice post.
Thank you!