If you’re interested in turning your home eco-friendly, here are environmentally-conscious projects to pursue. There’s a lot to be said about an eco-friendly home. In terms of practicality, it’s unmatched. It’s capable of reducing your utility bills. You’ll be able to save enough money to funnel into other expenses.
On top of that, you get to reduce your carbon footprint. With global warming worsening year after year, you want a little weight off your shoulders. With an eco-friendly home, you’ll sleep better at night knowing that you’re doing your part in mitigating what experts predict could be an irreversible disaster if not addressed by those in power the soonest.
Aside from its utilitarian and environmental advantages, an eco-friendly home is also stylish. There’s no shortage of innovative design ideas that allow you to incorporate features and amenities geared toward the responsible use of natural resources and other sustainable materials.
But what makes an eco-friendly home? Here are some noteworthy ideas.
1. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Being conscious of your shopping habits is a good starting point. The goal is to reduce unnecessary consumption. Keep in mind that every single thing you buy adds to your carbon footprint. Each item you add to your cart, whether online or offline, corresponds to energy usage, from a new pair of shoes to a new toothbrush.
If you’re committed to letting nature breathe a little, shop less. For stuff you feel you need, don’t buy—instead …
Reuse. Our consumerist culture has programmed us into thinking that all things old are useless. Therefore, they must be discarded and replaced with something new. That is not true at all. You can always find a new purpose for your used items.
For instance, an old tattered blanket could be reused as rags. Discarded wood from your last home renovation could be fashioned into design pieces. All it takes is a little creativity.
Lastly, learn to recycle. This is the process of converting waste into reusable material. There are two ways to go about this. You can either recycle for DIY projects or participate in community recycling programs. An example of the former is when you turn kitchen waste into compost for your garden. As for the latter, you can deposit soda cans and plastic bottles to a nearby recycling hub.
2. Use smart appliances
Start with lighting, particularly energy-efficient light bulbs. Not only do they last longer than traditional bulbs, but they also consume less energy. That gives you two saving opportunities.
On top of your light bulbs, look into your major appliances as well, such as your refrigerator, air conditioning, microwave oven, dishwasher, and the like. The goal is to have appliances with the Energy ENERGY Star STAR label. That means the device is energy efficient.
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If you have the money to spare for a smart home tool, the better. Such will allow you to maximize the energy efficiency of your appliances. For example, you can automate your air conditioning to respond to natural weather or temperature. The thermostat will automatically adjust depending on whether it’s hot or cold outside.
3. Save water
If you live in an area where there’s frequent rain, try gathering rainwater. Use that for watering the plants in your garden or washing your car.
Also, choose showers over baths. The latter is notorious for using too much water. So long as your shower head is aerated or low-flow, you won’t be consuming a lot of water when you shower.
When you boil water, make sure you fill the kettle, electric or not, with only the amount you plan to consume. The more water there is in a kettle, the longer it’ll take to heat it. You’re not only wasting water but energy, too. Indeed, there are many small ways in which you can save water at home. You only need to be creative.
4. Install solar panels
In the past, residential solar panels were pricey due to limited suppliers. There’s no shortage of providers these days, hence the more competitive pricing.
Maximize this opportunity by pivoting to a strictly solar-powered home. That is the strongest statement you could make about your support of the environment. The sun is free. Moreover, it’s a clean energy source. You’re shooting two birds with one stone.
Wrapping Up
While the onus of solving the problem of global warming is on first-world leaders and big global corporations that possess the power to make a difference as far as the subject goes, there’s no stopping you from taking part in the cause. And if your preferred strategy is going eco-friendly at home, by all means, pursue the project.
Rest assured that you’re on the right track. Not only will it allow you to save money from utility expenses but you can also take comfort in the fact that you’re actively trying to reduce your carbon footprint, which is a welcome contribution to the fight to save Mother Earth.
