The environmental landscape has been drastically changing over the past few years. Sea levels have risen and temperatures have been increasing as well, with the heat becoming more unbearable year after year. With this in mind, more and more individuals and homeowners alike have started taking on eco-friendly practices.
The goal of making your home eco-friendly helps reduce your overall carbon footprint and impact on the environment. Not to mention, this way of life also aids you in saving money on your energy bills and even increases your property value.
If you’re interested in learning how to make your home eco-friendly, below are some changes you could start with.
-
Switch to LED Lighting
One of the easiest ways you could make your home eco-friendly is by using more energy-efficient light bulbs. LED bulbs are a great place to start since these use around 75% less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
If you fancy having a smart home and want to control lighting straight from your phone, there are also LED smart lights available on the market today.
By opting for smart lighting, you lower your monthly energy costs and save more money. For those who want to go the extra mile, taking advantage of natural lighting whenever possible will be a great help. What’s more, getting that much-needed vitamin D will do wonders for your health.
2. Get a Window Replacement
Old windows in an equally old home may be costly, especially when these windows are not fully sealed. Some signs that you already need a window replacement include drafts coming in, as well as higher energy bills during the summer or winter months.
A window replacement might seem like an investment, but you can get a return on this over time. Not only will it aid in lowering your monthly bills, but it will also make your home appear much more modern and contemporary-looking, a plus if you’re looking to sell the place in the future.
3. Install Solar Panels
Another investment that’s worth your while is no other than installing solar panels. While this may be the go-to suggestion for those who are planning to go green, this is actually a no-brainer since solar panels pay for themselves over time.
Drastically cutting your electricity bill can offset the expenses you might incur in purchasing these and having these solar panels installed.
With the sun a prevalent source of energy, it makes sense to take advantage of this. After all, the sun is much more sustainable compared to gas and coal, both of which harm the earth further with each use.
4. Add a Composting System to Your Kitchen
Your kitchen witnesses a lot of food being thrown away and it takes a lot to break down. In fact, landfills get so bogged down with so much trash, and breaking down food waste leads to more methane gas production.
You can do your part in saving the environment even when you’re at home simply by setting up a compost bin. This compost system will help cut down on the landfill and make food break down much faster.
Composting also has other benefits, such as giving you free fertilizer. You can use this to fertilize and nurture your plants.
5. Conserve Water
Water is a finite resource and over time, it can go away. Taking the time to conserve water will go a long way in protecting this precious resource. One way you can conserve water is by fixing water leaks in your home.
Another way you can practice water conservation is by taking shorter showers or baths, as well as using low-flow shower heads and taps to complement this.
The Bottom Line
There are various ways you can make your home more eco-friendly. With these tips, you can reduce your carbon footprint and make the climate and the world a better place to live in.