13 Tips For Living in a More Sustainable Home

Why Sustainability Matters More Than Ever

Did you know that over 77% of Americans are willing to adopt sustainable habits to combat climate change? Transforming your home into an eco-friendly haven isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. From reducing energy bills to minimizing your carbon footprint, small changes make a big impact.

In this guide, you’ll discover actionable, science-backed tips to boost energy efficiency, cut waste, and live greener—without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, these strategies fit every lifestyle.

1. Try Washing Your Clothing in Cold Water

Why it works: Up to 90% of a washing machine’s energy heats water. Switching to cold washes cuts emissions and preserves fabrics.

Pro tip: Reserve hot water for oil-based stains, but opt for warm water if cold isn’t effective. Cold-water detergents (like Tide Cold Clean) enhance cleaning power.

2. Pick up a Drying Rack

Key benefit: Dryers account for 6% of household energy use. Air-drying extends clothing life and reduces microplastic shedding.

Space-saving solutions: Foldable racks (e.g., Honey-Can-Do) fit in apartments. For outdoors, try a retractable clothesline with UV-resistant cords.

3. Buy Gently Used Items

Sustainability win: The fashion industry produces 10% of global CO₂ emissions. Thrifting reduces demand for new goods.

Where to shop: Local thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or ThredUp for curated secondhand finds. Restore furniture with non-toxic chalk paint.

4. Get Energy-Efficient Home Materials

Top upgrades:

• Insulated vinyl siding (R-value up to 4.0) slashes heating/cooling costs.
• LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescents. Smart LEDs (like Philips Hue) add scheduling.

5. Order a Programmable Thermostat

Savings proof: The EPA estimates $180/year saved with ENERGY STAR thermostats.

Best picks: Nest Learning Thermostat auto-adjusts to routines. For budgets, try the Honeywell Home RTH6580WF.

6. Use a Compost and Recycling Bin

Zero-waste hack: Food scraps in landfills generate methane (25x worse than CO₂). Compost enriches soil naturally.

Starter kit: Lomi composter (for kitchens) or an outdoor tumbler. Recycle right—check local guidelines for plastics #1-7.

7. Consider Planting Fresh Herbs

Double benefit: Cuts plastic packaging and grocery trips. Basil, mint, and thyme thrive indoors with 6 hours of sunlight.

Easy setup: Self-watering pots (e.g., Click & Grow) or a windowsill planter with organic soil.

8. Try Decorating Your Home With Plants

NASA-approved: Spider plants and peace lilies remove toxins like formaldehyde. Aim for 1 plant per 100 sq ft.

Low-maintenance picks: Snake plants (survive low light) or pothos (trailing vines for shelves).

9. Look at Installing Window Treatments

Data point: The DOE notes 30% heat loss/gain occurs through windows.

Top choices: Cellular shades (traps air pockets) or thermal blackout curtains. Install tension rods for renters.

10. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Must-know: ENERGY STAR fridges use 15% less energy than standard models. Look for inverter compressors.

Pod alternative: French press or pour-over coffee (bonus: no electricity). Reusable K-cup filters work in Keurigs.

11. Use a Water Filter

Stats: Americans buy 50 billion plastic bottles yearly. A NSF-certified filter removes 99% of contaminants.

Options: Under-sink systems (Aquasana) or pitcher filters (Brita). Pair with stainless steel bottles.

12. Try Using Homemade Cleaning Products

Recipe: Mix 1:1 vinegar and water + 10 drops essential oil (e.g., lemon or tea tree) for disinfecting. Baking soda scrubs sinks.

Safety note: Avoid vinegar on stone surfaces. Use castile soap for wood floors.

13. Cook Meals at Home

Impact: Meal kits generate 25% more packaging than grocery meals. Bulk-buy staples (rice, beans) in reusable containers.

Local twist: Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for seasonal produce. Preserve extras by freezing or canning.

Create a Sustainable Home Today

Every step—from line-drying clothes to composting—builds toward a healthier planet and wallet. Start with 2-3 changes this month, then add more. Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s progress.