Did you know most Americans want to live more sustainably? You can improve energy efficiency in your home and choosing eco-friendly alternatives. If you want a sustainable home, keep reading.
In this guide, you’ll learn about how you can play a part in climate change. Look at choosing energy-efficient appliances, and make small changes in your home.
Check out the tips below.
1. Try Washing Your Clothing in Cold Water
Use your washing machine in the cold water setting.
A large part of the energy used by your washing machine actually goes toward warming up the water. You could save on energy usage and costs by switching to cold water.
You will lower carbon dioxide emissions and keep your clothes in excellent condition. Hot water can actually break down the fabric and wash out bright colors.
You might want to use hot water if you need to remove stains like oil or paint. You could also try using the warm water setting if you don’t find the cold water is doing the job.
Energy-wise, you will save using the warm option over the hot option.
2. Pick up a Drying Rack
Another way to save energy costs is using a drying rack instead of a drier.
Your bedding and clothing will benefit from rack drying compared to a dryer. Put your clothes on the clothesline in the summer, and enjoy fresh-air clothes.
If you don’t have a backyard or garden to set up a clothesline, you could pick up a drying rack instead.
3. Buy Gently Used Items
You could look into buying gently used items instead of new ones all the time.
Try going to the local thrift store and see if you can find something you can restore. There are many DIY guides online where you can learn how to transform an old object into something new.
4. Get Energy-Efficient Home Materials
Do you need to repair the siding on your home? Consider looking into energy efficient vinyl siding.
You should look into investing in energy-efficient light bulbs. These light bulbs will make a significant difference.
You will improve your energy usage and make an excellent eco-conscious choice. LED bulbs are an excellent alternative.
5. Order a Programmable Thermostat
Have you ever considered installing a programmable thermostat? Thermostats are popular among homeowners because they cut your utility bill costs.
Your programmable thermostat will monitor your heating and cooling systems.
6. Use a Compost and Recycling Bin
Another step toward impacting climate change is starting a compost pile.
Add all your scraps and leftovers from the kitchen and start creating fertilizer. Use this fertilizer in your garden, or sprinkle some into your indoor plant pots.
You should also aim to teach your family about recycling bottles, jars, and paper.
7. Consider Planting Fresh Herbs
Once you have broken down compost, you could look at setting up a little kitchen herb garden. You can add fresh basil or rosemary to your next favorite meal.
Herbs don’t need tons of space. Plant them in little pots and prop them below a bright window.
8. Try Decorating Your Home With Plants
Potted plants and greenery improve indoor air quality and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Plants are often a cheerful sight, as well. You will need to habit watering and pruning your plants, but they are well worth the effort.
9. Look at Installing Window Treatments
Blinds and curtains won’t only keep your home from prying eyes. Window treatments maintain the home’s temperature. Heat and cold air can slip into the house even when the windows and doors are closed.
Curtains and blinds will help maintain your home’s temperature.
10. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
How old are your kitchen appliances? It might be worthwhile to look into energy-efficient appliances.
Your kitchen oven will use a ton of energy to heat up and use. Also, opening and closing the oven door will cause significant heat loss. Look at utilizing an ENERGY star appliance.
Do you love to make coffee? Try to swap your pod coffee maker for a drip coffee maker. The pod coffee makers aren’t eco-conscious because you have to use pods. These plastic pods end up in landfill each year.
11. Use a Water Filter
Consider getting a water filter for your kitchen sink. You will stop buying plastic water bottles and save on bottled water. A water filter will provide your family with safe drinking water.
Pick up a few water bottles for everyone.
12. Try Using Homemade Cleaning Products
Natural cleaning products are a great way to use cleaner and green products in your home. Don’t worry about exposure to harmful chemicals or preservatives when cleaning your home.
Natural cleaning products aren’t super cheap. But you could always make your own cleaning products with vinegar and lemon juice.
13. Cook Meals at Home
Try to get into the habit of cooking more meals at home.
Start checking out local produce options. Are there farmers nearby? Try to order your fruits and vegetables from them. You could also order a large order of protein and store it in a freezer.
Cooking food at home will save on costs, and you’ll eat more nutritious meals. You’ll also help support local businesses.
Create a Sustainable Home Today
You can create a sustainable home today by making a few changes. Dry your clothes on a drying rack and a clothesline in the summer. Look at switching your washing machine to the cold water setting.
Stop buying plastic water bottles, coffee pods, and other items that end up in a landfill.
Need more eco-friendly tips? Check the blog for more information today.
