It’s true — our efforts don’t make a HUGE splash in the bucket for climate change. Corporations need to join in; ClimateScience states that only global technological innovation and structural changes will truly have an effect.
That doesn’t mean, however, that we cannot change our habits and initiate personal goals that lower our carbon footprint. Our lifelong practices — including diet, travel, household energy use and design can all be influenced for the better. The truth is that we are still able to make an impact in our own homes. Here are 21 eco-friendly ideas for making your home more sustainable.
#1: Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs
Using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs is an easy and cost-effective way to reduce your electricity usage. Energy-saving appliances are designed to use less power than traditional models, so they will help you save money on your utility bills while also being more eco-friendly. Additionally, switch out regular lightbulbs with LED or CFL bulbs — these last much longer and use up to 80 percent less energy. Find energy-efficient appliances for your home and compare their energy-saving benefits.
#2: Insulate your home to reduce heating and cooling costs
Insulating your home is a great way to save energy and money on heating and cooling costs. This will also help reduce the amount of energy you use, which means lower greenhouse gas emissions. Make sure to seal up any air leaks in windows and doors as well, and add insulation wherever possible.
#3: Plant trees or install shading devices to block the sun’s rays and cool your home naturally
Trees and other shading devices can be used to block the sun’s rays from entering your home, which will help keep it cool naturally. Planting trees around your home can also provide additional benefits, such as improved air quality, lower energy bills, and even increased property value. Installing awnings or trellises on windows or rooflines is another great way to shade your home without sacrificing natural light.
By implementing some of these eco-friendly ideas into our homes, we can make small but meaningful strides in reducing our carbon footprints and making our lives more sustainable. We all have the power to make our own homes greener — let’s start today.
#4: Use low-flow showerheads and faucets to conserve water
Low-flow showerheads and faucets are designed to use significantly less water than traditional models. This can save you both money and resources, as every drop counts when it comes to conserving water. You can also install a rain barrel in your garden to collect rainwater for watering plants or other outside activities.
Low-flow showerheads and faucets work in two ways: reducing the amount of water used for each shower or sink use, and reducing the pressure. This in turn reduces the amount of water wasted. Additionally, you can also install a greywater system to divert rainwater runoff from your roof and gutters into your garden beds or landscape areas. Greywater systems help reduce water consumption while also providing additional nutrients to these areas on your property. Even if these eco-friendly ideas sound daunting, making small changes can have a big impact on the environment.
#5: Use windows and doors framed with thermally broken aluminum
Thermally broken aluminum frames can help limit the amount of thermal bridging in your windows and doors. By reducing thermal bridging, you can minimize heat loss from your home and lower energy costs associated with heating and cooling. Additionally, these framing materials are made from recycled content which helps reduce waste production and promote a greener home overall. Investing in thermally broken aluminum frames for your windows and doors is an easy step towards making your home more eco-friendly.
Monumental Windows and Doors only offers luxury products framed with thermally broken aluminum. These environmentally friendly options outlast wood and other choices. They also come in multiple colors and finishes to match your tastes, home design, and locale.
Our exterior modern windows come in virtually any size and customizable configuration, as do our doors. Try our high-performance windows and doors by getting in touch.
#6: Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperature settings
A programmable thermostat is a great eco-friendly idea for your home. It allows you to automatically adjust the temperature settings in your home depending on the time of day, season, and other factors. This helps reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions from heating and cooling. You can also set the thermostat to turn off when no one is home or while you’re sleeping. Installing a programmable thermostat is an easy way to start making your home more sustainable.
#7: Use natural cleaning products made from ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda
Using natural cleaning products is another great eco-friendly idea for your home. Natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda can be used to make effective and nontoxic cleaning solutions that are safe for the environment. Use these natural cleaners instead of harsh chemical substances, which can be toxic to both people and the environment.
By switching to natural cleaners, you can reduce water pollution, air pollution, and other environmental impacts caused by their production and use. So do your part in helping the planet – start using natural cleaning products.
#8: Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer to save energy
Have you ever smelled fresh laundry dried in the clean, warm air?
Using a clothesline or drying rack to dry your clothes takes up less energy than using an electric or gas dryer. Not only that, but it’s better for the environment as it uses no electricity and emits no pollutants. Plus, you get the added benefit of sunshine-scented laundry! So consider switching from an electric or gas dryer to a clothesline; it’s an easy eco-friendly idea for your home.
#9: Install a solar water heater or solar panels to generate your own electricity
Installing solar water heaters or solar panels is another great eco-friendly idea for your home. These technologies generate electricity from the sun, eliminating your need to purchase energy from an electric utility. Solar water heaters can save you as much as 50% on your hot water bills and solar panels can cut up to 90 percent off of your electric bills.
You can also get financial incentives such as tax credits and rebates when you install a solar energy system in your home. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce your environmental impact while saving money on energy costs, installing a solar energy system is definitely worth considering.
#10: Use a manual push lawn mower or an electric or battery-powered one instead of a gas-powered mower
Gas-powered lawnmowers produce emissions that can be harmful to the environment. To reduce your environmental impact, consider switching to an electric or battery-powered lawn mower instead.
Electric and battery-powered mowers save you time since they don’t require refueling, and they produce zero emissions. Plus, if you opt for a manual push mower, you’ll get plenty of exercise too! So make the switch today – use an eco-friendly lawn mower for a greener yard.
#11: Use a reusable water bottle instead of disposable plastic bottles
You can help reduce plastic waste by using reusable water bottles instead of disposable plastic ones. Not only is this eco-friendly, but it’s also more cost-effective since you don’t have to constantly buy new bottles.
There are plenty of different types of reusable water bottles on the market, from stainless steel to BPA-free plastic. Make sure to choose one that’s non-toxic and safe for everyday use; then enjoy your newfound eco-friendly habit!
Making your home more sustainable doesn’t have to be difficult – start out small with these simple eco-friendly ideas for your home and you’ll be well on your way.
#12: Use cloth napkins, towels, and rags instead of paper products
By switching to cloth napkins, towels, and rags instead of paper products you can reduce the number of trees that have to be cut down. Cloth napkins and towels are also much more durable than their paper counterparts, so they last longer too.
Plus, cloth products look nicer at the table or in the bathroom — an added bonus! So start using cloth napkins, towels, and rags instead of paper products for a more eco-friendly home.
With these twelve eco-friendly ideas for your home, you’re on your way to creating a sustainable and energy-efficient living space that’s better for you and the planet.
#13: Use a bamboo toothbrush and other bamboo products
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. It’s also naturally anti-microbial and durable, making it a great choice for eco-friendly products.
Swap out your non-biodegradable plastic toothbrush with a bamboo one; you can even find containers to store them in that are made out of bamboo too! Not only will this help reduce plastic waste but it’ll also look lovely in your bathroom.
You can also find other sustainable alternatives to traditional products, like bamboo utensils, straws, and more. So start incorporating some eco-friendly ideas with bamboo as soon as possible.
#14: Use public transportation, bike, or walk instead of drive
Get those feet in gear!
Using public transportation, biking, or walking instead of driving can reduce your carbon footprint and help make the air cleaner. Not only does this help lower emissions, but it also helps save you money on gas and parking.
Plus, biking or walking is a great way to get some exercise too! So the next time you need to run errands or go somewhere close by, consider hopping on your bike instead of getting in the car.
#15: Use reusable shopping bags, produce bags, and containers
Say goodbye to single-use plastic bags and containers for good.
Reusable shopping bags, produce bags, and containers can all help reduce waste. These eco-friendly alternatives are durable and long-lasting, so you don’t have to worry about constantly replacing them.
You can also find reusable mesh produce bags which are perfect for grocery shopping. Plus, they look great – it’s like carrying around a designer handbag! So ditch the plastic and switch to eco-friendly alternatives instead.
#16: Compost food scraps and yard waste
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and help the environment. Food scraps and yard waste can be used to create nutrient-rich compost that you can use in your garden or donate to local community gardens.
You can get started with composting by investing in a kitchen countertop compost bin or an outdoor composter. Then start collecting your food scraps, grass clippings, fallen leaves, and other organic materials so you can enjoy healthier soil year-round.
#17: Use non-toxic pest control methods
Pests can be a real nuisance, but there are eco-friendly ways to control them.
Rather than using chemical pesticides or traps, try using natural pest control methods such as planting herbs and flowers that repel insects or introducing predators like ladybugs into your garden. You can also use physical barriers like screens around windows to keep out bugs and rodents.
These non-toxic pest control methods are safe for everyday use; then enjoy your newfound eco-friendly habit.
#18: Use a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for use in your garden
Harvesting rainwater is an easy way to conserve water and reduce your reliance on the municipal water supply.
You can purchase rain barrels or even build your own. Rainwater collected in a rain barrel can be used for watering plants, washing cars, and other outdoor activities. You’ll save money on your water bill while reducing the environmental impacts associated with using treated tap water.
So, start collecting rainwater today with a simple rain barrel.
#19: Use a green roof or rooftop garden to reduce the heat island effect
A green roof or rooftop garden is a great way to reduce your building’s energy use, decrease stormwater runoff, and cool the surrounding environment.
By installing plants and other vegetation on your roof, you can reduce the heat island effect caused by traditional asphalt roofs. Plus, green roofs are also aesthetically pleasing. So, go beyond insulation and upgrade your home with an eco-friendly green roof.
#20: Use natural pest control methods such as companion planting and beneficial insects
Companion planting and beneficial insects are two effective, eco-friendly methods of pest control.
You can use companion plants such as marigolds, garlic, and chrysanthemums to deter pests from your garden. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs or praying mantes into your garden will also help keep the population of pesky bugs in check.
So opt for natural pest control over chemical treatments and enjoy a healthier, more sustainable garden.
#21: Use green cleaning services and products that are eco-friendly and non-toxic
Finally, switch to green cleaning services and products that are eco-friendly and non-toxic. Traditional household cleaners contain chemicals that can be hazardous to your health as well as the environment.
Instead, opt for natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, or use plant-based products such as Dr. Bronner’s soaps. This way, you can clean your home without harming yourself or the planet.
By following these simple eco-friendly ideas for your home, you can reduce your environmental impact while saving money in the long run. So start implementing these tips now and help make the world a better place for future generations!