To install a rainwater collection system, consider hiring a professional to clip your gutters and redirect them to pour into the barrel. Living green doesn’t mean you have to settle for less, many items that you find in a used-goods store are just as good as the original. According to EPA.gov, showering accounts How to make your home more environmentally friendly for nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use for the average family. Low-flow showerheads, such as those with the WaterSense label, use less than two gallons per minute, conserving more water and cutting down your water bill. These substances keep your lawn green and pretty, but they can contaminate groundwater, alter the chemistry of the soil, and even cause cancer and other diseases. More than half of that outdoor water is used for watering lawns and gardens.
Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
- An eco-friendly home strives to reduce its impact on the environment by using renewable resources and reducing energy consumption and waste.
- Of course, there are leasing and financing options available, including a cash-out refinance or home improvement loan to help you realize your energy-efficiency goals.
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- With a smart thermostat, it’s easy to schedule your HVAC to run less while you’re out for the day, so you’ll use less energy by cooling your home only while you’re in it.
You’ll then be able to use the compost as an all-natural and chemical-free fertilizer for your growing garden. This also saves you money and is better for the surrounding ecosystem, as you aren’t introducing potentially harmful substances into the earth. A billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away in the United States annually. Made with polypropylene plastic and nylon from fossil fuels, toothbrushes end up in waterways, gravely impacting marine life. To help curb this phenomenon, go for bamboo or wooden toothbrushes, or electric ones with replaceable heads. Seriously, who doesn’t love a budget-friendly and recycled gift wrap idea?
Lifestyle
‘Insulating your home is also crucial for energy efficiency,’ says Himadri Shakya, home renovation expert at Architecture. ‘Many older homes lack proper insulation, so a renovation is the perfect Sobriety opportunity to address this issue. Consider using light-colored reflective roofing materials to reduce heat gain.
Eco-Friendly Ideas For A Sustainable Home
Using pesticides can cause toxins to leak into streams, ponds, lakes, and wells, and can contaminate groundwater. Pesticides are not only dangerous to the environment and our health, but also pets and other wild animals. Alternative ways to keep critters at bay include companion planting, crop rotation, and keeping plants as healthy as possible so that they become naturally resistant to pests. Purchasing produce that’s in season and locally sourced helps curb emissions by shortening the distance food has to travel. Choose fruits and veggies with minimal packaging, and bring your own reusable mesh bags when grocery shopping. Avoid fast fashion, which contributes huge amounts of pollution and chemicals.
Reducing meat consumption conserves large geographical areas currently occupied by livestock farming and greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. One often overlooked aspect of being more environmentally friendly at home is managing clothing waste. Use seasonal closet cleanouts to examine and remove items you no longer wear or need. Rather than throwing them away, donate them to a charity store or sell them to extend their life.
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A solar-powered attic fan costs nothing to operate, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a good investment. Find out how you can cut your water bills and live more sustainably by implementing a rainwater harvesting system. Convert food waste into nutrient-rich soil with the best electric composters. Installing pre-used or salvaged windows in your next DIY project can save you money and keep some perfectly good windows…
This is useful in reducing energy demand from fossil-fuelled power plants, which has great cost benefits for your energy bills. Data collected from customers using Google’s Nest thermostat revealed that UK homes saved on energy =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ use by 16.5% compared to homes without smart controls. Replace old, water-wasting toilets with more efficient versions to substantially reduce water consumption. Traditional toilets use much more water per flush than modern low-flow toilets.
“Poor insulation can account for 35% to 40% of a home’s heat loss,” Fasullo says. Look for Energy Star ratings when purchasing any major appliance, and check utility company and manufacturer websites for additional promotions. The Energy Star website can also hook you up with qualified contractors.
Drive less, drive green.
By implementing a few easy changes in your home, you can create a positive impact on the environment. In this post, we discuss some of the best ways to create an eco-friendly home. Consider the realistic progress you can make today, what you can add tomorrow, and what to aim for in the future.
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor.
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