Going green is a hot topic nowadays, as by doing so you not only save money in your home, but you also help preserve the environment. As lowering bad impacts on the environment is a team effort, we can all do something that will reduce our carbon footprint. For instance, you could start by getting good insulation for your home, planting your garden, and switching to energy-efficient light bulbs. Moreover, you could also consider installing solar panels and learn how to reduce water use, among other things. Even if you can’t afford some costlier eco-friendly solutions such as solar panels, there are still other small things you can do. Making your home more sustainable has long-term benefits for you, your family, and the environment as well, keep that in mind. Take a look at some simple ways to go green in your home.
1. Get good insulation for your home
Proper insulation is an essential aspect of our home as it helps keep the air inside the house. How is this a green option, you might wonder? Well, with good insulation, you can make sure that both your cooling and heating systems aren’t working more than they are supposed to, thus saving on energy bills. The insulation needs to be qualified to perform its function in the way it’s supposed to. That might sometimes mean having to remove old insulation to make room for the new one. Both attic and walls insulation can save you hundreds of dollars annually, so really consider this option.
2. Plant your garden
Making your compost out of waste is also an eco-friendly option many people go for. What they can later do with that compost is use it as a fertilizer for their garden. Some people opt for planting herbs, as they don’t take up a lot of space. People usually put them in small pots inside their home, next to a sunny window. Other people, however, take it more seriously and decide to try hydroponic farming, even if they don’t have much experience in farming and growing produce. It is an easy and sustainable way to grow fresh fruits and vegetables you and your whole family can enjoy.
3. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs
Energy-efficient LED lights have been around for some time. However, for many people, it’s somewhat difficult to get used to the light they emit, as it is slightly different from what we’ve been used to. Nevertheless, they are a plausible eco-friendly option as by switching to them, you can end up using less than 80% of electricity than you would otherwise with traditional bulbs. So, if you haven’t already switched to them, it’s high time. They do make a big difference, last longer, and save money. You can opt for different types of LED lights around your entire home.
4. Consider installing solar panels
During the recent few years, there has been a notable increase in installing solar panels. It started to gain popularity the most in China and the USA, and the trend has spread across the globe. Solar panels are by far one of the best investments you can make, as you can use the generated energy for your own needs, or you can even sell it. So, it doesn’t only help the environment, but you also can make some money. With global warming and climate change, now would be the right time to use all the extra sunshine to your advantage.
5. Reduce water use
Every household tends to use a lot of water daily – in many cases, it is unnecessary. So, what can you do to reduce water use around your home? For starters, you could install aerators on your faucets and change your showerheads to low flows. When it comes to the outside of your home, if you have a garden, choose some native plants as they generally require less water. And lastly, you can consider washing your clothes in cold water and air drying them, instead of using the electric dryer.
Our planet does need all of us to make an effort and go green by doing these small things, as they would mean a lot for the environment.
Author bio:
Alison Pearson is an interior design student. She is a writer and designer, but her ultimate passion is design and creation. She is also a bibliophile and her favorite book is “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner. Follow her on Twitter.