20 Eco-Friendly Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

Keeping the environment in mind is a top priority for many people today, and there are many ways to go green in your own home. Whether you’re looking for a low-cost way to reduce your household’s carbon footprint or you’re interested in greener cleaning products, there are many simple and inexpensive ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Old t-shirts can be used as dust rags or egg cartons can be turned into seed starters for your garden. Recycling can be as easy as sorting your trash into separate bins or taking it a step further by composting organic materials.

Install low-flow showerheads

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, about 1.2 trillion gallons of water are used per year for showering in the United States. The average family uses around 40 gallons of water per day. By using a low-flow showerhead, you can save over 2,700 gallons of water every year compared to conventional showerheads. Additionally, you’ll save a lot of money, too.

To measure how much water your shower uses, simply fill up a bucket and multiply the amount by six. That number should be within 3.8 gallons per minute. If the water in your bucket fills up within 20 seconds, then you should consider installing a low-flow showerhead. Depending on the quality, low-flow showerheads can save you more than $100 a year.

Use natural cleaning products

You may be wondering what cleaning ingredients can help make your home more environmentally friendly, but you probably haven’t thought about using natural products. White vinegar, for instance, is a great all-purpose cleaner that is safe for use on countertops, floors, and windows. Borax and baking soda are also excellent options for more difficult cleaning jobs. These natural cleaners are just as effective as commercial products and are a much better choice for the environment.

Some cleaning products can be purchased in tablet form, such as hand washing soap or surface cleaners. You can also buy refill bottles of traditional cleaning products if you already have big bottles. Be careful, however: companies that claim to be green will often replace advertised ingredients with equally bad ones. Be sure to research ingredients before purchasing any product. Make sure that you choose the safest and healthiest option for your needs and store it in a secure location to ensure it does not damage your home.

Switch to paying your bills online

Despite the fact that electronic billing may seem like a no-brainer, you’d be surprised to learn how many trees and resources are consumed in paper-based bill-paying processes. Envelopes and paper waste not only eat up valuable resources, but they also burn fuel. With a simple online process, you can cut your household’s ecological footprint while reducing your household’s energy use.

Many utilities now offer online bill-paying options for their customers, making it quick and easy to make your payments online. You can also set up automatic payments, which will save you both time and money. Some cable companies even let you set up an account to pay your cable bill on its due date. You can even opt to receive electronic bills from them to save yourself the hassle of mailing your bills.

Use a smart thermostat

If you’re looking for a simple way to save energy and keep your home comfortable all year long, consider installing a smart thermostat in your home. These sophisticated devices can help you keep the temperature at the ideal level throughout the day, and can even save you money by automatically adjusting it according to the weather. These thermostats are generally easy to install, but you should be sure to check that the model you choose is compatible with your existing wiring. Moreover, you’ll want to avoid installing the new thermostat during extreme weather events. Whether you’re selling your home or keeping it at the desired temperature, smart thermostats are great selling points and can contribute to the value of your property.

Most smart thermostats incorporate occupancy sensors in different rooms of the home. They can detect whether the home is occupied or not, and suspend heating and cooling until occupants return. They use Wi-Fi connectivity to allow you to control the system remotely. Another benefit of these thermostats is their eco-friendliness. These devices can even be used to automate the HVAC system if you’re out of town.

Buy pre-loved furniture

Buying pre-loved furniture is an eco-friendly way to decorate your home without breaking the bank. Instead of buying brand new furniture, consider purchasing furniture made from recycled and pre-loved materials. Many pre-loved brands are eco-friendly, and some even have lifetime warranties. If you want to buy used furniture, try EBTH.com, an online marketplace for used items that has been checked by experts to ensure that it meets standards of quality.

The best materials for eco-friendly furniture are those made from natural materials that have not been heavily processed. This means they decompose naturally, which is better for the environment. Look for furniture made from wood, organic fabrics, and regenerative wood items such as bamboo. If you can afford it, go for a wooden chair made from a sustainable source. And be sure to look for eco-certified wood.

Add solar panels

There are many benefits of adding solar panels to your home. Not only will they save you money on energy bills, they will increase the value of your home and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases you emit. Not to mention, you can also add solar thermal panels to your home for free hot water. The process is simple and requires little maintenance. Read on to learn about all the advantages of solar power for your home.

If you’re considering solar panels for your home, you may want to check with your local government to see if you can receive incentives for installing them. Some municipalities offer cash deposits to homeowners when their solar panels are operational. Other cities have partnered with solar panel providers to lower installation costs. Some of these incentives are limited to a certain period of time and are intended to encourage the growth of the city’s population.

Create a recycling center

The first step in creating a recycling center in your home is to make a list of all the materials you currently recycle. This will help you determine the size of your at-home recycling system. For example, if your family drinks two gallons of milk a week, you will want a large bin for all the plastic you produce. The list of accepted materials may change from time to time, so you should check with your local recycling center to be sure.

Consider installing a recycling center in a convenient location in your home. A room that is frequently used will be the main area for recycling, so it should be located nearby the kitchen. If space is an issue, you can use a pegboard to hang your recyclable bags. Another idea is to install wall-mounted recycling collectors. If you have a long driveway, you may need a separate location for longer bins.

Switch to LED lightbulbs

You may be wondering whether it is worth switching to energy-efficient LED lightbulbs, and if so, you’re not alone. Energy-efficient light bulbs are a great way to reduce your power consumption and be environmentally friendly. Not only do LEDs save you money on electricity, but they also last longer, saving you money over time. These energy-efficient light bulbs can also reduce your carbon footprint, so you can even save money by switching to LED lightbulbs.

The main advantage of LED lightbulbs is their energy efficiency. LEDs can save as much as 75% of electricity as standard incandescent bulbs, and they last 25 times longer. Additionally, LEDs are much cheaper than incandescent bulbs, which means you’ll save money while at the same time making your home more eco-friendly. Additionally, LEDs are more durable than traditional light bulbs, lasting more than 11 years before burning out.

Create a compost station

To create a compost station, you can use heavy-duty garbage cans. You can drill aeration holes at 15-cm intervals around the can. Fill the can with high-carbon and high-nitrogen materials, such as coffee grounds, shredded paper, or vegetables. Make sure to cover the holes with dirt to prevent over-aeration. In addition, worms are a great addition to compost stations.

Food scraps, coffee grounds, and tea bags can be used to start the compost pile. Grass clippings and leaves from landscaping services can also be used. Then, you can rotate the compost materials to avoid odors and keep the soil moist. Make sure to choose a convenient location to keep the compost bin and the pile accessible when you’re on shift. Compost can produce odors if it is not turned regularly and doesn’t receive enough oxygen.

Purchase energy-efficient appliances

When making a large-scale purchase, you’ll want to consider energy-efficient appliances that use less energy. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to be less energy-intensive, which allows you to use this conserved energy for other household tasks. Look for an energy-star rating on appliances, as this will give you an idea of how efficient the item is. A higher-energy-star rating means that it uses less water and energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb. Even if you don’t want to make this purchase, you should still try to purchase a washer with an energy-star rating, as it saves approximately 40% of water and 20% of energy. In addition, practice daily energy-conserving habits, such as turning off lights when not in use, hanging clothes to dry, and hand-washing dishes.

Purchasing energy-efficient appliances is one of the best ways to save on energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. Although energy-efficient appliances might cost a bit more upfront, they will pay for themselves in no time. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, most efficient appliances use ten to fifty percent less energy than their non-efficient counterparts. Moreover, you can even replace your old appliances with new ones that use less energy.

Reusable bags

Reusable bags are a great way to reduce your plastic waste. It is estimated that about 18 billion pounds of plastic waste end up in the ocean every year. Instead of wasting money and resources on single-use bags, switch to reusable ones and reduce your plastic consumption. Not only will you use fewer plastics over time, but you’ll also contribute to a cleaner, less littered environment.

Paper bags, on the other hand, have a bigger environmental impact than plastic ones. They actually use four times as much water to grow them compared to plastic. Moreover, they use chemicals in the process of tree farming, which contribute to acid rain and eutrophication of waterways. Additionally, reusable paper bags can be used for many different purposes, such as bagging lunches, arts and crafts, and trash collection.

Seal air leaks

Uncontrolled air leakage can result in an uncomfortable indoor climate and wasted energy. Additionally, poorly sealed homes will also keep polluted air inside, causing your heating and cooling systems to work harder. A simple test to find air leaks is to hold a lit candle near the edges of windows and doors. If the flame flickers, the area is likely leaking air. Here are some simple steps to help you seal your home to keep it energy efficient and more environmentally friendly.

The first step in sealing your home is identifying and repairing air leaks. This can help you save on your energy bills by about five to ten percent. You can also get similar gaskets to seal your waste plumbing and dryer vents. Before you begin sealing your home, you’ll need a screwdriver and a clear silicone caulk. You can find duct tape at your local hardware store, but make sure to measure your gaps carefully to ensure proper fit.

Be more water aware

One of the first steps toward creating a more water-conscious home is to be more aware of how much water you use. This means watching for leaks and using only the amount of water you need. One way to conserve water is by installing electronic faucets that only run when you need it. Showers can also save large amounts of water. By following these tips, you can make your home more water-conscious and save money at the same time.

Another way to be more water-conscious is to replace your non-stick ware and plastic containers with traditional ones. Instead of using plastic or non-stick ware, switch back to cast iron, steel, or aluminum utensils. Not only will this save you money on water, but will also save you from wasting water. You will also be more comfortable knowing that you are doing your part to protect the environment and the planet.

Fill your home with plants

One of the simplest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to add plants to it. Plants add a natural air filter to your home, absorbing pollutants that are usually absorbed by rugs, furniture, and equipment. They also help to purify indoor air. Instead of using expensive air purifiers, you can just purchase a few houseplants and let them do the work naturally.

Adding plants to your home can help to jazz up dull rooms. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, they can also improve your physical and emotional health. You can choose to display your plants in beautiful pots or grow your own by taking cuttings from plants that are native to your area. Some plants are more eco-friendly than others. They can even trap air, making them useful in colder climates.

Climate-appropriate landscaping

There are many benefits to creating a climate-appropriate landscape for your home. Using plants and other vegetation that adapt to your climate will not only make your yard look beautiful year-round, but will also last longer. Planting climate-friendly vegetation can also benefit the structure of your home, which can help to reduce water use. By choosing climate-appropriate plants for your landscaping, you will also benefit from increased curb appeal.

When choosing plants for your landscape, consider what climate you live in. Some regions are cooler than others, so you may not need to plant a tree near your house. If your climate is hot, however, you should plant trees in such areas to block solar heat in the summer. Make sure you leave at least 3 feet of space between the shade and the air conditioning unit to ensure proper air circulation. You can find many tips on energy-efficient landscaping by visiting the Maryland Energy Extension.

Eat environmentally

Eating more sustainably means reducing the amount of food you waste, and this can save you money. Sustainable choices are often more affordable than conventional ones, which makes them an ideal choice for those on a budget. Switching to a plant-based diet is a simple way to make your home more eco-friendly while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gases, and less livestock means less grain for the hungry.

Another way to make your home more environmentally-friendly is to buy more natural products and use them whenever possible. By eating locally grown and shade-grown foods, you can reduce your dependence on petroleum-based products and a large portion of food waste. Additionally, when purchasing food, try to buy it locally, since this will reduce transportation energy and reduce gas consumption. Furthermore, you can also use more natural cleaning products that do not contain chemicals.

Fix kitchen or bathroom faucets leaks

Leaking kitchen and bathroom faucets waste hundreds of gallons of water each day, but it’s easy to fix them. Even a single drip can waste nearly five gallons of water per minute. Even if the leak is not large, it can mean a bigger problem – in this case, a broken pipe. If you have a water leak, you should repair it immediately.

One common cause of leaks is a worn washer. These parts rest against the valve seat, and friction can wear them out. You can also check the valve seat to see if it is loose. You can also replace any worn-out seals or O-rings. Most faucet repair kits cover the common causes of leaks. If a leak is too hard to spot, you can take it to a professional plumber.

Line dry your clothing

There are many benefits of line drying your clothing, and you can save a lot of water as well. Line drying can also give your clothes a nice, natural smell. Another advantage of line drying your clothing is that it’s safer than hanging it in a dryer. And because it uses less energy, you can even use reusable dryer balls. Add essential oils for a fresher scent. You can also line dry your clothes outside on a cool day. Be sure to wear gloves!

Another advantage of line drying your clothes is that you can save money on electricity. You can buy clothes racks that are made specifically for this purpose. Most clothes racks are small enough to fit under your bed and are convenient to use. You can also hang your clothes to dry on sunny days during winter. The cost of these racks varies according to the type of clothes you have. Most models can be stored under your bed.

Pass on paper towels

Despite its ubiquitous use in homes, paper towels are not completely biodegradable. They degrade faster when wet, when bacteria and worms are more active on them. Plus, they are not recyclable, which makes them an especially bad choice. And while they are highly absorbent, their overall function is not great. Thankfully, there are ways to make your household more eco-friendly without skipping your favorite paper towels.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly paper towels, look no further than Seventh Generation. These towels are carbon neutral and contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled fiber. Additionally, they’re chlorine-free and contain no dyes or inks. Plus, they absorb liquid fast, making them great for wet conditions. And, if you’re looking to make your household more eco-friendly, you can even try one of their bamboo or recycled-paper towels.

Embrace cold water

Embracing cold water for washing your clothes will help you save money while doing laundry. The energy used by washing machines is largely in the heating of hot water. By turning down the water temperature by just 10 degrees, you can save three to five percent on your energy costs. This small adjustment can save you $40 to $60 per year. And you won’t even have to change the water temperature in your dishwasher!

Another simple way to save water is to cut down on how much you use. This can be done by turning off the water when you brush your teeth, taking shorter showers, and checking for leaks in your pipes. The more you save, the less money you’ll have to spend on your water bill. A few other easy ways to save water are to use a water filter and to purchase a reusable water bottle.