Your daily environment can be refreshed in unexpected ways by transforming your home into an eco-friendly home. If you are looking to reduce the carbon footprint of your home, there are several ideas that may tickle your interest and not break your bank.
Let’s first talk about insulation. It’s not glamorous, but adding insulation to your home is like wearing a cozy jacket. This reduces energy use by allowing heat to be kept in during winter months and let out during summer. Other options, like recycled denim batts or sheep’s hair, are more sustainable and efficient than fiberglass.
Switching to lowflow fixtures will have a big impact on the conservation of water. By switching to low-flow fixtures and showerheads, you can save thousands upon thousands of gallons every year. You may think this is a wimpy, weak shower. But you’re wrong! Modern low flow fixtures are designed for satisfying pressure without using as much water. This means you can still enjoy a powerful shower and save the planet.
Solar panels are gaining popularity, and rightfully so. Solar panels can generate electricity using the power from the sun, which could result in a significant reduction of your utility bill. Solar energy is not cheap to install, but thanks to tax incentives and a decrease in costs, it’s now more accessible. Plus, solar panels give your home an ultra-modern look.
Consider using a palette that is more environmentally friendly. Traditional paints contain volatile organic substances (VOCs), that can be harmful to the lungs and Mother Earth. Low-VOC/no-VOC paints have the same number of colors as traditional ones and keep indoor air fresher.
Let there (energy-efficient lighting) be! The simplest and most effective change you can make is to replace incandescent lights with LED alternatives. LEDs have a longer lifespan and use a fraction of energy as compared to the old-fashioned bulbs. Imagine that every lightbulb in your home is consuming electricity at a rate of fine wine. That’s the refined efficiency LEDs deliver.
Don’t neglect landscaping. A well designed garden can help to reduce energy costs by providing natural cooling or wind protection. Plant deciduous shrubs on the southern side of your property. They’ll protect your home from summer heat and let winter sun warm your space after they shed their leaves.
Smart thermostats appeal to tech enthusiasts. These clever devices are able to learn your schedules and preferences for temperature, allowing them to optimize heating/cooling cycles. It’s also cool to be able to control them using your smartphone.
Recycling rainwater sounds old-fashioned, but the eco-classic method is still very effective. Install rain barrels underneath downspouts so that water runoff can be collected. You can then use this to water your gardens rather than using only tap water.
Last but not least, when selecting materials or furniture for your home renovations and new furnishings, look into reclaimed materials or recycled wood. Both have a rich history to them as well as being eco-friendly choices that will enhance the character of any room.
The small actions we take to live an eco-friendly life will eventually have a huge impact on the planet.