Eco-chic architecture is all the rage in the sustainability community. These impressive dwellings, made out of anything from paper and straw to glass bottles and shipping containers, are the ultimate way to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
But what about those of us who live in the city or suburbs, not an eco-friendly home? Can we still live sustainably by working with what we already have?
The answer is a resounding yes. To find out how to make your home more eco-friendly, read on for four simple tips and tricks you can use today.
- Reuse, Recycle, and Compost
Single-use plastics and food waste are two of the biggest contributors to our overflowing landfill problem. As such, our list of eco-friendly ideas for home improvement starts with reusing “single-use” items, composting your organic waste, and recycling everything possible.
You can easily set up a worm compost bin in your yard or garage to get high-quality garden fertilizer for free. Save your leftover food containers and use them for storage instead of buying Tupperware, and recycle them when they break. You can even repurpose plastic containers into other items, like cutting a laundry detergent bottle in half to turn it into a compost scoop.
- Harness the Power of the Sun
The sun is our greatest source of renewable energy, and you don’t need any special equipment to take advantage of it. You can save on your electricity bills by hanging clean laundry on a clothesline instead of putting it in a dryer. Even using a DIY solar cooker can help you enjoy delicious meals in the summertime without heating your house and wasting energy.
If you want to take it a step further, consider installing solar panels on your roof. A quick online search for “solar providers near me” will show you that this source of renewable energy is more affordable and accessible than ever. When you combine your energy savings with local and state tax credits, going solar is well worth the investment.
- Stop Touching the Thermostat
We like to poke fun at fathers who scold their families for adjusting the thermostat by two degrees, but they have a valid point.
HVAC systems are massive energy hogs. That’s why a programmable smart thermostat is one of the best eco-friendly home products on the market. Set it to automatically turn off or down when you’re sleeping or out of the house and watch as your electric bills start to fall.
- Give Your Water Heater a Break
Aside from HVAC systems, water heaters are the other major source of energy consumption in your home. If you can afford it, an energy star rated water heater is one of the best eco-friendly home improvements you can make.
You can still make a difference if a new one isn’t in the budget, though. Turn the heater down a few degrees, wash your clothes in cold water, and try taking cooler showers in the summer.
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Creating an Eco-Friendly Home Is Easier Than You Think
When it comes to reducing waste, the most eco-friendly home is the one you’re already living in. You don’t need to build your house out of recycled tires to lower your carbon footprint, just give these tips a go instead.
Are you still looking for more interior and exterior upgrades? Take a moment to look through the other articles on our site for inspiration.
