Maybe you’re concerned about how you can reduce your carbon footprint, conserve energy, reduce waste, keep junk out of landfills, and otherwise do your part to “save the planet.” But unless you couple that concern with a realistic plan of action, it will forever remain in the idea stage and never become a reality.
And don’t think that it’s going to be all sacrifice, because it isn’t. You can actually save money, improve your lifestyle, and reduce negative impacts on the environment all at the same time.
Here are 8 ideas on how you can “green up” your home and your everyday lifestyle:
1. Use a firelog, not wood.
Using an artificial “fire log” and propane or natural gas for fuel automatically means you are saving trees. And you are reducing the carbon emissions of forestry equipment by reducing the demand for forestry products.
But better still if you opt for a firelog run on bioethanol fuel! This will make your cozy evenings by the fireplace a true eco-friendly achievement.
2. Install a solar street light.
Instead of leaving the light on for hours when you know you’ll be getting back late, and wasting electricity, why not install an all in one solar street light that self-charges and automatically turns itself on when it gets dark?
This same concept and company also offers garden lights, so if you like to garden at night, consider a solar garden light too!
3. Install solar panels.
Solar panels are becoming almost standard. They are more energy efficient than ever before and will save you thousands of dollars over the long run. You can even set up a net metering agreements with the power company and make a profit selling solar electric back into the grid!
4. Use energy efficient bulbs.
LED light bulbs will cost you more upfront, but they pay off in the long term. They are often two or three times more efficient, depending on the exact light bulb we’re talking about. Plus, LED bulbs give you far greater brightness for the same number of Watts and have a much longer life
5. Get a “smart” meter.
Modern day smart meters allow you to program your heating so you never waste money heating your home for longer or at higher temperatures than necessary. You can have the heat automatically turn on/off on certain days or at certain hours of the day. That’s going to save you a lot of money over the course of a cold winter!
6. Conserve water.
Not only power, but also water needs to be used wisely if your home is going to be truly “green.” Aside from ensuring there are no leaks and you avoid wasting water, also consider installing low flow shower heads and faucets, a tankless water heater, and “instant” hot water, so you aren’t wasting water while waiting for the hot water to finally come through.
7. Use natural cleaning products.
Many of today’s household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to aquatic life or cause excessive algae growth if they make it into local bodies of water.
But by using natural alternative cleaning products like vinegar, citric acid (from citrus fruits), and bicarbonate soda, you can avoid that risk, while still getting your house spic and span!
8. Buy recycled products.
Today, you can find recycled products of almost every description, not just paper and soda pop cans. Buying recycled TP, paper towels, furniture, cell phone accessories, electronic parts, and more will keep that much garbage out of the land fill and avoid the need to emit extra carbon manufacturing those products from scratch.
These 8 practical ways you can turn your home into an eco-friendly one are just the beginning. Keep exploring and investigating, and you’ll find dozens more effective ways to make your home and lifestyle “Earth friendly.”
Article Submitted By Community Writer