The path to sustainable living is gradual and not an instant process. Considering the current climate crisis, it’s important for each one of us to do our part in preserving our environment. Green changes are not only better for the planet, but can even help you save money.
It’s possible that certain green changes can be time-consuming and expensive. However, there are plenty of eco-friendly solutions that won’t cost you a thing or just a nominal amount. Take a look.
1. Use Water Consciously
With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare professionals have advised everyone to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. But this shouldn’t mean that you leave the tap running for the duration. The same applies when you’re brushing your teeth.
Get a plumber to fix leaking pipes and any dripping taps. Installing a low-flow showerhead is another smart way to conserve water.
2. Swap Inefficient Lights
Do you have fluorescent lights? These lights might give your home a vintage appeal, but they aren’t making your home energy efficient. Replace inefficient lights with LEDs. Not only do LED lights use energy efficiently, but they are also long-lasting. The higher cost of these light bulbs is justified by their durability.
3. Replace Outdated Appliances
Outdated appliances not only take longer to complete their job but also waste energy. From the refrigerator to the washing machine, replace obsolete appliances with newer versions. Also, look for the ENERGY STAR rating when shopping for new appliances. ENERGY STAR rating is a reliable way to identify an energy-efficient appliance.
4. Consider Renewable Energy
Non-renewable energy is generated by burning fossil fuels, which increase the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Moreover, the ever-growing demand for energy is depleting our fossil fuel reserves.
It would be best to partially or completely power your house with renewable energy. Compare electricity prices from retailers in your area and switch to a renewable energy plan.
5. Improve Insulation
Just minimizing energy consumption is not enough. You also need to prevent energy loss. Make sure your house is properly insulated, especially areas such as the attic, crawlspaces, garages and basements. Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature all year round and regulates your energy consumption.
6. Repair, Reuse & Recycle
What’s your first instinct if something in your house breaks? It’s significantly easier to buy a new one and be done with it. But this would imply creating production and manufacturing demand, which would require resources. You can save money and help lower the demand by repairing,
If it’s beyond repair, then try to find another use for it. For example, a cracked teapot would make a lovely planter. Use your imagination!
Be on top of your recycling. If you don’t have the time to take it to a recycling unit, hire a waste management service to do it for you.
7. Stop Using Paper Towels
Single-use paper towels are wasteful, considering how many trees are being hacked to produce them. You should switch to recycling paper towels or even better use cloth towels.
8. Invest in Smart Thermostat
You should be meticulous about lowering your thermostat when you’re not home and during the night. If that seems like too much, install a smart thermostat that will automatically do the job for you.
9. Start Composting
Instead of throwing food waste in the rubbish, start composting. Composting is a way to generate natural fertilizers and minimize the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizers and so on.
The Bottom Line
Living sustainably has transpired from being a voluntary lifestyle to an essential one. Making green changes to your home is crucial for restoring the health of our planet. We hope these tips help you realize that you don’t have to go above and beyond to live sustainably.
Article Submitted By Community Writer