Residential energy use accounts for around one-fifth of American greenhouse gas emissions. While it is by no means the biggest culprit for climate change, there is a lot of room for improvement.
It often feels like creating a sustainable home is a lost cause and that individual action is pointless. But creating an eco-friendly environment at home is never pointless. Many of the practices make good sense and you are teaching your children how to be caring people, too.
But there are so many ways to create an eco-friendly home, where do you start? Don’t worry, this simple-to-follow guide will help you on your path to an eco-friendly lifestyle!
Insulate Your Home
Homes that don’t have proper insulation need much more energy to heat or cool. Not only do you have to pay higher energy bills with homes like these, but you’re wasting a lot of energy too.
If you have single-pane windows, you need to invest in double-pane windows for your entire home. They aren’t cheap but they will help trap heat or cold air and will block out noise pollution. Most attics have poor insulation at best so fixing that will help and you can click here to learn more.
Switch Your Energy Suppliers
To create a sustainable home, you not only need to use less energy but energy from better sources. Consider switching your gas and electricity supplier to a company that only uses renewable energy sources. You could also install solar panels and make your own!
Use LED, energy-saving light bulbs. And modern, energy-efficient appliances will also help you decrease your energy usage.
Watch Your Water Wastage
If you want to be an environment-loving family, you need to stop wasting resources. Not only energy but water too. Fix any leaking taps and turn off your water when you aren’t using it e.g. when you are brushing your teeth.
Not doing laundry every day, taking long showers, and running lots of baths will also help cut down your water use.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
People who run an eco-friendly home live by the motto, “reduce, reuse, recycle.” And recycle should be at the end because your mindset should be to recycle as a last resort.
Reduce waste by buying food that is not wrapped in single-use plastic. Compost food that you don’t use and buy clothing and furniture second-hand.
Reuse Tupperware and beeswax wraps to store food, opt for reusable bamboo dinnerware instead of plastic, and buy a reusable cup for drinks. Recycle cans, food tins, glass bottles, and everything else that you can.
Once you’ve updated your sustainable home, take responsibility for everything else you bring into it.
That’s How To Create a Sustainable Home
Creating a sustainable home isn’t a one-and-done deal. It takes constant effort to reduce your waste but once you’ve got the hang of being eco-friendly, it will become second nature. And Mother Nature will thank you for your efforts, too.
If you’re a smart homeowner, you’ll make many of these sustainable changes to your home while redecorating so you don’t double up your to-do list. If you need DIY and decor tips, our website has tons of expert advice!
