It’s no secret that the planet is in trouble. Climate change is real, and it’s happening right now. And while some people might think that there’s not much we can do as individuals to fight back against Mother Nature, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, small changes in our everyday lives can have a big impact on the environment. Here are seven essentials for creating an environmentally-friendly home.
Table of Contents
1. Energy-efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are increasingly becoming popular in households as people become more involved in climate action. There are various ways that these appliances help reduce your carbon footprint.
One is by using less energy overall. This is because the appliance is more efficient in using energy and often comes with features that help reduce standby power consumption. For example, many refrigerators now come with a door sensor that automatically puts the appliance into an energy-saving mode when the door has been left open for too long.
Appliances with an Energy Star certification use 10-50% less energy than standard models. In addition to helping save energy and money, using less energy also helps reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition, energy-efficient appliances often come with other features that can further reduce your environmental impact. For example, many models now come with automatic shut-off timers that prevent them from wasting electricity when not in use.
Some even feature sensors that activate the appliance only when someone is present, further reducing energy consumption. By switching to energy-efficient appliances, you can help create a more sustainable and eco-friendly home.
2. Switch to Environmentally Friendly Heating Methods
Winter is the time of year when we all love to snuggle up indoors, but it’s also the time when our heating bills go through the roof. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more environmentally friendly this winter, then one of the best things you can do is switch to an environmentally-friendly heating method.
Firewood may be the traditional way to heat your home, but it’s actually one of the worst culprits when it comes to pollution. Not only does burning firewood release harmful emissions into the air, but it also significantly reduces the air quality in your home.
If you’re looking for a more environmentally-friendly option, consider switching to radiators. Radiators are much more energy-efficient than firewood, and they also don’t produce any emissions. As a bonus, they’re also much better at heating your home evenly!
Get your radiator from the Best Electric Radiators brand to ensure quality. They have a wide range of radiators to suit any home, so you’ll be sure to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle. Plus, their radiators are designed to last longer than competing models, so you won’t need to replace them as often. Other popular options include Bosch and Mika.
3. Low-flow Fixtures
One of the most important things we can do for the environment is to conserve water. Every day, we use water for drinking, cooking, showering, and doing laundry. Unfortunately, much of this water is wasted due to inefficient fixtures.
Low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets can help reduce home water waste. Low-flow toilets use less water per flush, and low-flow showerheads and faucets provide a steady stream of water while using less water overall. By installing these fixtures, we can save water and protect our environment. In addition to conserving water, you’ll also be saving money on your water bill.
4. Non-toxic Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning your home is important, but harsh chemicals aren’t good for the environment—or your health. There are plenty of eco-friendly cleaning products on the market that are just as effective as their toxic counterparts. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals, and opt for products that are safer for you and the planet.
5. Green Building Materials
When it comes time to do some remodeling or construction around your home, choose eco-friendly building materials like bamboo or recycled glass countertops instead of marble or granite. Not only are these materials better for the environment, but they also give your home a unique look that will make it stand out from your neighbors’ homes.
6. Temperature Control
During the colder months, use a programmable thermostat to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while conserving energy—and to save money on your heating bills. In the summertime, take advantage of natural airflow by opening windows and using ceiling fans instead of cranking up the air conditioning.
7. “Smart” Technology
Smart technology refers to devices that connect to the internet to provide information or perform tasks automatically—think smart thermostats, which, for instance, can adjust the temperature in your home depending on the time of day. Other examples include automated lights, security systems, and appliances that can be controlled remotely from a phone or tablet.
“Economical” mode on dishwashers and washing machines or power strips with an “on/off” switch can help save energy (and money) when devices are not in use.’
Final Thought
Making your home eco-friendly doesn’t have to be difficult—or expensive. By making a few simple changes around your home, you can do your part to help save the planet—and maybe even lower your utility bills in the process.
