As we know, climate change is radically producing a host of problems that will soon change our reality. There’s no better time than now for individuals to begin taking conscious steps inside to become more sustainable and protect the environment.
You’re action’s matter, and by creating an eco-friendly home, you’ll be doing your part and influencing others to do the same. If you want to reduce your personal carbon footprint, check out these ten easy ways to get started.
Insulate Your Home
One of the smartest ways to reduce your energy consumption is to invest in insulation. A well-insulated house will hold in the heat in the winter, and keep it fresh in the summer. This means you won’t have to burn too much energy to stay warm.
If your house regularly feels drafty, it means that it’s probably not well insulated, talk to a professional and consider the walls and roofing where you can add some more. Another good idea is to double glaze windows, to prevent air from slipping through.
Install Solar Panels
Solar Panels are a significant element of any eco home, and they provide you with electricity that’s completely clean and off the grid. In some cases, your panels may even generate enough energy that you can sell some back to the grid.
Keep in mind that installing solar panels is a substantial investment, and depending on where you live, you might not break even for about 20 years. It’s not about the money, though, it’s about taking the right steps to protect the environment.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
A much smaller and manageable way to make your home more eco-friendly is to invest in energy-efficient light bulbs. This is a critical and budget-friendly way to use less energy. CFLs are more valuable than older incandescent bulbs.
These light bulbs have been around for a long time, but there’s no better moment to switch than right now. They use less electricity and last longer. You’ll be saving your money and the environment at the same time.
Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle
We’ve arrived at a point in history where people prefer to throw away things that are broken, rather than mend them. Instead of throwing away all of your jelly and sauce jars, and then going out to buy plastic tupperware, just use the glass containers that you already have.
You’ll be surprised how many things in your home can be reused, repurposed, and recycled. Have fun with it, and be creative!
Water Is Life
Saving water and optimizing your consumption is central to embracing a holistic and eco-friendly lifestyle. First, fix up any leaks. Second, start changing habits and embracing small lifestyle changes that will help you conserve water. Turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth or shaving and install a low-flow shower-head.
Compost
Instead of throwing away your kitchen scraps and leftover food, turn them into compost. There are many food items that you probably toss in the trash that could be great for your garden. Place a compost bin outside and fill it with food waste. Just make sure there’s a lid on it.
Get a Smart Meter
Heating your home is one of the ways that you use the most energy. It can be effortless, especially during the winter months, to lose sight and waste energy and money.
Smart meters are programmed so that they’re only turned on for part of the day. Having one in your home will reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills.
Natural Cleaning Products
While you might not know it, the harmful chemicals that you use to clean your home flow into the water supply, and they’re awful for the environment. The good news is, you don’t really need to use them.
For most of your day-to-day cleaning, natural products will do the job. Vinegar, citric acid, and baking soda can replace the caustic chemicals, and they do a great job.
Be a Conscious Cook
Start being more eco-friendly in the kitchen. There are many habits that we don’t even think of that are terrible for the environment. Examples of these bad practices include over using paper towels, using coffee pods, opening the oven frequently, and consuming too much meat.
Break bad habits and start being smarter in the kitchen. Instead of using those plastic coffee pods, use a regular coffee maker, they’re not that difficult to figure out, trust us. Use a sponge or a rag to wipe down surfaces; you don’t have to use paper towels for everything.
Speak to a Specialist
Depending on your property, you may be able to create a very sustainable home. Talk to a sustainability consultant and see if you can incorporate more eco-friendly elements such as a green roof, a rainwater chain, or a permaculture garden.
According to Brokerlink, a Calgary home insurance Broker, adding changes to your property may even impact your coverage, and you could save on monthly bills. Check with your agent and get a custom policy that fits your eco-friendly home.
