You may have heard the term ‘going green’ before. Now, more than ever, the first step to cleaning up our planet, state, and county is learning to clean up our lives.
The answer isn’t to leave civilization and start from scratch; it is to re-evaluate the habits we have ingrained in our daily lives.
There is no more energy wasted or air pollution than within the four walls of your home.
Here are our top tips for simple, easy ways to go green at home. Read on to learn more!
1. Use Solar Energy
Solar energy is one of the simplest ways to go green at home. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that will never run out. Using it in your home can reduce the energy you draw from the electrical grid.
Solar panels are easy to install and can power lights, appliances, and electronics. You can also use them in conjunction with a battery, which you can use to store energy and keep energy available during periods without sunlight. With solar energy, you can also install a grid-connected solar panel system. If you’re in Texas and would want to do this, you can compare energy providers in your area to look for a cheap light company in texas.
Solar energy also doesn’t pollute, which makes it an ideal choice for households. Solar energy is a great way to go green and reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
For more information about solar energy, Blue Raven Solar can further help you.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Using energy-efficient light bulbs is a straightforward way to go green at home. LED bulbs or “light-emitting diode” bulbs are a great choice. They are energy efficient and have a lifespan of several years longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
They will save you money on lighting costs due to their lower energy consumption. Additionally, LED bulbs produce no mercury and are a safe option. To ensure you buy a quality product, look for Energy Star-certified bulbs.
Installing motion-activated sensors to control lighting is another excellent way to reduce energy consumption in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms. Taking even these small steps can help you to make a big difference.
3. Unplug Appliances
Unplugging appliances is an easy way to go green at home. Unplugging appliances like the coffee pot, toaster, blender, and other standby or idle appliances reduce phantom energy expenses incurred when you leave these appliances plugged in and consume energy.
Unplugging also prevents the electronics from overcharging, which can reduce the appliance’s lifespan. Also, unplugging items like computers and televisions prevents malicious viruses from entering systems and potential surges from interrupting data.
Unplugging them ensures you are not paying for energy to power something you are not using. Suppose you want to avoid attempting to remember to open the appliances. In that case, you can use an individual power strip to make it easier.
Investing in a power strip and plugging all appliances into it is an effective way to be sure everything is off and unplugged. Unplugging household appliances is a simple way to help save energy and money while protecting the environment.
4. Reduce Water Usage
Another straightforward way to go green at home is to reduce water usage. Taking shorter showers, turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth and washing dishes, and scheduling an appointment to fix leaky pipes are all excellent ways to conserve water.
If you have a lawn, water it sparingly and strategically, and use native plants to reduce water usage. Remix your water heater to a lower temperature and wash your clothes with cold water. Installing rain barrels and low-flow toilets are also excellent ways to reduce water usage and be mindful of the environment.
Additionally, look for homes with newer piping, as that can help reduce water usage for your home. Together, these small changes can make a big difference.
5. Use Reusable Bags
Single-use plastic bags are tough to recycle and often end up in landfills or oceans. Reusable bags are usually durable, lightweight, and inexpensive and come in various sizes and colors.
Stashing a few of them in a car or house at all times ensures that they are always available when needed. It takes three minutes to unload an entire cart of groceries into reusable bags, and the effort pays off in having less of an environmental footprint.
They made reusable bags from more environmentally friendly materials like natural fibers. Although they cost a bit more, they designed this to be durable and last years. Not only will you be reducing the amount of plastic you send to landfills, but you’ll also be limiting your use of energy resources required to create plastic bags.
Another benefit of reusable bags is that they are great for more than grocery shopping; you can also use them for a weekend beach excursion or a day of shopping at the mall. The more people commit to reusable bags, the more significant the positive impact on the environment.
You may even get rewarded with a few cents or points from certain stores, a nice bonus for going green!
6. Use Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are a simple yet effective way to be green around the home. Instead of buying disposable plastic water bottles with a much environmental footprint, purchasing a reusable bottle and refilling it with tap water will reduce plastic waste.
They also consume fewer packaging materials since they are refillable and are usually made of high-quality materials like stainless steel. Furthermore, some reusable water bottles are also made of materials that allow you to wash and sterilize them in the dishwasher.
It is important to remember to empty and clean the bottle to avoid bacterial build-up. You can opt for a glass bottle for an even more eco-friendly option.
Reusable bottles also come in many shapes, sizes, and colors so that you can be stylish and sustainable. You can also shop for second-hand items instead of buying new which also helps to reduce unnecessary plastic waste.
Going green is easy, and starting with a reusable water bottle is a great place to start.
7. Buy Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances use less energy and have less of an impact on the environment. Look for devices with an Energy saving star certification. They are more automated, so they use less power than older models and will save you money on energy bills in the long run.
They also come with more efficient controls and sensors that help them save energy even more. Consider replacing your traditional refrigerator with a new energy efficient one. A new fridge will use up to 30 percent less energy than the model it replaced and starts conserving energy as soon as it’s plugged in.
You can also use a smart thermostat to regulate your home’s temperature. The design of intelligent thermostats adjusts the temperature according to your daily schedule and saves you money on your energy bills.
They also provide programming and scheduling options that make lowering temperatures when you’re away easy and create a more energy-efficient atmosphere.
8. Use Public Transportation
Public transportation is one of the easiest and most friendly ways to get around, whether by bus, train, subway, or taxi. Not only does it help reduce your reliance on single-occupant vehicles, but it also saves on fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Public transportation is cheaper, safer, and more convenient than driving. Opt for public transit and leave the car at home.
In addition to that, public transportation can also save you a lot of money on gasoline and insurance.
By utilizing public transit, you can do your part to help keep Mother Nature healthy and thriving.
9. Use Natural Cleaners
Natural cleaners contain vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and other all-natural substances. Not only are honest cleaners great for the environment, but they are also effective. You can use them to clean almost anything from kitchen countertops to floors.
To make homemade cleaning solutions, combine natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle or bucket. Utilizing honest cleaners can save you money in the long run, and you can find many of these ingredients in your pantry.
Being eco-friendly can be as simple as switching your harsh store-bought products with natural cleaners. Not only will going green help the planet, but it will also help you and your family stay healthy.
10. Use Cloth Napkins
Cloth napkins are much more sustainable than paper because they are washable and reusable. In contrast, we can throw away paper napkins after every single use.
Cloth napkins are environmentally friendly as they produce much less waste than paper. They are affordable and come in various colors and designs, making them perfect for any dining set.
Moreover, cloth napkins are more sanitary than disposables as we can wash the cloth with hot water and detergent. Beyond helping the environment, cloth napkins add elegance to everyday meals thanks to their luxurious feel.
Using cloth napkins is one of the most straightforward, affordable changes to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Start to Go Green at Home Now
When you go green at home, you can make a huge difference. It’s as simple as choosing energy-efficient lightbulbs, installing water-saving features, and consuming less energy.
Doing so will help protect the environment, reduce energy costs, and give you a sense of satisfaction. Take action today to start sustainable living!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading this post. Check out our other blog posts if you’d like to read more great content.
