How to Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly

Many people are increasingly aware of their impact on the world around them. If you are like many people, you want to make choices that don’t hurt the planet. However, you may be wondering if there are easy ways to make your home more environmentally friendly and your lifestyle greener.

Upgrading living spaces to protect the environment may seem like a lot of work, but reducing your environmental impact isn’t all that complicated. You can make small fixes and improvements around your property to become more aware of your mark in the world.

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Make Your Home More Environmentally Friendly

START WITH THE BATHROOM

In your bathroom, you’ll use plenty of water to shower, flush the toilet, brush your teeth, and more. Also, you probably use a lot of plastic products, like shampoo bottles and a lot of toilet paper made from trees. Therefore, the bathroom should be the first area where you make some changes.

Even making some quick changes to your lifestyle and the way you prepare for the new day can give you a better understanding of your impact on the environment.

CONSIDER THESE TEN ENERGY SAVING TIPS

If you’re like the average American, you probably have a lot of items in your home that use electricity or natural gas. If you want to make your home more environmentally friendly and reduce your energy output, here are ten simple fixes you can implement:

Use Better Light Bulbs:

You probably know LED bulbs, but if you haven’t switched, now is the time. They’re not much more expensive than incandescent bulbs, and they last longer, so they’re worth it for your wallet and ecosystem.

Cut Down on Dryer Usage:

Drying clothes and other items often helps them last longer, and it can also reduce your energy bills and drying output.

Get Dryer Balls:

In addition to using the dryer less, you can also get a set of reusable dryer balls. You don’t have to keep buying dry sheets that are less environmentally friendly and often build up residue on your clothes.

Clean out Filters:

To keep your equipment running efficiently, replace or clean the filter regularly. Make sure to check your refrigerator coils and HVAC filters.

Limit Paper Towels:

While paper towels are convenient for cleaning up kitchen waste, they are expensive and more harmful to the environment. It’s a good idea to use a rag made from recycled old clothes or invest in a few sturdy cleaning cloths that can be used over and over again.

Wash Clothes in Cold Water:

Cooling water reduces the amount of energy your washing machine uses in each cycle. Cold water is fine unless you really need to sanitize something.

Try to Use Your Reusable Shopping Bags:

Remembering to use those tote bags you’ve accumulated can be challenging, but it’s a great way to limit the amount of plastic bags you take home.

Water Plants with Used Water:

If you have houseplants, consider collecting rainwater and even giving them water in the shower.

Repurpose Items:

There are often creative ways to use the things you buy instead of throwing them away. Instead of throwing them away, you can reuse food containers as Tupperware or give away items you no longer use.

Program your Thermostat:

Running your thermostat on a set program is a great way to reduce your energy bills and protect the environment. Adjusting the settings is also a good idea. In winter, let it be a little colder, in summer, let it be a little warmer inside. Even small changes go a long way, so you can try changing only half a degree.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT

While making these changes may seem like a lot of work and money, most of them are relatively minor and work overtime. You can choose to make one change each month and go from there. While some products, like eco-friendly bidets and appliances, may be more of an investment, they will pay off in the long run.

Also, remember not to get discouraged. You don’t have to be perfect, but making a few adjustments to your home and lifestyle can reduce your influence and inspire others around you to do the same in their daily lives.

While no one can stop climate change or change the world alone, we can all do our part to be better and become more aware of how we connect with others and the planet.