Eco-Friendly Home Living
Eco-Friendly home living is becoming more commonplace as more people become conscious of the effects their daily activities have on the environment.
These homes are constructed and designed with sustainable materials, while using renewable energy sources to reduce a home’s carbon footprint.
Making your home more eco-friendly can be done, from energy-saving appliances to insulation and building materials. We’ve put together a list of simple yet effective tips that can help save on utility bills, live more sustainably and protect the planet at the same time.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Utilizing energy-efficient appliances is one of the best ways to save your home and help the environment. In addition to preventing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficient devices also reduce water bills and electricity bills.
When shopping for an appliance that is eco-friendly, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label. This certification can only be given to products which meet or exceed EPA energy efficiency ratings.
The Energy Star program is a government-supported initiative that assesses and certifies the energy efficiency of household equipment and products. Certified ENERGY STAR products use up to 20% less energy than their standard counterparts.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting is one of the largest energy consumers in homes, accounting for 10-20% of a household’s overall energy bill.
Switching to energy-saving light bulbs is an effortless, quick, and inexpensive way to make your home more eco-friendly. Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy efficient ones can save you up to $75 annually on electricity bills.
Some of today’s most energy-saving lighting technologies include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), light emitting diodes (LEDs) and halogen bulbs. All three provide more illumination with less electricity consumption than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Insulation
Insulation is one of the best ways to make your home energy-efficient. It keeps heat inside in winter and prevents cold air from entering during summer.
Many homeowners opt to insulate their homes with recycled material insulation. Not only does this reduce your home’s carbon footprint, but it is also good for the environment.
Fiberglass, cellulose and foam insulation are some of the most eco-friendly types available. But for maximum sustainability when selecting insulation, look for products manufactured with minimal chemicals and off-gassing.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is an excellent way to enhance your lifestyle and protect the environment. Plus, it’s an efficient and cost-effective way to save money on energy bills.
One of the simplest and most economical ways to conserve water is simply turning off your taps when not in use. Doing this can save hundreds of gallons of water each month!
You can save water by fixing leaks in faucets, toilets and pipes. These leaks can waste up to 200 gallons per day.
Reduce Waste
Reducing waste is a key element of any sustainable home. Not only does it save money, but it’s an efficient way to help the environment as well.
Start by replacing single-use plastics with reusable versions. Reusable straws, coffee cups, water bottles and lunch bags can make a significant difference in your environmental footprint.
Additionally, cutting back on meat and dairy consumption can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Animal-derived food production produces significantly more greenhouse gases than grain or vegetable agriculture does, so cutting down on red meat consumption is a great step toward living a green lifestyle.
