What does it mean to have a sustainable home? Being eco-friendly involves adopting practices that conserve and protect the environment. Sustainable homes are designed to function in ways that use resources responsibly. Making simple changes around the house can help the environment and also save you money. Here are some simple changes for you to consider.
- Switch to LED lightbulbs. LED bulbs can last up to 13 years and save energy. Purchasing LED bulbs can lower your electric bills and they last longer so you can have less frequent replacement costs.
- Compost kitchen scraps. A compost bin for food scraps is a small gesture but does help reduce landfill waste and create health nutrient rich soil for your garden.
- Replace paper towels with rags. Using rags when possible will reduce waste and save money on paper products. Use old T-shirts cutting them into cloth sized squares, helpful on cleaning day and provide less waste for the environment.
- Collect rainwater for your plants. Set up a barrel in your yard to collect rainwater. Watering your plants with this water reduces your need to turn on the hose. Less use of water from your municipality means savings to you!
Big changes to make your home more sustainable
There are other larger energy saying changes that you can make to your home to make in more sustainable and more eco friendly home. These changes include upgrading your windows. Single pane windows can use a lot of energy. Replacing single pane windows can save money on energy costs. Replacement may also qualify for rebates or tax credits. Using energy efficient curtains can also help reduce utility bills.
When it is time to replace appliances look for energy star certified appliances. Energy star appliances use less energy and save you money. If you are not in need of new appliances save energy by only running the dishwasher and washing machine when full.
Another option to save energy is a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater heats the water only when needed, rather than keeping water hot all of the time. A tankless water heater saves energy and they typically last longer than traditional water heaters.
Whether the changes you make are big or little, remember that any change is another step towards more sustainability and a more eco friendly home. These sustainable changes mean lower monthly bills and reduce the impact on the environment.