Everyone cares about the environment. We reduce, reuse, and recycle everything that comes into our houses, but what if our houses could do these things too? Here are some tips on how to make your home eco-friendly.
Energy Drainers
Go around your house and look for ‘energy drainers’. These are appliances that can either be upgraded to new energy-efficient models, or fixed to prevent energy leaks. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Turn your computer or TV off or on stand-by.
Got an old fridge or old appliance out in the garage or down in the basement?
Consider letting that dinosaur go; it’s still inefficient. pic.twitter.com/e1KMWrTlJP— Keith Meredith (@Cavity_Claims) June 10, 2017
Lights
Changing your lightbulbs to new energy-efficient bulbs can save you hundreds of dollars a year and benefit the environment. LED and CFL lightbulbs waste less energy than traditional bulbs as they do not give off as much heat. They can easily fit into your existing light fixtures, meaning you don’t have to spend anything to install them. Each of these new bulbs are more expensive, however, they last longer, will result in reduced bills, and are generally better for the environment.
Compost
You already put your paper products out for recycling, but you can do one better by composting your leftover kitchen scraps. By using a compost bin, you will be helping to keep this refuse out of landfills. Many hardware and retail stores – both rural and residential – sell compost bins.
Your garbage is about 40 per cent organic waste — #composting keeps all that garbage out of the landfill. Choose to #compost pic.twitter.com/MtrCgwiPgQ
— EcoSafe® Zero Waste (@EcoSafeZW) July 21, 2017
Water
Get into a routine of turning the tap off while brushing your teeth, and limit your showers to three minutes.
Conservation can also be done with your toilet. If you are able to afford a replacement, consider ones that have a ‘low flow’ flush option.
Air Conditioner
Having an air conditioner during the harsh summer months can be a blessing, but there are times when it is best to leave it turned off. If the hot weather is starting to get to you, your first step should be to open a window. Let the stale air inside of your house out, and enjoy some fresh air. If it is still too hot, consider using a fan. You will be using electricity, but studies have proven running an air conditioner uses much more electricity than a simple fan.
It is also an idea to double-check your sleeping habits. A lot of people confess to having the air conditioner on while simultaneously sleeping under a blanket.
You can finally feel the warm summer weather! But don't waste too much money on air conditioning. #TipTuesday pic.twitter.com/G4oPY0IZf4
— ???? ??????? ???? (@MarySchultzC21) June 6, 2017
Furniture
There is nothing wrong with wanting to change your house’s decor, but what happens to your perfectly-good furniture? One option available to you is to keep your current furniture, but give it a face-lift. Thefurnitureconnoisseur.com have a wide range of polishes and waxes to give your pieces a whole new look.
If you really want something different, look to the freecycle initiative. This puts you in contact with second-hand stores and private sellers and traders.
There are many ways to make your home eco-friendly. Try one or try them all!