People all over the world, especially younger generations, are getting more and more concerned about the environment. This is a great trend than should never die out! However, many of us think that going green requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice, but the reality is not so bleak at all. There are many practical things you can do every day that will make your home more eco-friendly without too much time and money. Here are some easy everyday things that will help the environment.
First, get properly informed on eco-friendliness issues
Knowledge is the first step towards creating eco-conscious people, so make sure to keep up with the news. However, not all articles and posts are reliable sources of information! For instance, if you`re looking for reliable information concerning pollution in China, it`s best to look for quality local publications. While this country does have a problem with pollution, it is moving in the right direction in the past few years by eliminating outdated energy producers and ordering polluters to reduce their emission. All in all, choose legitimate sources of information and peer-reviewed science articles and research.
Replace lighting
Electricity production creates a lot of pollution and wasting this precious commodity can cost you a lot of money. So, in order to reduce that energy waste, you can slowly start replacing all your traditional light bulbs with something more energy-saving. Today, you can easily find all sorts of LEDs that will provide you with all the illumination you need. These bulbs use a lot less energy and have a longer life. In order to additionally help your energy consumption, make a habit of turning off all lights and unplugging devices when they are not in use. Also, boost natural lighting—it’s healthier anyway.
Reduce water waste
Most people only concentrate on energy consumption and completely neglect water waste. But in order to be truly sustainable, you need to get serious about water saving. This resource is slowly disappearing, so make sure not to waste it. What you can do in your home is fix all the leaks you have. Once that’s done, you can start replacing your fixtures with low-flow ones. Low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and faucets with aerators can save thousands of liters of water in your home.
Install a smart thermostat
Your HVAC is one of the biggest energy drains in the home. And when you’re freezing in the winter or boiling in the summer, it can be very easy to leave heating and cooling on for longer than you might need. This ugly habit will not only waste a lot of energy but also cost you a lot of money. The best way to put a stop to this mindless waste is to install a smart meter. These gadgets can be programmed to maintain a certain temperature and turn off during the night or while you’re at work. Smart thermostats are perfect additions to every eco-friendly household, plus they are affordable and easy to install.
Insulate your home
As stated above, in order to boost sustainability, you need to use as little energy as possible. How? Well, by insulating your house according to your climate requirements, you can ensure the heat stays inside during the winter and stays outside during the summer. This will allow you to keep your thermostat on the lower setting and even turn it off at times. When it comes to insulation, pay special attention to neglected areas like the roof and basement. If you can’t make any big changes in your home right now, you can at least invest in some area rugs that will help insulation and prevent the air-conditioned air from escaping through cracks in the hardwood. Your windows can also be improved with double-glazed glass.
Consider investing in solar energy
If you’re looking for something that will really reduce your energy consumption and make you safe from fluctuating electricity prices, opt for solar panels. They can provide your household with clean and sustainable energy. But, solar panels are not a quick fix. They will set you back financially, but if you have time, they will pay off in less than 20 years and allow you to save a lot of money. But, when you disregard the monetary aspect, solar panels provide users with a huge opportunity to be greener and more sustainable from the onset.
Plant greenery
Surrounding yourself with greenery will connect you deeply with nature and allow you to provide this struggling planet with some extra clean oxygen. Choose plants that attract bees, butterflies, and birds to further help both flora and fauna. Additionally, you can save your kitchen scraps and turn them into compost to feed your plants and keep your garden healthy and beautiful in a 100% natural way.
There are many other home improvements and lifestyle changes that can help our planet Earth and our wallets. However, these aforementioned ones are very easy and efficient and they will do a lot of good for the environment.
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