For those of you who are looking to be a little more green in 2017, these tips for a more eco friendly home won’t break the bank and can be completed over a weekend (most even faster). We all want to be more energy efficient and that starts in the home where we use most of the energy.
By now most of us are doing quite a bit to be more energy efficient. We recycle, we turn the thermostat down and throw on an extra sweater. Of course we recycle and by now we all know that CFLs can save all kinds of energy and money. So after all that, what else is there to do to make your home more eco friendly? Read on for some helpful tips for a more eco friendly home.
Tips for a More Eco Friendly Home
Fix the Leaks
Whether you have a leaky faucet or a drafty window, they’re both losing your energy and money. Repair the leaks and you’ll save on utility costs each month.
Open and Close the Blinds
Open the blinds or drapes during the day light hours to let in the sunlight, close them at night to retain the warmth generated by the sun or furnace in the winter and to retain the cool air of the A/C at night during the summer months.
Upcycle
Reusing items or upcycling them by making use of them for a new purpose can save you as well. Turn a worn out, but beloved t-shirt into a lovely shopping bag that fits easily into your purse, or turn those empty wine bottles into works of art, decorate lighting or really just about anything. Click here for hundreds of great upcycling ideas.
Use the Dishwasher
In addition to being a great time saver, a dishwasher will save you money by conserving water and heating less of it. Today’s machines don’t require rinsing so you can save even more time and water. Same goes for the washing machine. Both machines use less energy and water than washing the items by hand so plan accordingly. Run the dishwasher at night when less energy is used during high energy times. Wash clothing on a specific day of the week so that you have several full loads to do.
Use Houseplants
Houseplants improve the air in your home and add much needed moisture in winter months. If you have pets be sure to plant only non toxic plants in your home.
Bamboo
Bamboo is the wonder textile. It grows fast so is incredibly sustainable, it’s durable and it looks fantastic. Bamboo flooring has been trending for a few years now and doesn’t look to be going anywhere.
Close the Door
This should go without saying, but… close the door. Leaving it open in the winter lets out the warm and lets in the cold air. In the summertime it’s the opposite. Either way, it’s extra work for your A/C or furnace. If you have pets consider installing a pet door which will allow them to come and go as they please but also reduce the amount of surface area that is open.
Low Flow Toilets
Installing a low flow toilet can save big time! If you live in an older home you could be using up to 7 gallons per flush. Today’s new toilets only use 1.6 gallons of water per flush. That’s a huge savings of up to 30% for a very simple fix!
Cloth Instead of Paper
It’s not always convenient or practical to use cloth instead of paper, but if you can, do. Cloth napkins and cloth hand towels can save you money and can also decrease the amount of trash you throw away each month – which eventually ends up in the land fill.
Energy Star when you Upgrade
Be sure to buy Energy Star appliances when upgrading. Whether dishwasher, A/C units, washer and dryer or water heater, Energy Star certified appliances will save energy and money over time. They are also better for the environment.
