Sustainable home practices don’t only reduce your environmental footprint. They also contribute to the health of the planet. It can feel daunting at first to make the changes necessary so we’re here to help. Keep reading for some concise steps to achieve a sustainable home.
Energy Efficiency:
LED or CFL light bulbs can decrease your energy consumption, as well as unplugging electronics when not in use, and opting for energy-efficient appliances. You can also install a thermostat that automatically regulates heating and cooling.
Waste Reduction:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Cut down on the use of single-use plastics and switch to reusable containers like glass bottles or multiuse rubber bottles, Tupperware, and tote bags. Composting is another way to cut down on waste. Check out our previous blog post here on best practices for composting. Donate or repurpose items instead of discarding them, and recycle materials like paper, glass, and plastics responsibly.
Water Conservation:
If you notice your taps or pipes leaking, prioritize stopping those leaks. Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Another passive way to conserve water is to collect rainwater for gardening. Use a broom rather than (or in addition to) a hose to clean outdoor spaces. Water-efficient landscaping is always helpful so select native plants and use mulch to retain moisture.
Go Paperless:
Switch to online bill payments and statements, reduce junk mail, and use digital storage for photos and documents. Check out our previous blog post here for more steps to going paperless at home.
Now that you’ve learned some practices to implement into your daily or monthly routine, you can create a sustainable home. Gradual change over a long period of time makes more of an impact than you would think.