As we are witnessing more and more serious climate change all over the world, we ask ourselves what we can do to improve the current situation. This is an important question to ask ourselves as even the smallest change and effort from our side can mean improvement in the bigger picture. Thus, we present you several tips which will help you make your home more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

 

Tips for saving water

We are not aware of how much water we actually use, and how much of it is wasted. If you want to both save water and save some dollars on your monthly bills, you can try the following: first, repair all leaky faucets in your home and install low flow showerheads. In addition to being cheap, these showerheads use up to 60% less water than regular ones. Second, turn the tap off when brushing your teeth and washing your face – this insignificant habit of leaving it running is costing you a significant amount of money every year. You can also try taking shorter showers from time to time, as cutting your shower time by even a minute will save you about a thousand gallons of water a year.

 

Huge energy-savers

Above all, you should insulate your home! Homes which are not insulated lose both heat and cool air, which means that a lot more energy will be used in such homes to keep the optimal temperature. At first, it might seem like way too much money for something so simple as insulation, but your investment will pay off sooner than you’d think. Focus on insulating the basement and the attic first; on the other hand, the garage isn’t as important. Also, when you’re not using an appliance, plug it out completely. Many appliances keep using electricity even after they’ve been turned off, so the best choice is to unplug them when you’re done using them.

 

Recycle and upcylcle

When you notice that there are things which you haven’t used in a while, or clothes that you don’t wear, you can try selling them on websites such as Ebay, host a yard sale, or just donate them to those in need. Also, when there’s something you need, drop by a thrift store or a second-hand shop. You will find there perfectly functional and usable things that other people loved but don’t need anymore, and you won’t have to pay a fortune for them!

 

Grow your own food

Even though it’s much easier to make changes in your home, your garden can be included as well. You can try growing your own food in your backyard: vegetables such as lettuce, onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers don’t require a lot of hard work, but they yield plenty. If you’re not sure about vegetables just yet, you can try growing your own herbs which you can use for cooking: organic basil, mint, and rosemary will certainly make your dishes more delicious. The best thing about them is that you can grow them right in your kitchen, you don’t even have to use your garden.

 

Green materials

Sometimes going green is as easy as picking one material over another. For example, you can try using cloth napkins over paper ones in your kitchen: they are more durable and you don’t have to throw them away after a single use like you do with paper ones, which will save a lot of money. After drinking water, don’t throw away your plastic bottles; instead, use them over and over again, or buy water in glass bottles. You can also try using simple canvas shade sails over PVC ones for your garden, and pick bamboo or wicker furniture over plastic ones.

 

Many people don’t even try implementing eco-friendly ways into their lifestyle as they believe that going green costs a lot of money. Not only is the assumption wrong, but you’ll manage to save money along the way. Even the smallest things count when it comes to the bigger picture, and if you manage to do a lot of small things over time, you can be sure that you’ve made a positive impact on Mother Nature.

 

Written by Carolin Petterson

 

About the Author

Carolin Petterson is a Business Lady and contributor for number of high-class websites. She loves to share her experiences and talk about practical solutions, but her specialties are sustainability, sustainable business and green living.

 

 

Other articles written by Carolin:

How to Greenovate Your Bathroom

Green Flooring Options for a Healthy Home

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Flooring Solutions for Your Home

Eco-Friendly Interior Design Ideas

3 Essential Energy-Saving Waterproofing Techniques to Protect Your Home

The Environment and the Economy Are in Danger: What Can We Do?

5 Tips for Starting Your Own Construction Rental Company

How to Make Your Home Greener and More Energy-Efficient

Spice Up Your Home with These 4 Energy-Efficient Remodeling Ideas