The environment is going through a lot of stress from a variety of sources, and we all must do our part to help reduce the damage that it is suffering. Many people are unaware that even by making relatively small changes to their homes they can make a big difference. There are lots of environmentally friendly home improvements that can be done with relative ease and minimal cost. Here are a few to get you started:
1. Use LED bulbs. LED bulbs use much less energy and generate less heat, so they are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. They produce more light for less electricity used and last longer, so you’ll save money too.
2. Change the windows. Old windows let in drafts, allowing warm air out and cold air in reducing the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Replace or repair old windows with energy-efficient models to make smarter use of energy and save money too.
3. Install solar panels. Solar panels capture the energy of the sun and turn it into electricity. This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs.
4. Insulate your home. Making sure the walls and ceiling of your home are well insulated helps keep warm air in and cold air out. Proper insulation makes sure you’re heating and cooling your home efficiently and saves energy.
5. Drought-tolerant plants. Planting drought-tolerant flowers and trees is a great way to reduce your water consumption. They’re also good for the environment because they don’t need pesticides.
6. Start composting. Composting is a way to take organic materials like food scraps that would normally go into the garbage and turn them into nutrient-rich soil. Not only will you create a great source of free fertilizer for your garden, you’ll also help the environment by reducing landfill waste.
7. Install a greywater system. Greywater systems recycle water for reuse and help conserve energy and water. They take water from the sink, shower, and other sources and filter it to be used for flushing toilets or watering the garden.
Many more environmentally friendly home improvement ideas exist that can help you reduce your environmental footprint and save energy and money. Adding something as simple as LED lights in your home can reduce your energy consumption significantly. You can also opt for energy-efficient windows, use solar power, insulate your home properly, pick drought-tolerant plants, start composting, and use a greywater system. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making your home more eco-friendly. All you have to do is make the right decisions and act on them. You no longer have to spend a lot of money or take drastic measures to help the environment. Just start small and you’ll see the difference.