Living an eco-friendly lifestyle can bring many benefits to your health and home. Many of us already do the basics, like using reusable bags or ditching plastic bottles. But once you’ve done small things, you’ll likely want to expand into your home. There are many changes, big or small, that will lead us to a more sustainable way of life.
Here are five ways you can make your home eco-friendly.
1. Solar Panels
As climate change continues to be a global issue, more people are becoming aware and looking for ways to become more eco-friendly. Solar panels are an investment, but there are a few reasons it’s a great addition to your home. Specialists like Steadfast Homes can provide more information if you’d like to know more about solar panels for your home.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which then powers your home. Solar energy is a cleaner and more sustainable power source compared to traditional energy.
2. Compost Station
You may have considered introducing a compost station before, but it becomes a must-have once you understand the benefits. If you’re interested in starting a garden, a compost station is a brilliant way to turn waste into plant food.
Compost requires a 50:50 mix of materials rich in nitrogen and carbon. A nitrogen material would be anything green, like grass clippings. Meanwhile, carbon is a brown material, like cardboard or tree stems.
If you are composting outside, you can buy a purpose-made bin (ideally with holes for airflow) or simply start a heap. Some items you can add to your compost bin are fruit waste, vegetable peelings, cardboard egg boxes, and scrunched-up paper.
3. Natural Cleaning Products
You are more than likely to clean something in your home once a day, even if it’s just the countertop or dining room table. We all have our favorite detergents or products, but do you know if they harm the environment?
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products will reduce harmful chemicals that are released into the environment. Some products can be pricey, so if you’re on a budget, try making your own. Lemon juice, vinegar, or bicarbonate of soda can be used instead of bleaches and products to kill bacteria. It’s odorless and does the same job as toxic cleaning products.
Infographic Provided By The Solar Energy Company, Route 66 Solar
4. Wash And Dry
When washing clothes, try using cold water. Cold water gets clothing just as clean as hot water, and hot water can set stains. Replace your dryer sheets with dryer balls. You will save money, and dryer balls last a long time.
If you’re able to, line-dry your clothing. Honestly, your clothes will last longer if you let them air dry. You don’t have to invest in a fancy drying rack; a clothesline will do the job.
5. Low-Flow Shower Heads
In addition to turning off the water when washing dishes, or brushing your teeth, save your water flow by purchasing a low-flow faucet or shower head. Low-flow shower heads can decrease water consumption by at least 40%.
They will save you more money and energy. It’s also helpful to spend less time under the water. Ten minutes is usually enough to wash your hair and body.
Don’t Give Up!
Moving to a more eco-friendly way of living is something so many of us aspire to but just don’t make time for. It can be hard when you don’t know where to start or what else to do. But it doesn’t have to be – baby steps make a huge difference.
Pretty soon, you will have created an eco-friendly home and lifestyle for you, your family, and your pets.
