Fortunately more people are becoming aware of the need for sustainable solutions looking ahead, but not everyone knows how to change their lifestyle and home to meet the need and interest in green living. Sustainable living is great because not only does it decrease your carbon footprint, but it also helps you cut down on spending. Large and small projects alike can have a big impact over time, so check out the following sustainability projects for your home.
Insulating Your Home
If you have any cracks or leaks in your windows, doorways, or walls, then you’re probably wasting energy. Making sure your entryways are all insulated with some type of caulk or weatherstripping material can help save energy, provide storm protection over time, and make the most of your air conditioning and heating services.
Grow Some Indoor Plants
Another rewarding project to take on that will make your house more green—literally and figuratively—is growing your own house plants. House plants are great at purifying the air in your home and can also help you save on any type of air filter unit that uses electricity. If you want another tip on sustainability during the growing process, you can make your own fertilizer or even leave a bucket in the shower to collect water for your plants.
Speaking of indoor plants, they don’t have to just be for the purpose of decor and clean air. You can also consider creating an herb garden at your home so you can grow your favorite herbs and spices on a regular basis.
Install New Lighting
There are a number of options on the market when it comes to green lighting and interactive features. They’re often more energy efficient when they’re in use and can also be set up to dim and brighten at specific times of the day to save on energy usage on a regular basis.
Clean Your Filters
Clogged filters across your appliances act as an energy suck and it’s a simple fix when it comes down to it. All you have to do is check your dryer, air filter, or refrigerator filter and clean it every once in a while to ensure it’s operating at peak performance and using energy efficiently.
Use Non-Toxic Paint
If you’re coming into a new home and are early on in your decorating process, it’s important to make sure you’re using non-toxic paint since some paint contains chemicals that aren’t environmentally friendly. There are a few different options on the market which are non-toxic like Real Milk, Clare, and others.
Build a Drying Rack
Even though there are plenty of options when it comes to a simple drying rack, it might make sense to build your own if you have the time and are interested in creating things in the most sustainable way possible. You can choose natural materials and save on the energy it would take to run your dryer for a load of laundry or two.
This is also a good way to save some money on electric bills, so if you’re looking for a project that moves your everyday life to a more sustainable route, consider cutting back on dryer use.
Almost all of the tips provided above can be done without much investment and can pay dividends when it comes to a greener future. Although some of the tips seem simple, that is one of the great benefits of sustainable living. Minimalism has caught on in recent years and sustainability is a natural part of living a simple, clean, and healthy life, so if you have the opportunity, take on a new green project to make your home a greener space.
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