Single-use plastic and CO2 emissions are the biggest sources of pollution. Not everybody can afford solar panels or Energy Star appliances, but we can all make smaller changes in our own homes. These changes are budget-friendly and they don’t take a lot of time; they are however efficient and they can turn your home into an eco-friendly place.
Here are some small changes to make your home more eco-friendly:
- Wash Your Clothes In Cold Water - Up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating water, according to Energy Star. So skip the heating and just use your washing machine on the cold water setting. This way, you reduce carbon dioxide emission but you also keep your clothes in top condition for longer, as hot water can deteriorate the fabric and make your colorful clothes less vibrant. Unless you’re dealing with stubborn stains like oil stains, there really isn’t a point in running your washing machine on the hot water setting. If you feel the cold water setting doesn’t do a proper job, you can try the warm setting. Energy-wise it’s still better than using the hot water one, but also more efficient for cleaning than the cold water setting.
- Skip The Dryer When Possible - During sunny and hot months, it’s almost a shame to not line-dry your clothes outside. There is something special about line-drying in the fresh air. Not to mention, your clothes and bedding will last longer if you hang them outside on a drying rack instead of drying them in the dryer. If you don’t have a garden or a backyard where you can line-dry your clothes, you can install a drying rack on your balcony and keep the windows open to allow the sun to dry your clothes faster.
- Swap Regular Light Bulbs For LED Bulbs - Investing in the right energy-efficient light bulbs makes a huge difference. You will not only use less electricity but you will also make your home more environmentally-friendly. No matter how tempting incandescent bulbs are, LED bulbs are the better alternative. They last longer, are eco-friendly, and they help you save money in the long run.
- Use a Programmable Thermostat - Get green by installing a programmable thermostat to monitor your cooling and heating systems. A thermostat can reduce the cost of your utility bill and make your home more eco-friendly at the same time.
- Plant Herbs - Herbs don’t take a lot of space. You can plant them in small pots and keep them inside the house, close to a sunny window. The big advantage? You will always have fresh herbs for your favorite dishes.
- Decorate Your House With Plants - Potted plants are effective for indoor air cleaning. Not only that, they are also nice and they make your home more welcoming. Sure, it takes a bit of responsibility to take care of plants but it’s surely worth it.
- Get Window Treatments - The curtains and blinds are not just for keeping nosy neighbors away, they are also there to keep the heat and cool air outside. Despite keeping your windows closed, heat and cold air can still creep in. If you don’t have a big tree to protect your home from the sun during summer months, your home can feel like an oven. Upgrading your curtains and blinds is definitely a great way to maintain the temperature and make your home more environmentally-friendly. Using the AC all day every day is definitely not.
- Use a Water Filter - Whether you opt for a whole-house, an under the sink, a faucet or a pitcher filter, your home will instantly become more eco-friendly if you stop buying plastic water bottles. A water filter saves time, money, and helps reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in the landfills.
- Homemade Natural Cleaning Products - Natural cleaning products are just as effective as the regular ones. But they don’t contain any harmful chemicals that are bad for the environment and your health. Granted, natural cleaning products are more expensive and not all people can afford them. Nevertheless, you can make your own cleaning products using items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
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