Consumers have shown resilience in their desire to change their carbon footprints. Not even an economic downturn slows down this motivation to have access to eco-friendly products. Discover the following four green home choices that homeowners like you should weigh carefully.  

“Making green choices for your home

and your lifestyle is a cost-effective

investment in the future.”

Spend a Little to Save a Lot

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Regular services and maintenance go a long way to reduce a household’s carbon footprint. Appliances, equipment, and cars all function better when serviced regularly. When an appliance or vehicle needs to be serviced, you’ll spend more energy to keep that item running, a condition which places a strain on both the product and the environment. The money you spend on services and maintenance is minimal compared to the expenses of wasted energy and major repairs.

Online Shopping vs. a Trip to a Store

For those who feel the online shopping option is a greener choice, think again. Someone still needs to deliver the products, which negates the trip to the store. What does concern environmental groups is the extra packaging that goes into these deliveries, such as bubble wrap and polystyrene. Even a simple pizza delivery can affect the environment. The good news is that companies are trying to create more eco-friendly packaging.

“Some of the appliances that can make a big

difference on energy bills and the environment

include refrigerators, dishwashers, washers

and dryers, and convection ovens.”

Small Steps That Can Make a Big Difference

Thanks to companies such as Tesla, items such as cost-effective solar panels are slowly making eco-conscious changes within reach of average households. In the interim, consumers should think about making small changes they can actually do, such as replacing their outdated appliances with energy-efficient ones.

Some of the appliances that can make a big difference on energy bills and the environment include refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, and convection ovens. Installing an energy-efficient HVAC unit with washable air filters can also make an environmental impact. The cost of replacing appliances is far less than taking on a massive project such as installing solar panels on a roof. 

Farm to Table Is for More Than Good Health

Locally sourced goods have a positive influence on the environment as far less time gets spent in delivery and fewer toxins get used in production. A revival in artisan stores sees local produce receiving the boost it needs. A more conscious consumer supports artisanal food and drinks, which allows farmers to revive local farming initiatives. This practice allows consumers to have fresh goods from farm to table and stimulates local industry.

One downside to this movement is that locally sourced produce and materials could reduce exports. Local goods may also be more expensive due to the small scale of their production.

“The movement to a healthier environment

has not only a positive effect on the earth

itself but also all who inhabit it.”

Granted, the initial outlay of funds for going green could reduce costs in the long run. Consumers can also find themselves exposed to far fewer harmful pollutants and ingredients in their food. The movement to a healthier environment has not only a positive effect on the earth itself but also all who inhabit it. Making green choices for your home and your lifestyle is a cost-effective investment in the future, one which doesn’t have to cost a small fortune

What are your favorite suggestions for going green?

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