Choices you make in the setup and running of your home can impact the environment and, ultimately, the sustainability of the planet. If you have considered adopting a more environmentally-friendly approach to your daily life, the first steps begin at home. Consider trying some of these basic home improvements to save energy and live a greener life!

Change Your Lightbulbs

Green living means that you need to be more thoughtful about your consumption of natural resources. One easy change is using LED light bulbs instead of less-efficient incandescents. LEDs not only last 25 times longer than incandescents, but they also consume 75% less energy.

Use Smart Powerstrips

Appliances that remain plugged in when not in use can be a large drain on your system, adding to your electric bill and wasting natural resources. If you think it’s a hassle to constantly plug and unplug your appliances, a smart power strip can do the job for you. These plugs can shut off the electricity to any appliance that is not being used, saving you money and reducing needless waste.

Buy Energy-Efficient Replacements

When it’s time to replace or upgrade an old appliance, purchase a more energy-efficient replacement. Appliances generally get more efficient over time, so any replacement you buy will likely be better than your current one. However, ENERGY STAR products are your best bet because appliances with that certification must undergo testing and meet minimum efficiency standards.

If an appliance is not in your budget right now, consider replacing something less expensive. For example, a new water-efficient showerhead uses 40% less water than an older one while a new toilet potentially saves you up to 75% with each flush. You can also install a smart thermostat that uses scheduling and motion detection to heat and cool your home only when you need it.

Install Solar Energy Panels

Fossil fuel energy accounts for nearly 75% of carbon emissions worldwide. By installing a solar roof or adding panels to your existing roof, you can harness the sun’s energy to heat your homes and run your appliances. This not only saves you money but also helps the planet.

Upgrade Your Water Heater

Did you know that water heaters are the second-largest energy user in the home? The older the system, the more wasteful it is likely to be. If you decide it’s time for an upgrade, limit your search to systems with high-efficiency ratings, and choose a tank size that is sized right for your home.

If you can’t afford to buy a new water heater, there is still something you can do to help. Many people set their hot water heater at 140°F, but turning it down to 120°F is safer, satisfies the needs of most families, and is more energy-efficient.

Look for Leaks

In-home water consumption is often needlessly increased by leaky faucets and showers, as well as toilets that won’t stop running. The amount of wasted water from these seemingly minor inconveniences can be substantial. A slow-dripping faucet can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water annually, and a running toilet can waste a whopping 6000 gallons of water every month.

Check for unexpected moisture under your sinks and around your toilets to spot leaks early. Also, listen for dripping water, as well as toilets that continually run. With some very minor maintenance, these plumbing issues can be remedied quickly, saving you money and reducing needless waste.

Green living does not mean adopting a completely new lifestyle and living without the things you love. It simply means making small adjustments in your day-to-day life with the goal of utilizing the planet’s resources in the most sustainable way. An easy place to start is in your home. By making conscious choices about your use of electricity and water, you can start reducing your waste, and ultimately, your carbon footprint.

Which green home improvements are you planning to make?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

“PIN & SHARE”