Do you know the main contributors to environmental pollution? They are CO2 emissions and single-use plastic. Although there are solutions to reduce the problem, such as using Energy star appliances and solar panels, not all households can afford them. The good thing is that you can always make little changes that create a huge impact in making your home eco-friendly.
Help Save the Environment with these Simple Ways
1. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
You can save up to 90% of energy when you choose to use cold water when washing clothes. It can also aid in reducing carbon dioxide emission and help protect the fabric from degrading and colors from fading. Unless you need to remove stubborn stains like oil and grease, you can have that washing machine in a cold-water setting.
2. If Possible, Skip Using the Dryer
During sunny days, it is practical to line-dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. It is also helpful for clothes when they are dried in fresh air. Your beddings and clothes will also last longer if you prefer to hang them outside compared to spinning them in the dryer. You can either use a line-dry for your clothes or install a drying rack on the balcony.
3. Prefer to DIY instead of Purchasing a New One
Yes, your creativity can also be a way to save the environment. Your house and backyard can have a lot of stuff that can be recycled or upcycled. Nowadays, there are various DIY videos where you can learn how to create craft from used materials. This can also be a great time with your family to bond while happily turning something into a new and useful item.
4. Switch to LED Bulbs
Make your home more sustainable by switching to energy-efficient tools and equipment. One of the most effective is using LED bulbs instead of the regular light bulbs. LED lights are the best option, no matter how appealing incandescent lamps appear. They are more durable, environmentally friendly, and help you save money over time.
5. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Go green with your HVAC system! Install a programmable thermostat to better monitor your cooling and heating systems. It can help you save money by reducing your utility bill and at the same time, making your home more environment friendly.
6. Have a Compost Bin and a Recycling Bin
It’s no doubt how important it is to segregate the waste at home properly. A compost bin will aid in the disposal of leftovers while also providing free fertilizer for your plants. Compost bins these days are made to be nice, tidy, and odorless and reduce household garbage.
In addition, a recycle bin will help you become more conscious in recycling paper, glass bottles, jars, and other stuff that can be recycled.
7. Plant Herbs
When you already have a compost bin in your yard, the fertilizer can be used accordingly. You can start planting your own herb garden. They don’t require too much space, and it will be worth your effort. Using an herb kit can be a good start in a more sustainable and eco-friendly living.
8. Beautify Your Home with Plants
There’s no need for your home to be dull and boring when some indoor plants can make it beautiful and lively. They can also help in keeping your home fresh and clean. Indoor air cleaning with potted plants is effective and adds warmth to your home. Taking care of plants does require some effort, but it is well worth it.
9. Buy Window Treatments
Curtains and blinds are not only meant to keep nosy people away, but they also keep the heat and cool air outside. Even if you keep your windows shut, heat and cold air can still get in. Upgrade your blinds and curtains to keep the temperature while making your home more environment friendly.
10. Be Smarter in Cooking and Preparing Meals
There are various ways on how you can be smarter in the kitchen when it comes to using equipment, cooking, and meal preparation. For example, you can use a toaster instead of an oven that uses a huge amount of energy to heat up effectively. The toaster requires less energy and gets the job faster.
11. Use Natural Cleaning Products
Cleaning products that are made from natural ingredients are just as effective as those that are made from synthetic ingredients. The good thing about them is that they are safer to use because they do not contain harmful chemicals. You can also make your own cleaning products at home from items like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.
12. Invest on a Water Filter
Another way to make your home eco-friendlier is to use a water filter. It will help save money and time, as well as aid in cutting the amount of single-use plastic that is dumped in the landfills.
Are you ready to become more conscious of helping the environment? Start with these doable changes and you’ll be heading in a cleaner and more sustainable future.
