Did you know that nearly half of Americans are more concerned with creating an environmentally friendly home than they are with having luxury features these days? Eco-friendly homes are important not only for protecting the environment but for keeping your energy bills low as well. If you are interested in creating a greener home, use these tips to help you get started.
Install Solar Panels
One of the best things you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly is to invest in residential solar installation. Solar power is cleaner and more sustainable than other power sources because they don’t create greenhouse gases. Solar panels don’t just help the environment, though. Since you won’t be using traditional power sources, you’re likely to save money on your energy bills, plus you won’t have a power outage if the electrical grid goes down. Additionally, you may be eligible for tax benefits or be able to sell your excess energy to your local power company.
Build a Compost Station
You can further lower your carbon footprint by creating a compost station. Composting helps to break down organic materials and reduces the amount of methane emitted from landfills. If you have a large, private yard, you can begin your compost station in the soil outside. If you need to start one inside, you can use a dedicated bin. There are many different types of things that can go into a compost pile, including leftover peels from fruits and vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds. You can also compost loose-leaf tea, cooked pasta, stale crackers, and even used paper towels and napkins.
Install a Water Filter
It’s not just about the environment when it comes to installing a water filter. Imagine how much money you’ll save as well. If you purchase a case of bottled water a week, you’re easily spending $30 a month on water alone. Multiply that by a year and consider the savings you’ll have if you have a water filter. A good water filter and a reusable water bottle cut down on the number of resources taken from elsewhere as well as prevent plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Nearly all of the energy used in a washer is to heat the water. You can combat the problem by washing your clothes in cold water. Skipping the hot water reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that your washer emits. Even better, washing your clothes in cold water keeps the colors from fading and can help your wardrobe to last longer. Normal loads of laundry don’t benefit from being washed in hot water. The only exception is if you are dealing with serious stains, such as oil. If you absolutely hate the idea of washing clothes in cold water, see if your washer has a warm setting instead of a hot one. This will still help to cut your carbon footprint by a small amount.
There is no perfect way to live in your home. You will always create at least a bit of a carbon footprint. But by installing solar panels, composting, and being mindful of how you use the water in your home, you can help to create a more environmentally friendly world and save money in the process.
