Making your home eco-friendlier offers several advantages, including the opportunity to lower your carbon footprint and support a sustainable future by reducing your environmental impact. Adopting green practices in your home should also cut your monthly energy bills and could even increase your property value if you decide to sell. Here are three steps to make your home eco-friendlier.
1. Switch to renewable energy
Traditionally, electricity comes from fossil fuels such as coal and gas. These sources produce vast volumes of harmful emissions that are harming the environment and contributing to the issue of global warming. In response to this, advancements in technology mean that energy can now be obtained from green sources such as wind and solar. Renewable energy has been increasing in popularity in recent years, and around 17 percent of electricity was generated by renewable sources in 2018, according to the U.S Energy Information Administration. Households can support renewable energy by having solar panels installed on the roof of their properties. Once installed, solar panels will allow you to harvest energy from sunlight and produce your own source of green, sustainable energy. Alternatively, you can switch to a green energy provider that obtains energy from eco-friendly sources like solar power.
2. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
The appliances in your home use large volumes of energy, especially if they are old or poorly maintained. Fortunately, there is a wide selection of eco-friendly appliances on the market today that are specially designed to use less energy. For instance, an A+ refrigerator should save around 20 percent more energy when compared to an A star refrigerator of the same size. Upgrading to a tankless water heater can be another effective way to reduce your energy use, conserve water, and make your home eco-friendlier. Experts at boonstraright-time.ca explain how “tankless water heaters only heat the water you use. This means you only use the energy (and money) to heat the water you actually require.” Upgrading your household appliances may seem costly, but they are worthwhile investments and should pay for themselves over time through the cost-saving benefits.
3. Grow your own fruit and vegetables
Growing your own fruit and vegetables is a significant step in making your home eco-friendlier. Producing your own food has several great benefits, including lowering your carbon footprint and cutting your grocery bills. Many people also get a great sense of pride and satisfaction from being able to provide their families with nutritious home-grown fruits and vegetables. Some of the easiest foods to try growing at home include tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, strawberries, bell peppers, and garlic. If you don’t have enough space to grow fruits and vegetables at home, then consider hiring a site at a nearby allotment. Understandably, you may still need to purchase some fruits and vegetables to supplement your diet. If this is the case, then try to buy seasonal food items from local sellers and farm markets. This should help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with food transportation.
Hopefully these tips will help you make your home eco-friendlier!
