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Are you environmentally conscious? Do you wish to help our planet thrive and reduce your footprint? Unfortunately, switching from plastic to paper bags is not enough. Of course, it is a step in the right direction, but there are so many other things one can do to make this world a better place. For instance, you can ensure that you live in an eco-friendly home.
When people mention green, sustainable homes, a picture of a yurt or some tiny house comes to mind. This is not a suitable lifestyle for everyone, and that is perfectly fine. Regardless of whether you live in a white picket fence type of house in the suburbs or in a loft in the city, you can ensure that your home is eco-friendly. Here’s how you can achieve this goal, one room at a time.
The living room
This is the area in your home where you spend most of your day, so here it is important to focus on saving energy. You can do this by using smart metres that will automatically turn on and off your heating, and by replacing old, draft windows. In order to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, make sure your home is properly insulated. Regardless of whether you have an attic door in your living room, hallway, or someplace else, be sure not to forget about attic door insulation.
This will not only lower your energy bills and make your home much more cost-effective but will also improve the air quality in your house. Another way you can save energy is by choosing LED lights instead of standard light bulbs. These consume less energy and produce less heat. Also, make sure all of your electronic devices in the living room are energy-efficient to make your home greener.
The bathroom
Water is quickly becoming a precious resource due to global warming, and reducing your water consumption begins in the bathroom. Washing your clothes, taking a shower, brushing your teeth, and using the toilet is something you do every day, so you can imagine the amount of water you waste on a weekly basis. To reduce water consumption, you do not have to sacrifice your lifestyle or hygiene, you just need to make some tiny adjustments.
For example, make sure you take quicker showers and use a water-saving showerhead. When it comes to doing laundry, switch to a water-efficient washing machine that will save water as well as money. These machines use less electricity, which will reflect on your bill at the end of the month. Furthermore, make sure you use less detergent (most people use too much) and opt for an eco-friendly brand. When you are brushing your teeth, turn off the water between wetting your toothbrush and rinsing your mouth. This way you won’t waste a significant amount of it.
The kitchen
One of the most important appliances in your kitchen is your dishwasher. Nowadays, there are many eco-friendly types that use a lot less water and energy. If you have an older model, think about getting a new dishwasher. In case you have a hard time waking up in the morning, you probably own a coffee machine. Check whether the coffee capsules you use are compostable. These are much more eco-friendlier than conventional ones, so keep that in mind the next time you go shopping. Another way your kitchen can become greener is by using a pressure cooker.
Conventional pots use much more energy and increase your electricity bill. Switching from bottled water to tap water can also reduce your ecological footprint. Filtered tap water can be just as good as bottled water, or even better. Furthermore, bottled water usually comes in plastic bottles, which unfortunately sometimes end up in our oceans, when they hurt animals and plants. If you love hosting parties and you hate doing the dishes after, disposable plates and cutlery are a great solution. However, make sure you buy biodegradable ones, as well as biodegradable waste bags.
The bedroom
Just like in your living room, you can switch to LED lights and replace old windows in your bedroom. You can also make sure your bedding is organic. These materials are not just good for the environment but are also better for your health.
As you can see, there is room for improvement in every room of your house, so start making changes today and make your home a greener place.
