Residential homes contribute around 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Climate change continues to present itself as an ongoing crisis, so everyone’s environmental impact matters.
By creating an eco-friendly home, you lessen your carbon footprint and significantly impact the environment. If you’re interested in making a difference, take a look at these five helpful ways to create an eco-friendly home.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Features
The type of heating, cooling, and lighting you choose to install in your home is one of the biggest energy-related factors you should consider.
Choosing appliances and fixtures that are not energy-efficient will produce more carbon emissions. This has a negative long-term impact on the environment.
To fix this, opt for energy-efficient appliances, LED lightbulbs, and thermostat-controlled heating and cooling systems.
Install Solar Panels
Solar panels create energy from the sun. This energy powers your home and replaces traditional electricity. Getting solar panels installed is quick and easy solar panel installation: https://blueravensolar.com/state-ohio/.
Solar panels are also cost-efficient and make great investments, and having a home powered by solar increases its resale value. It’s also significantly cheaper to power a home with solar energy than traditional electricity.
Grow a Food Garden
A fun aspect of green living is growing and cultivating your own food garden. Whether you live in a house with a yard or a small apartment, anyone can grow a food garden with the right setup.
For outdoor home gardens, start with basic easy-to-grow seeds that can handle your local climate. For indoor gardens, be sure to invest in an LED grow light and ample space for your garden.
Home gardens positively impact the environment by reducing carbon emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide. It also helps sustain local wildlife, like bumblebees, that help the environment.
Start Composting
Composting involves breaking down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. Materials include eggshells, food scraps, and plant trimmings.
Composting keeps these materials away from garbage dumps, where they contribute to increased methane gas release.
This process works well with growing a home garden, as compost provides plants and vegetables with more nutrient-rich soil.
Take Recycling Seriously
Recycling is a habit that many people don’t do correctly. The process takes more effort than having a separate bin for glass and paper. Recycling incorrectly may lead to these materials ending up in a garbage dump despite the valid effort.
To recycle correctly, figure out the recycling rules within your community. If you don’t follow the rules, your recycling bin will mix with your regular garbage.
For example, some communities may accept bottle caps, and others may not. As long as you stay consistent and correct in your recycling habits, you’ll properly help the environment.
Making Your Home an Eco-Friendly Home
With these five tips, you’ll lessen your carbon footprint while enjoying your eco-friendly home. As you maintain environmentally-friendly habits, you’ll make your mark on the fight against climate change and reap the benefits of renewable energy.
If you’re still looking for home improvement tips, you’re in the right place. Check out the rest of our posts and learn more about home skills, kitchen improvements, and more.
