7 Easy Strategies for Maintaining an Eco-Friendly Household
There are multiple ways to improve the beauty and functionality of your home, though you might’ve not thought to see how to make your household more eco-friendly. It can seem intimidating, but, there is also a cost efficiency benefit for taking an eco-friendly environment into consideration when you are maintaining your home. Consider some simple strategies you can use to do this.
1. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Today, it is easier than ever to find green cleaning products at the local grocery or hardware store. There is even a variety to choose from that help with multiple cleaning activities around your home and will not put harsh chemicals into the air or ground. These include all-purpose cleaners, detergents, and even pet shampoo to name just a few.
2. HVAC Use and Repair
According to Energy.gov, the heating and cooling system in your home accounts for nearly half of a home’s energy expense. This does not take into account nearly 20% of the energy used through hot water heating. Even small air leaks in ducts or cracks in pipes can result in a less eco-friendly and energy-efficient system that should be checked every year.
3. Dedicated Recycling
You may have the best intentions to throw out that recyclable trash, but you have not yet found a dedicated receptacle to make it convenient. Consciously make an effort to put a recycle bin close to where you will use it the most near a kitchen door or back door area where you can easily discard any recyclable material on a daily basis and make it worthwhile.
4. Strategic Landscaping
Certain landscaping configurations lead to increased water drainage and better sunlight or shade where it is needed for greater energy efficiency in and around your home. This means also planting more trees where you can and alleviating as many gas-powered lawn equipment as possible and switching to battery-powered.
5. Green Appliances
With advancements in technology, there’s now a great variety of green appliances on the market that are specifically designed to be eco-friendly. You can choose from a range of green washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators, and then make updates to your appliances that reflect your new commitment to an eco-friendly home.
If you have plans to upgrade your appliances this spring, then Kiwi Energy suggests that you replace your old appliances with energy-efficient versions that have Energy Star ratings. Essentially, this serves as a seal of approval when shopping for appliances. It tells you that what you’re buying has been engineered to run efficiently and reduce the energy consumption in your home.
6. Audit Your Home’s Energy Use
Set aside a day or two each year and observe your energy output on things like how many items are regularly plugged into electrical outlets and how often you leave a room and don’t turn off lights or other electrical devices. Also be conscious of unplugging small appliances like blenders and toasters when they are not in use. This includes tablets and cell phones that have been charged and removed but the plug is still in the wall.
7. Insulate
Take an inventory of the places in your home that could use insulation of some kind like in the attic space, around windows, and even in the floor if you have a crawl space. It will make a dramatic difference in your energy bill.
While maintaining an eco-friendly household may seem overwhelming, you may be surprised by how easy it is to make simple adjustments and upgrades in your home. Now, all you have to do is assess your own home and see what you can do to improve the efficiency of your home.
