A Guide To Creating An Eco-friendly Home
Most people can agree that helping the environment is a process that can take time. People must take action to preserve resources like clean air, water, and wildlife for future generations, but where can they start?
The saying that “home is where the heart is” lends to the idea that people should spend their time fixing up their spaces. According to a survey by Angi, “On average, Americans spend 17 hours each month during work hours doing home maintenance-related tasks, most often cleaning inside (six hours).” As we strive for a sustainable future, it becomes imperative to make our homes a reflection of our commitment to the environment. In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore five transformative tips that will help you improve your home and turn it into an eco-friendly sanctuary.
5 Ways To Make Your Home Eco-friendly
1. Introduce Energy-efficient Appliances
One of the most straightforward changes you can make in your home is swapping out older appliances for energy-efficient alternatives. Energy Star rated energy-efficient appliances that use between 10% to 50% less energy than standard appliances. Using any one of these appliances compared to another non-efficient product could significantly reduce your home's energy consumption and lead to substantial savings on your utility bills.
Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, and HVAC systems could “maximize your energy and dollar savings without sacrificing the features you want.” It's an investment upfront, but the life cycle and high performance features will help the planet in the long run.
2. Insulate Your Home
One solution to a more eco-friendly home that offers numerous benefits is home insulation. Insulating your home not only provides a comfortable living space but also significantly contributes to reducing your carbon footprint. An article by Focus on Energy mentions, “If your home has poor insulation and air leaks, you could be spending 15% more than you need to on heating and cooling.”
By effectively sealing gaps and preventing air leakage, insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. This leads to lower energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, a well-insulated home requires less reliance on fossil fuels, helping to conserve natural resources. So, by insulating your home, you're creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment while making a positive impact on the planet.
3. Install A Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat uses WiFi to connect to your home's air conditioning. Most smart thermostats have an app that allows you to set automatic cooling and heating routines. Not only is controlling your home's thermostat easier than pushing buttons on a control panel, but it also allows for more in-depth temperature management at home or away from home.
On top of saving money, smart thermostats let you track your energy usage. Family Handyman states, “The Nest Thermostat predicts you will save 10-12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs. Ecobee says you’ll save around 23% on heating and cooling.” Using the smart thermostat’s manual and information provides insight into controlling your energy usage by providing alerts and updates to push user recommendations and reminders toward energy-conscious choices.
4. Replace Fluorescent Light Bulbs With LED Bulbs
LED, or Light Emitting Diode, technology offers many advantages over traditional fluorescent bulbs. Solar Electric Power Company states, “LED lights are up to 80% more efficient than traditional lighting such as fluorescent and incandescent lights. 95% of the energy in LEDs is converted into light, and only 5% is wasted as heat.” This translates into substantial savings on your energy bills and reduced demand for power generation, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, LED bulbs have an impressively long lifespan, lasting up to 25 times longer than fluorescent bulbs. This means fewer replacements, less waste, and a reduced carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transportation. LED bulbs are also mercury-free, making them safer for human health and the environment. With their improved energy efficiency, extended lifespan, and reduced environmental impact, switching to LED light bulbs is a bright choice for a greener future.
5. Reuse Plastics
Finally, commit to reusing plastics in your home. Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern. By consciously reusing plastic items, we can help reduce the demand for new plastic production. Consider using reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags. Instead of throwing away plastic containers, use them for storage. Plastic bottles can be transformed into creative planters or irrigation systems if you have a garden. When plastic is no longer reusable, ensure to recycle it properly.
These are just a few ways to create a more sustainable home. Remember, every small change adds up and helps us move toward a healthier, more sustainable world. Whether it's the appliances we use, how we control our home's temperature, the lighting we choose, or how we manage waste, each choice can contribute to creating an eco-friendly home.
Join us on the path toward a sustainable future by reimagining your shopping habits and business practices. At Golden Arrow, we are committed to spearheading a packaging revolution that eliminates single-use plastics and embraces eco-friendly alternatives. Our mission is to promote both environmental preservation and economic growth. Through innovative solutions, we are paving the way for a greener tomorrow.
Discover how you can make a positive impact by embracing sustainable choices and supporting our efforts at Golden Arrow today. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all.