It's So Easy Being Green: Changes for a More Eco-Friendly Home

Going green is the latest lifestyle change that many are making to help conserve energy and prevent air, water, and noise pollution. While recycling is a very important and simple way to be kinder to our Earth, it isn’t the only way to make an impact. Here are some additional changes you can make now for a more eco-friendly home.

Use technology.

If you’ve been wanting to ditch your old thermostat for a smart one, winter is the perfect time to take advantage of the energy and cost savings. Smart thermostats are an eco-friendlier option, as they typically have settings to automate temperature controls based on your past usage or a schedule you create. You can also access your thermostat remotely to decrease use while you’re away.

Switch to reusable.

From paper towels to grocery bags, there are reusable versions of most kitchen staples available these days. Consider making a sustainable swap and implementing things like cloth towels, beeswax wraps, silicone food bags, or mesh produce totes into your everyday life. You’ll produce less waste and avoid the hassle of constantly purchasing replacements.

Look for the Energy Star Rating.

In the market for a new appliance, TV, or light bulbs? Always look for the government-backed Energy Star rating and logo. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Energy Star program has helped Americans save more than four trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and achieve over 3.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions since 1992.

Go digital.

Believe it or not, junk mail makes up about 6% of annual paper waste in the United States. Opting out of unnecessary mail, unsubscribing from magazines you don’t read, and paying your bills online are small things you can do that make a big difference for the environment.

Be mindful of water use.

Water is essential, and we all use it daily; however, it’s crucial that you do your part and ensure you aren’t using it in excess. Doing things like turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth, collecting rainwater to water your lawn, and fixing a leaking faucet will decrease your home’s water usage significantly.

Start a garden.

The benefits of gardening are endless—for your health and the environment. Starting a backyard garden is a great way to stay active and reduce your energy costs, noise pollution, and carbon footprint. Getting fresh, home-grown food is a delicious and rewarding bonus, too!