Photo: Philip Leone
Plus, whether you live in a house in Texas or a cozy apartment elsewhere where there are easy ways to make your space eco-friendly, this is a step toward helping the planet. Intrigued? Read on to explore some key areas you can focus on.
No sustainable home is complete without greenery. Start small with an indoor herb garden. Basil, mint and parsley on the windowsill are perfect. Refreshes meals and improves air quality.
If you have outdoor space, try a vegetable garden. Tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce are beginner-friendly and save you the hassle of buying them. Homesteading is also a great option. It is a combination of gardening and sustainable living habits. Our experts can help you design food forests and eco-friendly systems using materials such as reclaimed wood and rainwater tanks.
Photo: Bibi Pace
Water is precious and small changes can make a big difference. Start by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. These reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Do you have a garden? To water the plants, collect dew or rainwater in special reservoirs. Using a rainwater tank can save you hundreds of gallons of water per year, especially during the summer.
If you want to take it a step further, consider landscaping with native plants. These plants are accustomed to the local climate and require less water to grow. Plus, it’s great for supporting local wildlife like bees and butterflies. They require less watering and are more beautiful – a win-win.
Photo: Toa Heftibah
- Focus on energy efficiency
Switching to energy-efficient appliances is an easy way to reduce your electricity bill. Look for products with the ENERGY STAR label. Reduce energy usage without compromising quality. LED bulbs are also a quick option. They have a long lifespan and consume a fraction of the electricity that traditional light bulbs use.
Don’t forget the thermostat. A smart thermostat adjusts your heating and cooling based on a schedule to save energy when you’re away. For example, turning your thermostat down just one degree in the winter can save you about 1% on your heating costs. Small tweaks add up over time.
- use sustainable materials
- use sustainable materials
When it comes to home renovations, choose sustainable materials whenever possible. For example, bamboo floors are durable, stylish, and quickly regenerate. Reclaimed wood is another great option. Add character to your home while keeping usable materials out of landfills.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle in style.
- Reduce, reuse and recycle in style.
Before you throw something away, think about how you can reuse it. Old mason jars can be used as planters or storage for pantry items. Worn clothes can be reused as cleaning rags. Get creative – upcycling isn’t just good for the environment. That might be fun too.
Recycling is important, but make sure you do it right. Check your local guidelines for what is recyclable in your area. For example, some locations may not accept certain plastics or require you to remove bottle caps. The more aware you are, the more effective it will be.
Photo: Jonathan Kemper
Solar panels may sound like a big investment, but they will pay off over time. Electricity bills are reduced, and in some areas, electricity can even be sold back to the grid. Don’t have the budget to buy panels? Solar-powered outdoor lighting is an affordable way to start small. Light your garden or path using free renewable energy.
Composting your food scraps is a simple and powerful way to reduce waste and nourish your garden. By turning organic kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost, you can significantly reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfills. This process not only benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also provides sustainable and affordable fertilizer for plants.
Conclusion…
So why wait? Start today and transform your living space into a green haven that’s good for the planet and good for your soul.
Source: January Girl – www.lizbreygel.com
