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As quickly as our planet is evolving and being mined for its resources, it’s important to do what we can to keep it self-sufficient so that we still have a thriving planet to live on decades from now. While humans are becoming more aware of our effect on Earth, we are also searching for ways to make our homes more environmentally friendly. In fact, according to a news article by TheHeraldTribue.com, many places are even learning to develop affordable, self-sustaining smart homes.
Whether you just purchased a home among San Francisco, Boston, or Colorado Springs real estate, or have lived there for a while and want to make some changes, these are some great simple and creative ways to make your home more green friendly.
Bring in the Plants
Having plants around the home has been proven to improve the quality of the air. Specifically, spider plants are especially good at purifying the air.
Hang Dry Your Clothes
Did you know that 2.4 to 3.3kg of carbon emissions are produced every hour from using a dryer? If you have the ability to hang your clothes to dry, do that instead. Plus, nothing beats the smell of the fresh outdoors lingering on your shirts.
Use Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides
There are lots of options out there that you can use instead of traditional chemical pest removers. Garlic oil spray and tomato leaf spray are just two examples of natural products that keep the bugs away.
Switch to Online Bill Pay
Spare those trees and get your bills sent to you via the internet! It’s good for the environment 7.and will create less clutter around your house, too.
Unplug Your TV
The average home’s TV is left on standby for 17 hours per day, which means you would be saving a lot of electricity just by unplugging it before you leave for work.
Use Rugs
Studies show that using rugs on your wood floors can actually save you between 4 and 6% on your energy bill – and, they’re an inexpensive way to make rooms look more attractive too.
Use the Sun to Your Advantage
Open those windows and blinds to let the sun in and warm up your home. Even those the days are shorter during the winter, those few hours can help you spare your heater some work.
Plant an Edible Garden
Not only do you get to enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food, but having your own garden also reduces air pollution and soil erosion.
Buy Recycled Products
Support the recycling program by purchasing items that advertise that they’re made from recycled items. Many cereals are boxed up in reused cardboard.
Smarter Flushing
People waste a lot of water by over-flushing, which is why experts recommend only doing it when you really need to (Hint: if it’s yellow, let it mellow). Additionally, refrain from sticking non-biodegradable items such as condoms and tampons down the toilet, it can cause clogs and problems within the sewage system.
These are great tips. I did not know that the dryer made so many carbon emissions.
Great tips for us to keep in mind to save energy on a daily basis. I already do many of them but realize that I could be doing more.
I have done several of these things before. I will have to be more deligent and see what I can save on the usage and on the bill. ($$ Savings)
Excellent suggestions. I have a couple of spider plants and quite a few others. I don’t have a TV to unplug, but I do unplug my computer and printer which are on a breaker switch.
Its funny how far we have come since I was a girl. Everyday I am so aware of everything I do. I never thought of turning off the TV when I leave for a lot of hours. Thanks for the tips.