If you’re like many, you’re willing to deal with a higher price tag if it means you’ll walk away with more eco-friendly products. One recent study found that over a third of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable items, pushing organizations to go greener in the future.
Fortunately, these eco-friendly products range from clothes to vehicles to home goods. In other words, if you’re in the market for more eco-friendly home solutions, you’re in luck!
From simple tricks you can do on your own to pricey products that will pay for themselves in spades, here are a few tips every eco-conscious homeowner should try.
1. Adopt Eco-Friendly Habits
If you’re not in a good place to do anything else on this list, a few simple habit changes can help. There are plenty of small tips to make your home more green, and you may be doing some of them already:
- Wash in cold water: Unless you’re sanitizing clothes or tackling set-in stains, opt for cold water
- Dry on a clothesline: Skipping the dryer can help you save power in mild climates
- Buy used or recycled: From clothing to furniture, choosing used or recycled goods can help avoid creating waste
- Recycle and compost: Set up a recycling bin in your home and a composting area in your yard
- Use natural cleaning solutions: Natural cleaning products mean less harmful chemicals in your home and area
These simple habits might seem small, but they add up to a more eco-conscious household in the long run!
2. Switch to Dual Pane Windows
If your home’s windows are outdated, switching to a more eco-friendly design can make a huge difference.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows are responsible for losing up to 30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Single pane windows are one of the worst culprits here, especially older models. While you can update them with weatherstripping and caulking, a full replacement is often your best bet if you want to avoid losing money and wasting energy.
There are plenty of eco-friendly options for windows these days, with a variety of gas fills and glazing types for slight differences in their effect. For more insights on the best eco-friendly home design for your climate and household, visit the experts here.
3. Opt for Solar Panels
Though homeowners in some regions could once expect hefty tax credits for getting solar panels, the benefits aren’t as good as they once were. Does that mean solar panels are no longer worth the cost?
The answer is, it depends. These pricey home upgrades offer cleaner energy, a great ROI, and a lower carbon footprint, as well as energy independence for those in areas that need it. However, depending on your climate, they might not be the best eco-friendly house idea for you, so consider reaching out to an expert as you make your decision.
4. Get a Programmable Thermostat
Adjusting the temperature in your home when you’re away is a no-brainer. After all, why should you heat or cool your space when your entire household is at school or work?
Of course, changing the temperature can be one more thing to remember on a hectic morning. It’s much easier to do if you upgrade to a programmable thermostat! These devices are more affordable than you might expect, and though you’ll need an expert to install top-shelf model, you can find options online that you can even set up on your own.
5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lights
Want a speedy and simple eco-friendly solution for your home? Change out your outdated lights! Swapping regular light bulbs for LED or CFL alternatives allows you to use less electricity for longer.
In addition, opting for smart lighting can be even better. Smart lighting systems work with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and they allow you to switch your lights on or off as needed, or even to schedule them for maximum energy-saving benefits.
6. Use Native Plants When Landscaping
It’s hard to discuss ways to make an eco-friendly house without talking about the outside of it!
While traditional plants and flowers may make a statement, try to use native plants in all of your landscaping efforts. This is crucial for a few reasons.
First, native plants tend to need less water to stay healthy, as they’re already used to the soil and weather where you live. Second, native plants are more likely to support your local wildlife, from bees to squirrels to birds. In addition, native plants tend to react better to the climate of your area, such as root systems that hold up to flooding and shifting soil in storm-prone regions.
7. Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Because upgrading your household appliances all at once can come with a hefty price tag, you may want to opt for energy-efficient replacements as they become necessary.
If you’re not sure where to start looking for efficient appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Following standards from the EPA, these products are designed to save energy and lower your utility bills. From washers and dryers to refrigerators to light bulbs, there are plenty of household products to meet your needs!
Make the Most of These Eco-Friendly Home Solutions
If you’re hoping to ensure that your home reflects your sustainable lifestyle, there are plenty of simple tricks to try and products to test. The eco-friendly home solutions above are a great way to get started, whether you’re looking for easy habits to adopt or major investments to revamp the carbon footprint of your home. Get started today to go greener!
As you work to upgrade your home and lifestyle, we’re here to help. Don’t forget to check out our other posts for additional insights.