We all want to do our part to protect the environment, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are many small ways you can make your home more eco-friendly without spending a lot of time or money on big changes. These seven tips will help you make your home more sustainable, from adding plants indoors to composting your food.
Bring the Outdoors in
One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to connect with nature. Adding plants indoors can purify the air, improve your mood, and boost your health. If you’re into Fengshui (like me), you can even use plants to enhance the flow of energy in your home.
At my home, I opted for a small avocado tree in the living room—the one I grew from a pit—and a few Boston ferns to hang in the windows. You don’t need a green thumb to bring the outdoors in; succulents, cacti, and air plants are all low-maintenance plants that are perfect for beginners.
Plant a Garden
If you have some outdoor space, consider planting a garden. Not only will you get to enjoy fresh produce, but gardening is a great way to connect with nature and is considered a type of therapy.
If you’re new to gardening, start with a small plot of land and easy-to-grow & easy-to-maintain plants like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs. You can also add some pollinator-friendly plants to help support your local bee population. If you have more space, try planting fruit trees or perennial flowers. You can also install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your garden.
Growing your food is a great way to be more eco-friendly. Not only will you save money on groceries, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint by eating food that doesn’t require fossil fuels to transport.
Compost Your Food, Lawn, or Garden
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food waste is the single most significant type of waste in the U.S. The average American family throws away about 25 percent of the food they buy each year, which costs them about $1,600 annually.
One way to reduce your food waste is to compost your scraps. You can do this by setting up a worm bin, using a compost bin, or even just burying your scraps in your garden. Composting helps to break down food waste and turn it into nutrient-rich soil amendments that can be used to improve your garden’s health.
Not only can you compost your food but lawn and garden waste as well. Grass clippings, leaves, and branches can all be composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. Remember that you have to follow the local rules and regulations for composting.
Use Reclaimed or Recycled Materials
When doing a home improvement project, opt for reclaimed or recycled materials instead of brand new items. Most hardware stores can find reclaimed wood, metal, and glass. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also gives your home a unique look that you can’t get with new materials.
If you’re not into renovations, you can also recycle or reuse everyday household items. You can turn recycled glass jars into candle holders, you can use recycled paper for gift wrapping, and you can turn empty cans into a plant pot. There are many ways to reuse and recycle everyday household items, so be creative!
Opt for Natural Materials
When you can, choose natural materials over synthetic ones. For example, wood flooring is more sustainable than vinyl, and cork insulation is better for the environment than fiberglass. Not only are natural materials better for the planet, but they also often look nicer and last longer than their synthetic counterparts.
Reduce Your Water Use
There are a few easy ways to reduce your consumption when it comes to saving water. One way is to install low-flow fixtures in your home, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads. This can save you up to 20 percent of your water usage.
You can also save water by fixing any leaks in your home and only running full loads of laundry and dishes. These simple changes can make a big difference in your water usage and save you money on your water bill.
Last year, we finally decided to install a water barrel to help us during dry spells and water our garden for free! I sometimes use rainwater to water my indoor plants, too. If you would like to take one step further, consider using rainwater to flush your toilet—yes, I mean it & you can watch that video here!
Use Green Cleaning Products
Most conventional cleaning products are full of toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Luckily, many green cleaning products on the market are just as effective as their conventional counterparts but without harmful chemicals.
You can also make your green cleaning products using common household items. For example, you can use vinegar and baking soda to clean your kitchen and bathroom and lemon juice and salt to clean your floors. These simple recipes are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and you can find them easily on YouTube or other blogs like mine.
The Bottom Lines
There are many ways to make your home more eco-friendly, and these are just a few suggestions. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more eco-friendly, start by implementing some of these tips. By making a few simple changes, you can reduce your environmental impact and help protect our planet.
If you want to do more, be sure to consult your local environmental agency or green living organization for more tips. With a bit of effort, you can make your home more eco-friendly and help create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Leave a Reply