How to Have an Eco Friendly Home: The Ultimate Guide

 

Eco friendly plate, utensils made out of wood

 

You can make your home more eco-friendly while adding value to the property. So beyond just being the right thing to do, it can make a wise investment.

But how do you make your home more environmentally conscious?

We're going to walk you through the process of making your home eco-friendlier, drawing on the experience of our team to complete hundreds of sustainable homes we've created.

It doesn't have to be a difficult process, and you won't sacrifice utility to make an eco-friendly home.

Let's learn more.

 

Reduce Energy Consumption

Reducing energy consumption is an important component of having an eco-friendly home. To do this, there are a few things you can do. First, investing in energy-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and even heating systems, can reduce the amount of energy used in the home.

Secondly, replacing incandescent light bulbs with LED lights is also an easy, cost-effective way to reduce energy use. Third, when available, opt for solar panels to take advantage of the free sources of clean energy. Finally, taking the time to unplug electronic devices or using power strips can help you reduce energy from phantom loads.

 

Conserve Water

Conserving water is an effective way to create a more eco-friendly home. Start by installing energy-efficient shower heads and toilets that reduce water usage. Consider low-flow faucets and aerators on your faucets to reduce water waste. When washing dishes, fill the sink with soapy water rather than running water over them to save the most water.

Stop using disposables and opt for reusable containers to reduce water wasted with daily cleaning. Educate your family on the importance of conserving water and limiting shower times.

 

Reduce, Reuse, And Recycle

Reducing unnecessary purchases, such as single-use plastic and fast fashion, is the foundational step. Reuse whatever you need by finding creative ways to repurpose it, such as shopping for second-hand items or reusing things like glass jars.

Finally, recycle all materials you can. Figure out what your local recycling service accepts, and make sure you regularly recycle glass, plastic, paper, and metal. In addition, start composting to reduce your organic waste, and you can even use it as fertilizer for your garden.

 

Use Environmentally-Friendly Products

These products are usually made from natural materials, like wood, glass, wool, and cotton. They are easier to recycle, biodegradable, and don't contain any hazardous chemicals. They not only help protect the environment in the long term, but they also look good.

Look for items labeled as eco-friendly on store shelves, or shop at a natural food store or a local farmers market to find quality items that are both eco-friendly and cost-effective. When possible, look for items manufactured without the use of animal products or toxins and opt for those that are certified by a reputable organization.

 

Invest In Solar Panels

Solar Panels generate electricity without the burning of fossil fuels and without running up your electric bill. It also significantly reduces your home's carbon footprint. When making an investment in solar panels, it pays to do your research and find the right one for your home.

There are many different types of solar panel systems that offer different benefits. Depending on the size of your home, the area in which you live, and the amount of sunlight you receive, the type of system that works best for you may vary. Additionally, financial incentives such as net metering, tax credits, and other incentives may be available to help offset the cost of setting up a solar panel system. Additional reading about eco-friendly homeowners and making a positive contribution to the environment.

 

Use Natural Light

Utilizing natural light helps to reduce your energy usage as you are not relying on electrical lighting. Taking advantage of natural light depends on your home design - some homes just don't let much natural light in. To increase your available natural light, consider adding more windows or skylights or switching to light-colored curtains or window treatments.

Natural light is free and can make a huge difference in reducing your overall energy consumption. You can also take advantage of natural light when designing the interior of your home. Move furniture around to optimize the light you get, and switch between lamps and candlelight to make a warm, comfortable atmosphere.

 

Plant Trees And Vegetation

Not only does the foliage provide rich oxygen for occupants of the home, but the process of planting itself pumps organic matter back into the earth to ensure the sustenance of future generations. When selecting plants for eco-friendly homes, natives are often ideal as they are best equipped to survive in the local climate.

When possible, plant multiple trees to provide adequate coverage and create an aesthetically pleasing landscape that can also function as a sunshade. Additionally, create a diversified landscape with shrubs, flowers, and various other low-maintenance vegetation.

 

Consider Using A Green Roof

A green roof is a roof of a building that's partially or altogether covered in vegetation, usually grass and wildflowers. Not only do these roofs help to reduce your carbon footprint, but they are also known to create more energy-efficient dwellings and conserve water.

Green roofs are also known to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, costs associated with heating and cooling. Additionally, green roofs have great insulation, meaning you can enjoy cooler temperatures in the summer and warmer temperatures in the winter - both of which will lower your energy costs significantly.

 

Choose Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy-efficient windows are coated with a reflective film that helps keep the heat out during the summer while trapping the heat during the winter. This can greatly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. To choose the best type of windows, look for windows with a National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label.

It should contain the U-value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) numbers which will provide you with the measure of its energy efficiency. It also helps to look for windows with multiple panes and double glazing as they provide greater insulation than a single-pane window.

 

Use A Clothesline

Clotheslines can be indoor and outdoor models and fit the smallest spaces. When the weather isn't cooperating, look for cozy, out-of-the-way nooks in your home, like a bathroom, kitchen, or living room, where you can dry clothing without taking up too much extra space. The best part is that a clothesline also eliminates purchasing dryer sheets

 

Buy Organic Food

Organic food is grown without the use of artificial fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic foods help protect the environment by reducing the use of chemicals and pollutants. It is also great for your health since organic foods are generally higher in antioxidants and have fewer harmful additives and preservatives than their conventional counterparts.

When possible, buy locally or grow your own organic produce. This supports local farms, reduces food miles, and helps shrink your carbon footprint. If buying organic food is not feasible for your budget, there are also organic frozen foods, organic canned goods, and organic packaged food options available. Read the labels carefully and opt for organic when possible.

 

Use Public Transportation Or Bike

Public transport, such as train and bus services, are more energy efficient than cars, and you can travel comfortably to your destination with less effort and cost. Biking is another great way to help contribute to a greener lifestyle, as it reduces air pollution and still allows you to get from A to B.

Biking also adds exercise to your daily routine which is a great way to stay healthy. Investing in good bike infrastructure, such as bike lanes and special bike parking spots, can also go a long way in making biking more accessible.

 

Use A Smart Power Strip

Smart power strips save energy and money by stopping the flow of electricity when items plugged into the strip are not in use. To use one effectively, plug your electronics into the master outlet, which will provide continuous power. Then plug any items that are not always in use, such as a printer or computer speakers, into the controlled outlets, allowing them to be powered only when switched on.

 

Compost

It involves managing organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, in a way that breaks them down and turns them into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Composting is inexpensive, easy to do, and beneficial to both your garden and the environment. When done correctly, compost can improve soil structure, reduce pest damage, and improve yields.

To begin composting, find a suitable spot in your backyard that has access to water and sun, and keep the compost bin away from windows or other air intakes. Fill the bin with a mix of materials such as leaves and kitchen waste. Turning the compost every 1-2 weeks will help to aerate and speed up the process.

 

Embracing Eco-Friendly Homes: A Pathway to Sustainable Living

An eco-friendly home is essential to conserve natural resources and sustain a healthy global environment. Start today by assessing the areas of your home that you can change, and gradually work on making them more eco-friendly. Take advantage of this guide to learn and explore how to become greener over time. Get started now and make a difference!

Want to know more about the steps it takes to become more eco-friendly? Feel free to explore more content on this blog!