While many people are looking to make changes to their routine or buying habits that will gear them towards a greener and more eco-conscious lifestyle, what many do not realize is that there are passive ways in which you can combat climate change.
By adjusting a few small things around your home, you can create less waste and use less energy! Here are four tips to help you get started.
Materials Used
If you are building a new home and are looking to make it “green” from the ground up, you might want to research eco-friendly building materials that can replace harmful, chemical-based solutions.
For example, when laying the foundation, you can opt for an eco-conscious concrete reinforcing product that will not pollute the ground around it as your home settles in the years to come. On a more aesthetic level, when painting your new house, you can opt for certain water-based paints that carry the green, eco-label.
Read more about Natural Materials for Sustainable Homes.
Alternative Energy Sources
For those who are already living in their home and who might not have the option of using an eco-friendly building and home renovation materials, there are still ways in which you can passively make your home greener. If you live in a sunny climate, you might want to explore the option of solar panels.
They are an alternative energy source that is becoming more and more popular amongst people looking to save money on electricity. They can be a bit pricey to install which is why you can often apply for government grants to help with the initial costs.
Composting
Composting is perhaps one of the most effort-free and accessible ways to live a green lifestyle within your own home. Many people think that compost is exclusive to food waste but that is not the case! You can also compost paper and cardboard along with other materials that would otherwise be thrown away or recycled.
Compost bins are affordable and readily available almost anywhere.
What’s more, they are becoming more and more advanced and discrete. You can start your composting project by simply keeping a bowl on the counter while you cook. As you chop your veggies and fruit, put all of your food waste to the side in the bowl. This will get you used to not tossing it straight into the garbage as you go about making your meal.
Appliances
Choosing appliances that have the green energy label is another way in which you can reduce the impact of your carbon footprint.
When shopping for a new refrigerator or washing machine, it is important to do your research ahead of time so that you can choose the eco-friendly models that will not only reduce the amount listed on your electricity bill but it will do a favor for the environment and planet as well!