8 Eco-Friendly Solutions to Make Your House More Sustainable

Having a sustainable house will help to reduce your carbon footprint. However, that is not the only reason for creating an eco-friendly environment. In the long run, it will save you money and create a healthier place for your family to enjoy. Here are eight eco-friendly solutions to make your house more sustainable.

1- Change to Eco-Friendly Products

Many cleaning products contain chemicals and ingredients harmful to the environment. Every time we do the laundry or dishes, we put harmful chemicals back into the water supply that sustains animal and plant life. Eco-friendly products take care of the same tasks as other products. The difference is they are not putting harmful chemicals into the air or water supply.

2- Install a Solar Panel System

Using renewable energy will help to cut your home’s carbon footprint. One source of renewable energy is solar power. Installing a solar panel system is more efficient than using gas or oil to keep your home running, and it’s better for the environment. The price of solar panels has dropped significantly over the years, making them more affordable for most homeowners.

3- Become a Gardener

You do not need to become a full-fledged farmer. A small indoor herb garden will have a positive environmental impact. Besides producing fresh vegetables and fruits, gardens are beneficial in many ways. Plants are natural air purifiers and pollinators. They can help with erosion control while providing valuable nutrients back into the ground. Start a compost bin to make soil for the garden and household plants.

4- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The three R’s are something we learn about from a young age. There are plenty of ways within our homes where we can practice that matra within our home. Not only can we be sure we are recycling our paper and other materials, but we can even eliminate the use of plastic. We can repurpose items we no longer need or buy repurposed items when we need something. Even large items, like new flooring or cabinets, can be made from repurposed materials.

5- Upgrade Your Appliances

Old appliances tend to use a lot of energy. If you have an old refrigerator or washer, it’s time to upgrade. Switching to a more energy-efficient model will reduce your electricity use. It will also save you money.

6- Reduce Water Usage

Saving water is a necessary part of becoming a sustainable home. Things to do to reduce your water usage include installing a low-flow shower head and toilet. Perform regular checks for leaks. Also, shorten shower time and turn off the water when brushing your teeth. Consider collecting rainwater to use for watering the garden and inside plants.

7- Seal Up Your Doors and Windows

A lot of your home’s energy escapes through doors and windows. Do the candle test if you cannot tell which windows or doors are causing the problem. Light a candle. If the flame flickers, then there is a problem. Use new weather stripping to help seal up the gaps.

8- Choose Eco-Friendly Paints

Every once in a while, we like to freshen up our homes. Eco-friendly paints do not release harmful chemicals(VOCs)often found in paint. Those chemicals can harm the environment. Make sure to read the label.