5 Eco-Friendly Ideas for a More Sustainable Home

Consider implementing these measures to help the environment – and potentially save money on household costs. Looking to go green at home? If you’re searching for ways to curate a more sustainable space, check out these five eco-friendly ideas:

1. Conduct an energy audit

A home energy audit is an effective way to assess how energy is currently being used in your place, and determine how to optimize functionality in order to save on utility bills. When a professional conducts the audit, they’ll likely take a close look at things like the HVAC system, lighting, appliances, doors, windows, insulation, and more, and suggest efficient solutions to any issues that arise – like air leakage, which can be costly.

2. Implement smart home technology

After conducting an energy audit and addressing any air leaks, you may decide to upgrade to a smart thermostat, which offers a more customized approach to heating and cooling a home. Many of these digital control systems allow you to customize a temperature schedule to help avoid wasting hot or cold air. They’re also often are paired with a smart phone app, allowing you to adjust your home’s temperature when you’re away.

If you’re upgrading your fixtures with more energy-efficient lightbulbs, check out LED-powered smart bulbs with color-changing and hue-adjusting technology. These can typically be controlled by an app, too, for when you need to make adjustment on the go.

3. Learn local recycling rules

Recycling remains a great way to repurpose existing materials. But in order to make sure the items you dispose of – like cardboard boxes or glass jars – have a better chance of actually being recycled, it’s important to brush up on local rules and regulations, and heed them correctly.

Visit your town, city or county’s government website for details pertaining to the recyclable items they accept, like how to empty them properly and what requirements are for sorting them.

Other unwanted household items can be repurposed, too. Make an effort to donate gently used clothing, furniture, décor and more . Unopened, unexpired food items may be of use to a local food pantry. And check with the local animal shelter to see if they are in need of old sheets and towels, which can be used to make kennels more comfortable.

4. Add reusable items to your daily routines

Certain simple swaps around the house can limit the need for single-use products. Examples may include swapping paper towels for cloth options, plastic produce bags for mesh alternatives, or traditional grocery bags for reusable ones.

5. Xeriscape the yard

Xeriscaping is a lower-maintenance, artful landscaping design that requires significantly less water usage than a traditional lawn. It can be an especially helpful option for people who live in drier climates, or for those simply looking to diversify their outdoor space with a wider array of flora and fauna.

If you’re ditching a traditional lawn, try implementing plants intended to thrive in xeric conditions.  Think cacti, succulents, ground plants and desert-dwelling flowers – and get creative with rocks to support these plants and fill space. Stop by a local gardening center and ask what greenery is native to your area. Some of these variants may be great choices for your xeriscaping journey. They could also benefit members of the local ecosystem, like butterflies, pollinating bees and other essential bugs.

Looking for a home of your own? Connect with a local REMAX agent today.