It’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed about the state of the environment right now. We see scary statistics and news stories every day. And it can start to feel like we’re fighting a losing battle. But that doesn’t mean we have to throw in the towel on helping the planet. On the contrary, there are small things that each of us can do that make a big difference when added together. 

So what if you want to make your home greener? Here are some tips to help you do just that without breaking the bank.  

Change Your Lightbulbs

Newer light bulbs are more energy-efficient than the old incandescent ones you’ve used all your life. While incandescent have long been phased out, other types of bulbs, like halogen and fluorescent, are still being produced and sold. 

Fluorescent bulbs are the most eco-friendly. Consuming 75 percent less energy than incandescents. Halogen bulbs are also good choices, consuming 90 percent less energy than incandescents. However, your best option is to use LEDs, which use about 80 percent less energy than incandescents. 

Replacing your home’s light bulbs with LEDs could save you about $82 a year in energy costs. Obviously, that kind of money isn’t going to solve any of the world’s biggest problems. Still, every little bit helps.

Stop Food Waste

If you’re a regular shopper at the grocery store, you know how easy it is to end up with more food than you need. Packaging food in plastic, paper, or styrofoam containers contributes to a ton of waste. You can do your part to cut back on that by using reusable containers to bring home your groceries and packing your lunches in reusable containers instead of disposable ones. 

And while we’re on the subject of food, it might sound silly, but a food waste app can help you track what you’re wasting and learn how to reduce it. If there are certain things that you tend to throw out, try to make some changes to reduce their volume in your trash.

Recycle

We’ve all seen that blue bin and know it’s there for a reason. So why not use it? It’s easy to forget that paper, bottles, and aluminum cans can be recycled. But not all of them can be placed in the same bin. Paper and cardboard items should be placed in one container, while plastic and metal items should go in another.

If you are recycling at home and it is more than a couple of times a week, you need to find another location where you can take the recycling away from your home. Putting the recycling in the garage will result in a terrible smell. And leaving it in your backyard means there’s a chance that animals will get into the recycling. Luckily there are plenty of places you can go to. Even for specific things like your television. Just search for TV Recycling Near Me.

Install A Programmable Thermostat

You can install a programmable thermostat to set the temperature to a lower level while you are out. This is energy-saving by keeping the heating system from running while no one is home. It’s an easy and cheap way to save energy. You can also change the settings just before you go to bed. 

Make your home more eco-friendly by installing a smart thermostat like the Nest. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on the temperature outside, the humidity, and the time of day. Plus, it can be controlled by your smartphone.

Plant Gardens And Trees

Houseplants are some of the best air purifiers and help you breathe easier. If you have a yard, you can also plant trees. Trees like poplars, willows, and maples are known as “air purifiers” because they clean air pollutants like ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. They also absorb many other contaminants, like heavy metals, in the soil. 

Planting trees and gardens is a lasting investment in your health and the planet. Not only will your trees and gardens act as natural air purifiers, but they will also provide shade, reduce your energy bills and help prevent erosion.

Go Solar

If you are in the market for a new roof or have a roof that is old enough to be due for a replacement, consider going solar. You can also get solar panels that can be placed on an existing roof. This will help to reduce your energy costs. And there are plenty of other eco-friendly items like solar-powered garden lights and solar water heaters. 

Although the upfront cost might be high, the long-term savings in terms of energy and money spent is worth it. It’s important to note that not all solar panels are created equal. They come in a range of quality, durability, and cost. You can reduce pollution and energy costs by investing in higher-quality solar panels upfront.

Ditch The Paper Towels

Paper towels are terrible for the environment. Not only do they consume a lot of wood, but they create a lot of waste. This is especially true if you use paper towels as your primary cleaning and drying method. In that case, you’re not just wasting money on the cost of paper towels but also on the water and energy needed to clean your house. 

Instead of paper towels, use reusable rags. They are cheaper and better for the environment. You can also use old t-shirts or washcloths that you don’t use anymore. 

Switch To Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

You can reduce your environmental impact by switching to eco-friendly cleaning products. There are plenty of choices out there. So it should be easy to find something that works for you. This can help you spend less money on cleaning supplies, but it can also help the environment. 

Many eco-friendly cleaning products are made from plant-based substances. Using these products can reduce the number of chemicals released into the environment and the water. This is better for both human health and the health of the planet.

The Bottom Line

Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to live a lifestyle that is incredibly different from the one you have now. It just means being more thoughtful about the decisions you make. And willing to make small changes to reduce your impact on the environment.