Did you know that each person produces nearly five pounds of waste per day? Even with good habits, many people throw things away before getting full use.
Waste comes in diverse forms and some are easier to identify than others. Ultimately, this will result in a loss of money while other solutions could reimburse you. If you want to save money and help improve the environment, you should begin with your home.
Read on below to discover how to turn your humble abode into a green household!
Reduce Carbon Footprints with Clean Energy
One of the most common ways people transition to a green household is by switching to solar. Solar power has been fueling almost four million households since last year and continues to gain interest.
Whether you want to rely solely on renewable energy or use it with traditional forms, you will reduce your carbon footprint. Going green can be intimidating, but with technology and years of upgrades, panels have improved in efficiency. The best part about investing in panels is that the prices are affordable and you can get reimbursements from the government.
Solar power has gained attention since it works in rural and urban areas. The panels help residential and commercial properties keep the lights on without relying on fossil fuels.
Benefits of Solar Power
Aside from supporting an eco-conscious lifestyle, solar power comes with other benefits. Solar energy can provide comfort when traditional sources fail and increase your home’s value.
Severe weather continues to make its way across the country, especially in the Portland area. If you don’t want broken power lines to disrupt your day, solar power could be a more reliable option.
After installing a solar panel system, you may want to talk to your real estate agent. This home project can drastically increase your property value and become a strong selling point.
If you’re interested in switching to solar, take a moment to start discovering solar solutions in Portland!
Recycle & Reuse Items
Sustainable home improvement projects don’t always have to involve new materials and developments. Sometimes finding a new purpose for an item collecting dust can make a large impact.
Here are a few items you can reuse around the house:
- Plastic or glass containers
- Old blankets or towels can become rags
- Compost organic materials
If you notice an overwhelming amount of belongings and aren’t using them, try to be more thoughtful with your purchases. Mindfulness and delay can prevent waste and increase practicality within the home.
Donate What You Don’t Want
A subtle move can have a significant impact on donations worldwide. Minimizing consumption can prevent items from going to the landfill and make better use of what already exists.
If you find unused items in your home that have no other purpose, give them to someone else. Donations can reduce overall consumption and allow items to be used beyond their initial use.
Churches are a popular place to make donations, but plenty of local organizations exist. Check your city to discover who will take what belongings since not all of them accept the same things.
Grow a Garden
Eco-friendly living comes in many forms, but if you want to make a great impact, you should grow a garden. In Portland, you are permitted to garden all year, with the most successful season extending from April to October.
Growing a garden can reduce your carbon footprint by lessening used fuel from trips to the grocery store. While going green, you’ll increase self-sustainability and not have to rely on other people’s goods.
Gardens are good for your wallet and home, but they also improve the environment. Bees rely on gardens and flowers to help pollinate the planet and support wildlife. Delicious herbs and foods can be just a few steps away when you invest your time in the dirt.
Another reason gardens can make your home more sustainable is that you won’t have as much waste. Instead of trying to save money by buying in bulk and tossing out part of it, you can grab what you need before cooking.
Try Moving Indoors
Greenhouses and sunrooms are ideal locations to continue plant life, even when the temperatures drop. You can use your clean solar power to fuel heat lamps and provide a suitable environment.
Growing plants indoors can be challenging since bees can’t pollinate, but with the right tools, you can grow an abundance of food. This is a great way to save money in the long run since it’ll reduce gas and grocery bills.
Improve Efficiency of Common Household Items
There’s nothing worse than going to flick on a light switch, only to discover that the new bulb is already burnt out. Lightbulbs and other appliances can eat away at fossil fuels and damage your sustainability plans.
Investing in smart technology for the home will come with never-ending benefits. Smart thermostats have gained popularity because they can be adjusted from a device and pull less energy. You can also invest in more efficient laundry washers and dryers, which consume a lot of fossil fuels.
Maintain Your Home & Belongings
Neglect can impact your home and contribute to a lot of energy waste. When appliances and fixtures aren’t in optimal condition, they must work harder to maintain their functions.
If you notice a breeze in your home, this could be wasting a lot of energy and money. Check near your doorways and windows to ensure cracks aren’t releasing cold or warm air. Each year, walk around your home to check the foundation, appliances, and belongings so that nothing gets overlooked.
Nourish Your Environment with a Green Household
If you want to achieve a green household, these environmental sustainability tips can guide you to success.
It may seem like a never-ending battle, but each person can contribute to the planet’s health. As storms continue to increase in intensity, small and large steps must be taken to protect the environment. Not only will these investments help the Earth, but they can also save you money and improve your family’s well-being.
To discover more about practical home improvement projects, take a closer look at our blog!
