Have you set a goal to make your home more earth-friendly? After all, you know it’s good for the environment, but it’s also good for you and the health of your family.
Of course, making your home earth-friendly takes a conscious effort, but nowadays, it’s getting easier and easier to do. Here are ten tips that can help you do it!
Reduce
A great place to get started is the 3 R’s with the first one being – reduce. Think of how you can reduce your energy consumption. Can you lower your thermostat in the winter months or set the air conditioner a degree or two higher in the summer? Can you reduce food waste in your home? Can you cut down on paper waste by going fully electronic for bills? There are lots of ways to reduce your waste and help the environment around your home.
Reuse
The second “R” is reuse. When you are able to reuse items around your home, you are taking a big step towards your goal of being an environmentally-friendly household. One big way to do this is to stop using single-use products. These are things like paper plates, plastic silverware, and straws. Most single-use items are available in forms that can be used over and over again so look for those instead.
Recycle
Recycling is the final “R” in the famous phrase: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. It’s essential that you know what materials can be recycled with your local municipality. (If you are unsure, reach out to your trash and recycling collector for details.)
Additionally, think about how you can recycle or upcycle items you have to save them from going to a landfill. Can you repurpose a piece of furniture into something else? Can you get a small appliance fixed rather than just throwing it away?
Shop Sustainable
When it comes to buying new things, look for stores that are sustainable and share your same philosophy towards the environment. Sustainable Jungle shares 15 online stores that can help you shop for home goods, clothing, beauty products, and groceries. Additionally, The Good Trade has “13 One-Stop Marketplaces For Ethical & Sustainable Shopping.”
Use a Programmable Thermostat
One easy way to save energy in your home is to use a programmable thermostat. The benefits include:
- Increased energy efficiency
- Saves you money
- Consistent temperature
- Optimization of your HVAC system
Plus, many companies are offering rebates on the installation of programmable thermostats so it can cost you little to no money to get this project done.
Grow Things
Yes, plants are good for the environment so if you’re a plant lover, know that you are doing good. Fill your home with plants to improve air quality. Grow a small indoor herb garden, so you have fresh herbs for cooking. Consider planting a vegetable garden outdoors to meet some of your fresh food needs.
Conserve Water
With many parts of the world experiencing droughts or water shortages, conserving water has to be a priority. Some simple ways to save water are:
- Take short showers
- Collect rainwater for watering plants
- Install water-saving showerheads
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your face
- Check your home for leaks (faucets, toilets, pipes, etc.)
- Water your lawn only when necessary
Purchase Energy-Saving Appliances
When it comes time to replace major appliances (i.e., washing machine or dishwasher), look for Energy Star appliances. These appliances are “built to standards that make them energy-efficient, saving you money in the kitchen and throughout your home.”
Hire Companies with the Same Values
When hiring companies to come to your home to do work, look for businesses that hold your same values. For example, Mini Maid uses cleaning supplies and chemicals that are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and non-caustic. This means that our cleaning products are safe not only for the environment but for humans, pets, and surfaces as well. We take every precaution to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and our planet.
While making your home earth-friendly takes effort, the good you are doing will have long-lasting benefits.
If you have questions about the products that Mini Maid uses when cleaning your home, please contact us. We’d be happy to share how we’re working not only to keep your home looking fantastic, but to help the environment, also.
