There are many ways to boost sustainability, minimize waste and reduce our harm to the environment. Often these can be done right in your home while helping the planet at the same time. Applying basic personal conservation efforts in your everyday life can be very simple. Many of these actions can reduce both our carbon footprint and our living expenses. By incorporating these practices, and many others, you will contribute to a healthier environment for yourself and the planet. Making even small changes in your home and lifestyle can have a huge impact on environmental sustainability. Homeowners can follow these green tips to start making progress on their sustainable homes. Eco-Friendly Tips for a Sustainable Home
03 Swap Out Toxic Cleaning Products Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that damage our ecosystem and health. Unfortunately, many of these products are advertised as “green.” There are many choices available for cleaning products that are nontoxic and eco-friendly. The United States has banned far fewer chemicals than many European countries, so Americans must be selective when choosing products. Look for cleaning products in sustainable, biodegradable packaging and without harsh additives.
01 Reuse and Replace Plastics Reusing single-use plastics and reducing overall plastic use significantly impacts the environment. Opting for reusable metal utensils and natural material straws, especially bamboo, due to its renewability and biodegradability, cuts down on waste that could end up in landfills or oceans. 02 Level Up to a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust your home's temperature at different times of the day, potentially saving you up to 10% annually on heating and cooling by setting it 7-10 degrees from its usual for 8 hours daily, as recommended by Energy.gov.
04 Use the Cold Water Setting to Wash Your Clothes Save energy by washing your clothes in cold water. When you wash with hot water, your washing machine requires 75% more energy to heat the water. You can also save your clothes by using cold water. Hot water can cause colors to fade. Cold water keeps colors from bleeding.
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