5 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Home

Doing something nice for the environment is always a good choice, but in many cases being eco-friendly can save you serious money. When it comes to leading an environmentally sound way of life, there’s no better place to start than at home.

Here are five tips to help convert your home into an eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) space.

Reduce, Reuse…

The easiest way to go green is something you’re probably already doing. Recycling can be a gateway to a green lifestyle! Be sure to double check which items do and do not belong in the blue bin and do your part to keep recyclables out of the landfill.

Compost

Once your recycling game is strong, the next logical step could be composting. While some municipalities offer organized recycling programs, all you really need to get started is a designated bin or out of the way space in the yard. Most home improvement centers offer ready-built compost bins, making it easier than ever to convert old produce and other organic waste into rich, loamy soil.

Invest in Energy Efficient Technology

Those old appliances could be costing you more than you think. Technological advances have made refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, and other common household devices more energy-efficient than ever. Investing in new technology for your home now could lead to big savings on your energy bill and make a big difference for the environment. Just be sure to recycle your old appliances properly when you’re finished with them.

Turn it Off

In addition to adopting more eco-friendly devices, it’s important to remember to switch appliances and tech off when not in use. Even when turned off, devices could still be drawing power. Keep your powered items plugged into a power strip and turn it off at the source until you’re ready to use them again.

Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

Most washers feature the option to wash in clothes in cold water, and new detergents on the market have been formulated to make the most of the cold wash. Washing clothes in cold water reduces the energy consumption by a huge margin. Between all the clothes, bedding, towels etc. that cycle through your wash each month, you will quickly see how this simple step can make a big impact.

Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to a greener home that’s healthy for the environment as well as your wallet.