Consumers are increasingly embracing green living the world over. According to the Global Sustainability Study 2021, 85% of people opted for green purchasing in recent years. What’s more, over 34% of the consumers say they would pay more for eco-friendly products or services. Everyone can make a difference in protecting our planet, and there are several ways to go about it. Some are big, others small. Whatever the magnitude of the household change you may want to adopt, it would undoubtedly be worthwhile to encourage a more sustainable way of life. In line with that, here are easy ways to green your household.
Invest in Energy Star Appliances
Home appliances like heaters, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and stoves can look pretty much the same on the outside. However, their impact on your home’s energy and operating costs varies greatly. It’s best to equip your home with Energy Star rated appliances. It doesn’t matter if you are solely relying on electricity from your solar panels. Appliances that carry the Energy Star label use 5% to 10% less energy than the standard ones. These savings result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Install a Low-Flush Toilet
A low-flush or a low-flow toilet can contribute to preserving the environment by reducing water waste at home. Homeowners with the standard flush toilets use at least 3.5 gallons of water per flush. With low-flow toilets, they require 1.6 gallons per flush. Besides helping with water preservation, these high-efficiency models can also reduce your water bill.
Avoid Disposable Diapers
Switching to cloth nappies is also one of the practical, easy ways to green your household. While disposable diapers are convenient because you can throw them away after use, you are essentially sending mountains of waste to landfills. Unfortunately, most diapers are non-biodegradable, and a kid will need an average of 5000 diapers from birth to potty training. Since disposable landfill items take tens to hundreds of years to break down, they can significantly contribute to environmental degradation. Cloth nappies require extra washing, which can mean dealing with more mess, but in the long-run, cloth nappies are a better option as they are eco-friendly and good for the baby’s skin.Â
Change Your Shower Head
Improving water and energy efficiency in your home can be achieved with small upgrades, such as installing aerator showerheads. They mix air with the water stream, making the droplets larger. Ideally, you should look for water-saving showerheads with the WaterSense label. This category of showerheads can only use up to 2 gallons per minute. The regular showerheads, on the other hand, consume anywhere between 2.5 and 8 gallons per minute.
Stick with Green Cleaning Supplies
Some of the detergents and cleaning products you’ve been using could be contributing to carbon footprints without you realizing it. Remember that the water flushed from your household sinks, washing machines, or dishwashers ends up in the wastewater treatment facilities. Purifying water loaded with chemicals takes more work and energy. It makes sense to read the labels always and choose products with an ecologically friendly profile.
Buy Recycled Furniture
Buying secondhand or restored antique items can be more eco-friendly than opting for the mass-produced brand new ones. Vintage furniture has an inherent character that can give a home a truly unique styling. Antiques never go out of style, and their value appreciates with time. They can provide several years of use with little maintenance. You can find vintage furniture at your local auction houses, charity shops, and more.
By making a few changes, you can make your home a safer and more sustainable place to live in. Try these ideas to create a green home and protect the planet.Â
