9 Small Changes To Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

The most polluting sources are single-use plastic and CO2 emissions. Although not everyone can afford solar panels or Energy Star appliances, we can all make simple adjustments in our own homes to help the environment. These improvements are cost-effective and time-consuming; yet, they are effective and can transform your home into an environmentally friendly environment.

Without further ado, here are nine simple improvements you can make to make your home more environmentally friendly:

1. Wash Your Clothes In Cold Water

According to Energy Star, up to 90% of the energy required by a washing machine is needed to heat water. So, instead of boiling the water, use the cold water setting on your washing machine. This not only reduces carbon emissions, but it also keeps your clothes in better condition for longer, as hot water can degrade the fabric and cause your brightly colored clothes to fade.

Running your washing machine on the hot water option isn't necessary unless you're dealing with tenacious stains like oil stains. If you don't think the cold water setting is doing the job, try the warm option. It's still more energy efficient than the hot water option, but it's also more effective for cleaning than the cold water setting.

2. Skip The Dryer When Possible

It's almost a crime not to line-dry your garments outside during the summer months. There's something magical about drying clothes on the line in the open air. Not to mention that hanging your clothes and bedding outside on a drying rack rather than drying them in the dryer will make them last longer. If you don't have access to a garden or backyard where you can hang your clothes to dry, you can set up a drying rack on your balcony and leave the windows open to allow the sun to dry your clothes faster.

3. DIY Instead Of Buying New

Why buy new when you can get creative and do a fun weekend project with your family? Many DIY guides can be found at Inspire, Design & Create to help you entirely remodel your home. They also feature tool reviews that might help you decide whether or not you want to commit to the DIY lifestyle.

4. Swap Regular Light Bulbs For LED Bulbs

It makes a tremendous difference to invest in the correct energy-efficient light bulbs. Not only will you save money on power, but you will also be helping the environment. LED lights are the preferable choice to incandescent lamps, no matter how appealing they are. They are more durable, environmentally friendly, and help you save money in the long term.

5. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat to monitor your cooling and heating systems and go green. A thermostat can help you save money on your power bills while also making your home more environmentally friendly.

6. Get a Recycling Bin and a Compost Bin

You'll be more aware of recycling glass bottles, jars, paper, and other objects that should be recycled if you have a recycle bin.

A compost bin will assist you in getting rid of leftovers while also providing free fertilizer for your plants. Compost bins these days are made to be clean, tidy, and odor-free. They also make your life easier by assisting you in reducing home waste.

7. Plant Herbs

If you're wondering what to do with the fertilizer, the answer is simple: start your own herb garden. Herbs don't take up much room. Plant them in little pots and place them near a sunny window inside the house. What is the major benefit? Fresh herbs will always be available for your favorite meals.

8. Decorate Your House With Plants

Indoor air quality can be improved by using potted plants. Not only that, but they're also attractive and add to the ambiance of your home. Taking care of plants may require some commitment, but it is well worth it.