Becoming more environmentally conscious at home is not only a really good thing to practice for the environment, but it’s good for your wallet as well. You can save more money, and save the Earth a little more time by altering your habits even just a little. If you’re interested in creating a more eco-friendly home, and you’re not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place. Here is a quick overview of a few things you can do in your home to contribute your part to the preservation of our planet.
Allow your front and back yards to become an oasis
If your home is a new construction, you might consider building your home around the landscape. Most people just excavate the chosen lot, but that’s not always necessary. Save as many trees as you possibly can during construction of your home. Trees will shade your home, and lower your power bills. Some people will even go so far as to relocate some of the trees on the chosen land. You may need to rent a hoist or some other equipment, but it’s most definitely possible to preserve the surrounding environment of your home.
Adjust a few dials around your home
Your thermostat can be a mean little devil if not adjusted properly for the different seasons and the different temperatures throughout the day. In the summer, seventy three is really the perfect temperature to save on power. In the winter, you should set your heat to around sixty seven or sixty eight. Use blankets if you’re cold, they don’t cost money to utilize. Also, check your water heater settings. If you can’t afford an energy efficient water heater, then you should at least make sure that the temperature setting on the unit isn’t turned up super high. Constant heating of the water can really affect your pockets at the end of the month.
Use energy efficient materials and appliances
Again, if your home is a new construction you should make sure that you purchase high quality insulation for your home, and all of your kitchen appliances should be energy star certified. This will help you save money before you even begin living in the home. If you’re living in an older constructed home, then there’s always the opportunity for an upgrade. If that’s financially unlikely, then you may want to consider some more unconventional methods of energy efficiency. Cook over a fire three or four times a month. Fire is free!
Shop local and buy in bulk
Shopping with local business owners is beneficial to your surrounding community. Local farmers can also provide you with fruits and veggies of an amazing quality. There’s nothing like an organically grown tomato.