Making your home more eco-friendly can be a big undertaking, but it’s well worth it in the long run. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also be saving money on your energy bills. There are many simple changes you can make to reduce your impact on the environment. Keep reading for some tips on how to make your home more eco-friendly.
Invest in a solar shade.
A solar shade is a window treatment that helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They work by reducing the amount of sunlight that enters your home, which helps to lower your energy bills. They are an excellent option for homes that have a lot of windows because they can help to keep the temperature in your home more consistent. Solar shades are also a great option for people who are looking for a window treatment that will provide them with privacy. They can be made from a variety of materials, including fabric, vinyl, and wood. Solar shades can also be customized to fit the size and shape of your windows.
Replace your roof.
A residential roof replacement can be a great way to make your home more eco-friendly. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that a new roof can help reduce your energy consumption by up to 40%. That’s because a new roof can better insulate your home, keeping your heating and cooling costs down. In addition to reducing your energy consumption, a new roof can also help you save money on your energy bills. By making your home more energy-efficient, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of energy you need to keep your home comfortable. When you have a new roof installed, just make sure you choose an environmentally friendly option. There are many different types of eco-friendly roofs to choose from, including metal, tile, and asphalt shingles. If you’re not sure which type of roof is best for your home, consult with an EAS roofing professional.
Wash clothes in cold water.
Did you know you can save energy and money by washing your clothes in cold water? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 90 percent of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating the water. Washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water can save you a lot of money on your utility bills. In addition to saving energy, washing clothes in cold water also helps to preserve their color and lifespan. When you wash clothes in hot water, the heat can cause the colors to fade and the fabric to shrink. Washing clothes in cold water instead will help to prevent these problems.
If you are not currently washing your clothes in cold water, there are a few things you can do to make the switch. First, make sure that your laundry detergent is designed for use in cold water. You can also add a little vinegar to the wash cycle to help soften the fabric and keep the colors from fading. Finally, be sure to check the care instructions for each item of clothing. Not all clothes can be successfully washed in cold water—for example, delicate fabrics or those with a lot of sequins or beads. When in doubt, wash your clothes on the gentle cycle in cold water.
Recycle and compost as much as possible.
There are many things you can do to make your home more eco-friendly, but recycling and composting are two of the most important. Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills, while composting turns organic waste into a valuable soil amendment. You can recycle various materials in your home, including paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum cans, and glass jars and bottles. Make sure to rinse out all recyclable containers and remove any food or liquid residue. Place all recyclables in designated recycling bins or bags for curbside pickup or take them to a local recycling center.
Composting is easy to do once you get started. All you need is a container for your compost pile or bin, some organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, fruit cores and peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and newspaper shreds), water (if needed), and an occasional stirring with a shovel or pitchfork. The key is to keep the compost pile moist but not wet; if it’s too wet, the pile will rot instead of decomposing. Turn the compost pile every few weeks using a shovel or pitchfork to aerate it and help it decompose faster. In about four to six months, you’ll have rich black soil perfect for fertilizing plants.
There are many reasons why you might want to make your home more eco-friendly. You may want to save money on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or just make your home more healthy and comfortable. By following these tips, you’ll have a more positive impact on the environment.