7 Ways to Help Save Our Planet by Going Green at Home
Going green is not just easy, it’s also about celebrating creation, acting as good stewards with what we have around us and passing the values to the coming generations. Taking care of our planet which is full of natural beauty and vital natural resources is not just our responsibility but a privilege.
Lucky for us, going green is also inexpensive and will help you save money. All you need to do is learn and make a few changes and become a hero in much needed eco-friendly society currently filled with pollution, and getting worse every day.
To do this, below are–
7 ways you can go green at home:
1. Tend to Thermostat
The thermostat is the first place you should look for if you wish to go green at your home. As much as we enjoy comfort, turning the thermostat down during winter have a big impact on the environment and will help you save money. Even at 62 degrees, you can still remain comfortable. If you are used to 70 degrees, lowering about two degrees on a daily basis will save you over 3% on your heating bill.
You will also save money if you do the same with your air conditioning during summer. You can even control the newer thermostat models using your phone. A thermostat in good working condition and shape adds value especially if you are considering different options such as selling your house. The less energy used the fewer the resources consumed.
2. Switch Out the Lights
Always switch off the lights when you are not using them. Older models of incandescent light bulb consume huge power. LED versions consume low power and you should consider using them if you wish to save on energy and money. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED versions is a great start to going green in your home.
3. Insulate Your Water Heater
The water heater consumes a lot of energy but if a little insulation job is done; you’ll not have any wastage of a large amount of energy. Also, make sure your heater can be insulated because some of them can’t, you can check your heater’s paperwork. It is wise to get the help of an expert to insulate your heater. They will need heat-resistant tape and insulation kit to get the job done. Insulating your water heater before selling a house is a great idea and because the heater tends to consume a lot of energy, you’ll still save a lot of energy, and can be a value add for the buyer.
4. Go All-Electronic
Going all electronic is a convenient step of going green and electronic billing saves up to 23 pounds of wood annually. You’ll also do away with the production of 29 pounds of gas emissions of greenhouse annually. Using electronic means to receive emails rather than using physical mail also save a lot of natural resources. You will also save time used to travel to post offices or filling forms.
5. Recycle
Recycling is one of the most convenient ways of going green in your home. Recycling office paper, plastics and steel will save a lot of natural resources including water, oil, and landfills as well as avoiding emissions of toxic gases in the air. It might look like extra work to your already busy lives but it’s rewarding. You don’t have to recycle when planning on selling your house but you have to do it any time an opportunity to recycle arises.
6. Remember to Switch Off Electronic Gadgets When Not in Use
Most homes have many electronic gadgets that we sometimes take for granted. It is possible for you to forget switching off the sockets when gadgets such as computers, vacuum cleaners, audio systems, chargers, game consoles, and coffee makers are not in use. These electronic gadgets use a small amount of energy even when they are not in use leading to wastage and unnecessary emissions of greenhouse gasses.
7. Manage Your Fridge
Fridge consumes a lot of energy but if managed well, you can save a lot. Start by carefully inspecting the seal around your refrigerator’s door to ensure there is no dirt, oil or any damage which can leak cool air and consume more energy to keep your food cool. Also, check the coils to ensure they are effective in passing heat from inside to the outside of your fridge. If the coils are dusty, the refrigerator won’t work as required and will consume more energy. It is highly recommended that you Keep your fridge at 40 degrees Fahrenheit which is optimal and 0 degrees for your freezer.
Hi Marla! I’m glad you are sharing so much great information about living sustainably! I would love to have you share your posts on Farm Fresh Tuesdays! We love green ideas!
HI Lisa,
I would be very happy if you shared my posts on Farm Fresh Tuesdays. Let me know how I do that please. thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a healthy, happy & blessed day.