In today's world, it's more important than ever to make environmentally conscious choices. One of the biggest ways we can make a positive impact is by making our homes more eco-friendly. This is not only a great thing for the planet, but it will most likely save you money in the long run.

Throughout this article, we'll explore some simple and effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly. 

Why Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly?

So, what are the benefits of making your home more eco-friendly? By making some of the changes we will suggest, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save on electric bills, and create a healthier environment.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

The average household in the United States produces over 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. By making your home more eco-friendly, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help combat climate change.

In comparison, the average in other parts of the world is only 4 metric tons. That is less than half of even the best homes in the United States that come in at 8.5 metric tons.

Save Money on Energy Bills

Making your home more eco-friendly can also save you money on your electric bills. Home owners can save money by using energy-efficient appliances and making small changes to daily habits to reduce energy consumption. Some simple daily changes can include spending more time outdoors, reading instead of watching TV, or simply setting goal is to use less electricity.

Create a Healthier Living Environment

Many traditional building materials and household products contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact our health. By using natural and eco-friendly materials, you can create a healthier living environment for you and your family.

These eco-friendly materials are likely compostable, making them a good option for getting rid of unwanted or used items.

How To Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

There are countless ways to take steps toward having a more eco-friendly home. The best changes to make depend on each person's home, lifestyle, and preferences. We suggest taking a look at our suggestions below, evaluating your lifestyle, and deciding where you can realistically make changes in your life to reduce your impact on the environment.

Start Composting

Composting can seem like a big commitment but with electric composters, home composting couldn't be easier. Composting kitchen scraps and other home-compostable products can greatly reduce your home's contribution to landfill waste and improve your plants and gardens.

Use Natural Materials

One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is by using products with natural materials. Materials that are sustainable and non-toxic, often have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional materials.

Some examples of natural materials include bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood. If you are building or remodeling, these materials can be used for flooring, furniture, and even as insulation. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also add a unique and natural touch to your home.

Using compostable products on a regular basis will help reduce your waste as well. You can purchase compostable cutlery, trash bags, dog waste bags, and much more to reduce your use of single-use plastic.

Learn more about the severity of the plastic crisis we're in.

Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

When it's time to replace your appliances, consider investing in energy-efficient options. These appliances use less energy, which not only helps the environment but also saves you money on your energy bills.

Look for appliances with the Energy Star label. This indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some examples of energy-efficient appliances include refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

Switch to LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. While they may be more expensive upfront, they can save you money in the long run because of their energy efficiency and longer lifespan.

LED bulbs also come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the perfect lighting for your home. They are also free of harmful chemicals, making them a safer and more eco-friendly option.

Install a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is a great investment for making your home more eco-friendly. These thermostats can be programmed to adjust the temperature based on your schedule, saving energy when you're not home.

Some smart thermostats also have sensors that can detect when you're home and adjust the temperature accordingly. This not only saves energy but also ensures that your home is always at a comfortable temperature.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and our health. Switching to natural cleaning products is an easy way to make your home more eco-friendly.

You can find natural cleaning products at most grocery stores, or you can make your own using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These products are just as effective as traditional cleaners but without harmful chemicals.

Incorporate Plants Into Your Home Decor

Plants not only add a touch of nature to your home, but they also have numerous benefits for the environment. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to purify the air in your home. Caring for plants has also proven to improve your mental health.

Incorporating plants into your home decor is an easy and affordable way to make your home more eco-friendly. You can choose from a variety of plants, from small succulents to large indoor trees. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also provide numerous health benefits.

Reduce Water Usage

Conserving water is another important aspect of making your home more eco-friendly. Some simple ways to reduce water usage include fixing any leaks, taking shorter showers, and installing low-flow showerheads and toilets.

You can also collect rainwater to use for watering your plants or garden. This not only reduces your water usage but also helps to prevent runoff and erosion.

Consider Solar Panels

Installing solar panels is a more significant investment, but it can have a significant impact on making your home more eco-friendly. Solar panels use the sun's energy to power your home, reducing your reliance on traditional energy sources.

While the upfront cost may be high, solar panels can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills. They also increase the value of your home and can even earn you tax credits.

There are countless small changes you can make to your lifestyle or home to reduce your impact on the environment. Here are some other ideas.

• Spend more time outdoors.
• Use your oven's timer and program it to automatically turn off when your food is finished cooking.
• Program any appliances you can to turn off when not in use.
• Use power strips to make it easier to completely turn off the power use of appliances that don't need constant electricity.
• Carpool, walk, bike, or use public transport when possible.
• Use your own compostable multi-use bags or reusable bags when shopping.
• Carefully consider impulse purchases when shopping.
• Gift family and friends electronic gifts or experiences for holidays and special occasions.
• Spend more time outdoors.
• Open your home's windows when possible rather than running air conditioning or heat.
• Regularly clean your appliances and HVAC appliances to keep them running as efficiently as possible. 
• Use bars of all-natural soap rather than liquid soap in plastic containers.
• Eat at home more frequently.
• Grow your own fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
• Rather than using paper towels, use reusable wash cloths or other alternatives.

Live a beyondGREEN Life

If you are looking to make a huge change in your life to be more eco-friendly, beyondGREEN would love to be a part of that journey. We offer a variety of products that can help you accomplish this and get you going in the right direction.

We want to make a better future, and with your help, we believe we can achieve that! Interested in manufacturing new compostable products for your business? Learn more about beyondGREEN's manufacturing capabilities.