In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be eco-friendly. We all have a responsibility to take care of our planet, and using energy-efficient products is one way we can do our part!
Photos By: Stock Images
Not only are these types of improvements good for the environment, but they can also save you money in the long run! Here are some suggestions for eco-friendly home products that will definitely help you reduce your carbon footprint. There are many home improvements that can be made in order to increase energy efficiency.
1. Efficient light bulbs
Upgrading your old incandescent light bulbs with LEDs is a great way to save energy and money! LED lights use around 80% less electric power than the older incandescents. In addition, they last up to 20 times longer! Not only that, but they also give off more light per watt of electricity used. If you have been replacing your incandescent bulb every year or so, then you could potentially be saving hundreds of dollars by upgrading them to LED bulbs.
2. Water-efficient shower head
Do you take long showers? Shorter showers can definitely help lower your water bill! Installing a water-conserving shower head is an easy way to do this. Toilets are typically much larger users of water in the home, so if you want to save even more money, consider replacing your old toilet with a newer model that flushes automatically.
One easy way to conserve water and save money is to check for leaks in your home. A leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, but it can really add up over time! To check for leaks, turn off all of the taps in your home and then wait for a few minutes. If any of the taps start dripping after being turned off, you have a leak. Fixing a leaky faucet is an easy and affordable way to conserve water.
3. Programmable thermostat
If you do nothing else on this list, get yourself a programmable thermostat! Not only will these devices help cut down on wasted energy used when you aren’t at home, they can also save you a lot of money on your electric bill. During the summer months, program your thermostat to turn down when everyone is out of the house and then turn back up just before everyone returns. In addition to giving you control over when the air conditioning or heater comes on, these devices usually have timers that allow you to pre-set them so that when you arrive home from work, your house will already be at a comfortable temperature!
4. Dimmer switches
To make sure lights aren’t left on around the house while nobody is in a room, install dimmer switches instead of regular light switches. These give off less light than normal switches but they allow you to adjust how much light is in the room.
5. Dishwasher soap
Dishwashers use much less water than if you were to do your dishes by hand, so this is another way to save money on your electric bill. However, most dishwasher soaps contain phosphates which can harm our environment, so go with phosphate-free soap instead. Another tip: only run your dishwasher when it’s completely full! This will cut down on energy use even more than if you just ran it regularly with a partially full load of dishes inside.
6. Insulation foam sheeting for attic or basement insulation
Insulating spaces that are unoccupied or infrequently used, such as attics and basements, is an easy way to keep your energy costs down. Make sure you choose an eco-friendly product that will not release any chemicals into the air! Use energy-efficient products in your home and you will be doing our planet a HUGE favor! There are many more ways to reduce your carbon footprint as there is a range of home improvement products that can help you od it. Make sure to explore the web for more inspiration.
7. Green cleaning products
Why use toxic chemicals if they aren’t necessary? Go with all-natural cleaners like distilled vinegar or baking soda mixed with lemon juice or another citrus fruit. These types of cleaners are usually less expensive than the commercially available ones and they clean just as well, without harming us or the environment. There are even some natural dishwasher detergents on the market now, which is great news for the earth and your wallet!
There are many different types of eco-friendly home products on the market these days. From energy-efficient light bulbs to natural cleaners, there are a number of ways to make your home more environmentally friendly without making any big changes.
8. Recycling bins
Recycling is a quick way to reduce the amount of waste you produce and therefore, cut down on your carbon footprint. If you don’t already have recycling bins in your home, It’s definitely recommended to get some soon. There are many different types of bins available so look around until you find ones that fit your space and tastes. Be sure to use them too!
All you have to do is recycle properly by sorting your recyclable materials into the correct bins. The recycling process is surprisingly easy and it’s a great way to help the environment!
9. Motion sensor lights for outside
Who needs a porch light on all night long? It’s a waste of energy if it isn’t being used! Install motion-sensor lights that will turn on when someone walks by and then shut off after a certain length of time has passed with nobody using them. These types of lights will save you money on your electric bill, meaning it’s one less expense to worry about.
If you are looking for ways to help the environment and save money on your electric bill, look no further than this list of eco-friendly products. With so many options available these days, it’s easy to find an energy-efficient home product that fits your needs and budget! It is important to not only think about how you can save money with these products, but also the environmental benefits. By using energy-efficient home products, we are able to help reduce our carbon footprint on this planet and get ourselves one step closer to living in a greener world! These suggestions should be helpful for some of your own household needs.