What if you could switch to clean energy sources, stop contributing to pollution and climate change, and save a bunch of money on your electricity bill?
We have some good news for you. You can make this switch! But to make the best decision for your home and family, you do need to do a bit of planning and research.
Ready to go? We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about clean energy sources.
Reduce Your Resource Consumption
Reducing your resource consumption to make your home more environmentally friendly is a great way to both lower your bills and reduce your impact on the environment. To start, switch out your light bulbs to LED or CFL bulbs. It consumes less energy and typically lasts longer, reducing the number of times you need to replace them.
When purchasing new appliances, make sure they are energy efficient with an “Energy Star” sticker. When it comes to water use, be cognizant of your daily habits.
Take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and install low-flow fixtures in your sinks, toilets, and showers. Also, take the time to properly maintain your appliances.
Also, unplug devices and appliances that aren’t in use and reduce the amount of food waste. Lastly, seek out renewable energy options like solar or wind power in your community. Every little bit helps.
Install Eco-Friendly Building Materials
Eco-friendly building materials are either recycled or come from renewable sources, which produce fewer harmful emissions. It can also be used in a variety of applications, from insulation to flooring.
By investing in these materials, we can reduce our environmental impact while also providing a healthier home environment. Also, these materials typically require less maintenance and last longer than traditional materials, making them a great investment.
When selecting materials for the home, always look for certifications that the material is “green” or “eco-friendly.” Doing so helps to ensure that any material you use is indeed better for the environment.
Utilize Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy sources can be a great way to help make your home more environmentally friendly. There are many renewable energy sources, such as:
Solar
Solar energy is an efficient and clean way to make your home more environmentally friendly. Solar systems use photovoltaic (PV) cells to capture the sun’s rays and convert this energy into electricity that can be used to power your home.
It is relatively inexpensive upfront, and you can save money in the long run by eliminating or reducing your utility bills. It is also a renewable source of energy, which means your energy source is never depleted, and you can use it for years to come.
Switching to solar energy will reduce your carbon footprint and help reduce our dependence on traditional, polluting energy sources. If you find yourself interested in solar, check out this link for more reading here.
Wind
By installing a residential wind turbine, homeowners can generate their own electricity. It reduces their dependence on non-renewable sources such as coal and natural gas.
It comes in a variety of sizes and can accommodate both small and large home energy needs. Unlike other renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines are a cost-effective and long-term solution to reducing one’s carbon footprint.
Central to the efficiency of wind turbines is their location. An ideal spot for a wind turbine is an open, unobstructed area such as a rooftop or field, enabling the turbines to capture steady wind flows.
Hydropower
Hydropower is a clean source of electricity that derives from the energy of moving water, such as a river or stream. Once the water is captured, it turns a turbine generator and produces electricity.
This energy source does not produce harmful emissions and does not deplete precious resources such as oil, gas, or coal. Harnessing hydropower for use in your home can lower energy bills and reduce your environmental impact.
Installation of hydroelectric systems for your home can be costly, but with government subsidies and tax credits, these costs are significantly reduced. For example, with the cost of basic systems ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the state of California offers 30-50% of the total cost.
Geothermal
One renewable energy source, in particular, is geothermal energy. It is a form of energy derived from the heat of the Earth’s core.
In most cases, this energy is extracted through the use of wells to pump water or other liquids heated by the Earth’s core which can then be converted into electricity. Geothermal energy is also used in home HVAC systems, as well as other appliances, to provide heat and hot water.
Biomass
By using biomass, such as wood chips and pellets, it is possible to reduce emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. The use of biomass will significantly reduce the dependence of a home on fossil fuels and also make heating and cooking more affordable.
Homeowners can purchase certified wood pellets, woodchips, and logs to create heat and electricity within the confines of their homes.
Through the installation of a biomass boiler, gasification process, or thermal storage unit, the home can tap into the renewable energy source known as biomass. It can also reduce heating costs, improve air quality, and help to create a healthier household.
Ditch Disposables for Reusables
Choosing to “ditch disposables for reusables” is a simple and effective way to make your home more eco-friendly. Reusable items are typically made with durable materials that can be used for a longer period of time.
Investing in reusable products like washable rags, water bottles, and shopping bags will reduce the amount of waste generated in the home. Not only does this reduce waste and cost, but it also limits the use of single-use products like plastic straws, utensils, and other disposables that contribute to plastic pollution.
Switching to reusable items is an easy and responsible way to lessen your home’s environmental impact. Not only will your home become greener, but you’ll feel good knowing you’ve made a conscious decision to reuse rather than discard.
Rethink Waste Management Practices
Begin by looking at what types of things you throw away each day. Start a compost pile in your backyard to divert organic waste from the landfill, or collect food scraps for local systems that accept these.
Research your local recycling laws, and sort items accordingly after you finish using them. Create systems inside your home that make it easy to remember which items to recycle, compost, or discard.
Also, look for opportunities to reduce the amount of waste you generate by making small changes like:
- Using reusable containers and bags
- Shopping responsibly
- Upcycling broken items to create something new
Reimagining your waste management practices is an effective and rewarding way to make your home more environmentally friendly.
Incorporating Sustainable Home Decor
Sustainable home decor should be made of natural and organic materials such as bamboo and cotton, rather than synthetics like plastic and vinyl. Bamboo has multiple benefits, as it is strong, hard-wearing, and offers natural insulation.
Opting for sustainable furniture helps to reduce your carbon footprint while looking stylish. You could also add rugs made from sisal, jute, or bamboo to create an eco-friendly natural vibe. See if you can find used furniture made from sustainable materials that you can refinish and use in your home.
A key factor in making your home more environmentally friendly is choosing energy-efficient appliances. When selecting lights for your home, choose LED or CFL bulbs, as these will save more energy over time.
Lastly, reduce your water consumption by using low-flow faucets and shower heads. By incorporating reusable and sustainable home decor, you can reduce your carbon footprint and maintain an eco-friendly home.
Growing an Eco-Friendly Garden
Growing an eco-friendly garden is a great way to help make your home more environmentally friendly. It focuses on using sustainable, natural practices to create a vibrant, healthy, and beautiful garden. This includes using the following:
- Natural fertilizers
- Composting
- Collecting rainwater
- Avoiding pesticides
- Growing native plants
- Using organic materials
All of these practices will reduce your environmental impact while increasing your garden’s effectiveness and beauty. It can also be a great source of fresh vegetables and fruits when grown organically.
Learn More About Clean Energy Sources Today
Ultimately, clean energy source options for the home are growing. With various approaches and access to resources, it is now easier than ever to focus on creating a sustainable environment in our own homes.
Be sure to carefully weigh all available options and consider investing in clean energy sources for your home today!
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