Many lifestyle changes are easier said than done, but when it comes to going green, it’s just easy as it sounds. Whether you’re moving to a new home or you’re looking for a way to live in a more energy-efficient way, here are some simple changes you can make to go green (besides just recycling).
Create an affordable compost bin
One of the easiest, simplest changes you can make to go green in your home is to create your own compost bin. Instead of continuing to put your food and yard waste in a plastic bag and contributing to landfills, you can create your own compost bin for under 15 dollars. If you have an at-home garden, this will work wonders for you, but if not, you can have your compost picked up or bring it to a local business or organization that can use it. Check out a beginner’s guide to composting here.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs and natural lighting whenever possible
Another simple and affordable way to go green in your home is by replacing your light bulbs with energy-efficient, CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). These use less energy and last much longer than regular light bulbs. You can also lower your electric bill (and your footprint) by using natural light whenever possible and only turning on the lights that are necessary.
Switch to energy-efficient appliances when the time comes
If you recently replaced your appliances or your appliances are still working perfectly fine, you won’t want to do this right away. But when the time comes to replace your washer, dryer, oven, or dishwasher, be sure to switch to energy-efficient ones. This will lower your electric bill and decrease your energy footprint, making them a great investment. Read more recommendations for green kitchen appliances here.
Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Finally, you can switch your cleaning supplies to more eco-friendly alternatives. This can be as simple as switching to reusable hand towels and cleaning rags instead of single-use paper towels, which cannot be recycled and can only sometimes be composted. You can also start buying detergents with more clean, eco-friendly ingredients that are free of harsh chemicals that can be damaging to the ecosystem (check out this list here) or even make your own household cleaners.
These are some easy ways to go green in your home without disrupting your lifestyle or breaking the bank.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This post was written by Bailee Abell. Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at baileeabell.com.