People are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, recognizing the effects of phenomena like climate change and taking actions to counter them. If you’re among those committed to a more sustainable future, you can start at home. EcoMastery Project provides people with the information they need to lead more eco-conscious lives. Read on for a guide to steps you can take to make your home more eco-friendly—and your day-to-day life under your own roof— and more greener.
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Upgrade your thermostat
One of the biggest drains of energy in your home is heating and cooling. This is especially true if you live in a colder climate like Canada, where heating is a must-have in the chilly winter months. You can help minimize needless heating with a smart thermostat. An Energy Star certified thermostat will memorize the ideal temperature in your home and adapt automatically. You will also be able to control your heating remotely via a smartphone.
Switch out your windows
Another way to enhance energy efficiency is to swap out your windows. Old windows may be more prone to drafts, allowing cold air in and hot air out. You might also consider upgrading to double-paned windows. These have two panes of glass with an insulating gas between the panes. You’ll stay toasty warm while heating less. Further, reduce drafts and safe energy with window coverings like curtains and blinds.
Add insulation
Insulation is another way Canadian homeowners can save money on heating while improving their environmental friendliness. If you don’t already have it, consider adding insulation to your home’s walls, attic, and crawl space. An expert can advise on what R-value (the measurement of insulation’s effectiveness) is needed based on your climate. Insulation can also help improve your home’s resale value, as it’s sought-after by buyers.
Upgrade your roofing
To further boost your house’s eco-friendly attributes, upgrade the roof. Old roofing can let in cold and damp. Schedule a roof inspection annually to determine whether your roof is in need of a fix-up. In some cases, simply replacing a few shingles may be sufficient. In others, your roof may require a total revamp. If this occurs, talk to your roofer about adding energy-efficient features like solar panels.
Install solar panels
Solar panels collect ultraviolet energy from the sun and convert it to usable energy. You can have solar panels installed on your rooftop to power household components like lighting. That said, not every environment is suited to solar panels. Factors like the amount of sunlight your home receives, the orientation of your roof, and the presence of shading can all affect the efficiency of your solar panel system. That being said, if your home is located in an area with ample sunlight and minimal shading, solar panels can provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for powering your household needs. Contact a professional solar panel installer to assess your property and help you make an informed decision about installing solar panels for your home. Some northern areas of Canada may not get enough regular sunshine to make this investment worth it. Consult a roofing contractor in your area to find out if this is a viable option for you.
Ditch plastic bags and bottles
Small things can make a big difference when it comes to establishing a more eco-friendly household. You can start by cutting down on plastic use. Instead of plastic shopping bags, invest in some canvas totes you can reuse. When buying bottled goods, prioritize recyclable glass. You can also aim to support businesses that are committed to minimizing plastic waste. For example, buy produce from a farmer’s market instead of prepackaged at a store.
Commit to recycling
Recycling is another small step you can take to reduce your household waste and support a greener and cleaner future. Find out about your area’s recycling programs to see what you can contribute. Paper, glass, and cans are usually accepted. To make recycling easier, set up separate bins to put your recycled goods into. Just make sure to rinse out old cans and bottles beforehand. Otherwise, wild animals will be attracted to food remnants.
Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Excessive lighting use in your home is a needless waste—plus, it costs you money. Establish energy-saving habits by always turning the lights off when you leave the room. You can also implement energy-efficient lighting by getting rid of fluorescent lights and using LED bulbs instead. For outdoor lighting, try using solar-powered lamps. Motion-sensor activated lights are another great option, saving power while enhancing convenience.
Upgrade your appliances
Your lights are only one thing that drains energy in your home. Appliances like your refrigerator, dishwasher, and washing machine likewise use up a lot of power. Consider switching to energy-efficient appliances to save. You might also consider getting efficient plumbing appliances. For example, an energy-efficient toilet will use less water for every flush. This calculator can help you determine what you’ll save.
Unplug unused electronics
Many people don’t realize that their electronic appliances can use up energy even when you aren’t actively using them. Shipley Energy explains that unplugging appliances that aren’t in use can save you money. Plus, it’s good for the environment. Further, unplugging unused appliances means you have fewer devices at risk of damage in case of an unexpected power surge.
Establish a sustainable garden
The changes you make to ensure a more environmentally friendly household also extend to the property’s exterior. Planting a sustainable garden is one great way to improve sustainability. You won’t have to rely on produce sold in supermarkets, which is often shipped long distances. If you live in a cooler area like Canada, look for ways to make your garden all-seasons. Establishing a greenhouse with indoor growing is one option.
Create your own compost
To ensure a thriving garden, you can add some other eco-conscious touches to your property. Compost is a great option. This allows you to safely dispose of organic food scraps. You’ll then be able to use the compost as an all-natural and chemical-free fertilizer for your growing garden. This also saves you money and is better for the surrounding ecosystem, as you aren’t introducing potentially harmful substances into the earth.
Use a rain barrel to save water
A growing garden also needs regular water. However, you don’t have to rely on your municipal water supply to give your plants the moisture they need. Instead, create a rain barrel. This captures rain, dew, and snow from the sky and preserves it, so you can use it for your garden. As with many of the other energy-efficient steps on this list, it’s not only eco-conscious but also saves you money.
Integrate wildlife-friendly landscaping
A vegetable garden is just one component of an environmentally friendly exterior. You can go the extra mile by adding landscaping touches that are wildlife-friendly. For example, bees are notoriously threatened by environmental changes. You can create a bee-friendly garden by adding more flowering herbs and plants. As an added bonus, bees are great pollinators, which means your garden will thrive.
Switch up your home completely
The above guide covers many tweaks you can make to your house to ensure greener daily living. If you make these changes, RedFin recommends tracking all the costs and saving receipts. These upgrades can increase home value and allow you to command a higher price if you sell the property. If you don’t want to make all these modifications, you might instead opt to buy a brand new home. In this case, look out for eco-friendly features like solar panels, dual-pane windows, and high-quality roofing and insulation.
Embracing a more environmentally friendly lifestyle at home has many benefits. You’ll be contributing to a more sustainable future—and reap rewards personally, like reduced energy costs and enhanced home value. The above guide reveals how it’s done. Want more resources to help you lead an environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle? Check out the EcoMastery Project. You’ll find verticals for everything from home building to wellness, gardening, and b
