It’s no secret that climate change is becoming a more urgent concern. For that reason, many homeowners are searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their eco-friendliness.
Fortunately, it’s never been more possible to attain those goals! Read on to learn what homeowners can do to be more sustainable.
Reduce energy use
The first step is a big one, but one that doesn’t require you to buy anything new. Simply keep an eye on your energy usage and figure out where you can do better. Maybe you typically run the dishwasher when it’s three-quarters full; if that’s the case, you should wait until it’s completely full before running your machine.
Perhaps you leave the lights on when you leave a room every once in a while (don’t worry, we all do it). But getting yourself into good habits, like turning the lights off every time, can save you a few bucks each month while reducing your emissions.
Conserve water
A leaky tap can drip out over 3,000 gallons of water each year—that’s 3,000 gallons of water you’re paying for that you don’t get to use! When you notice leaky faucets, have them fixed as soon as possible. If you want to take things a little further with water conservation, you can also install low-flow showerheads in your showers. That simple change can save you about 60 percent on your water bill each month.
Install solar panels
Possibly the single most effective thing you can do to increase your sustainability is to install solar panels. While the initial investment can be high, there are many benefits of having a solar-powered home, including saving money on your electricity bills over time. If you’re worried about getting permits for solar power, don’t be. Most solar installers will get the necessary permits for you.
Now that you know what homeowners can do to be more sustainable, try putting an idea or two from this list into practice. Whether you make big changes or small ones, every bit of effort helps to curb the impacts of climate change.
