Eco Friendly Home

Being truly eco-friendly means taking a holistic approach to saving energy and other natural resources. Every goal starts with a small step, though, and making your home eco-friendly is not all or nothing. It requires planning and taking a series of steps to move toward a sustainable lifestyle that does not hurt the planet. More and more people are now moving toward sustainability because not only does that contribute to the environment, it also saves you some $$. Here are the top 5 things you can do to make your home more environmentally friendly and save money in doing so.

Reduce water consumption

An average American family uses 400 gallons of water every day. With this scale of consumption, we can all do our part to save water. Check for any water leakages; become more mindful when using water while cooking, cleaning, and bathing; and implement systems like low-flow showerheads that reduce unnecessary water waste.

Use natural cleaning products

Using chemical-based detergents and soaps for cleaning is harmful to the environment. When these chemicals get washed away, they mix into the water supply. Then, it takes a complex purification process for that water to be usable again. The good news is that in most cases, natural cleaners such as soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar can be used for cleaning purposes, reducing exposure to chemicals.

Buy recycled products

Most things we use in our daily lives come in a recycled version. Wherever we can, it is a good idea to use recycled products such as toilet tissues, plastic containers, and kitchen rolls. Using recycled products allows us to contribute our part to a sustainable environment.

Get indoor plants

Live plants can double as natural air filters for your home. Improve your home’s eco-friendliness by growing indoor plants that also enrich the flow of oxygen in your home. This simple change will prove beneficial for your overall health and well being.

Switch to Solar

One of the best ways to make your home eco-friendlier is by switching to a sustainable energy source, like solar energy. Energy consumption continues to be depletive to our environment and our limited reserve of fossil fuels. Shifting to solar energy can be the best decision you make this year to improve your home’s self sufficiency. Plus, solar panel installation for homes in Minnesota can be a seamless process with the right contractor. Solar panel installation helps you cut down on utility bills and earn your solar investment back in the long haul. In states such as Minnesota, solar panel installation incentives and tax credits further reduce the cost of setup. When you install residential solar systems in Minnesota, you increase the value of your home, making solar a smart investment even if you plan on selling your property. Overall, going solar is a win-win for both your pocket and the planet.

Take a few tiny steps to keep waste to a minimum and make your personal contribution to reducing your carbon footprint. While a lot of these changes seem small or insignificant, they leave a lasting impact on the environment.

Moreover, by your actions, you encourage your friends & relatives to make environment-friendly choices and do their part in conserving nature. Keep improving the green aspects of your home and enjoy its increased sustainability.

About The Author

Article written by Rob Appelhof, President and CEO at Cedar Creek Energy. Cedar Creek Energy is a solar company in Minnesota for turnkey Commercial and Residential solar solutions, EPC services, LED-lighting and retrofitting operation and maintenance (O & M) of existing systems, and other renewable energy solutions.