As the importance of environmental awareness continues to grow in our society, many people seek to introduce the green initiative into all aspects of their lives. In addition to more mindful eating and recycling more often, many individuals also strive to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Going green is often believed to be a rather large undertaking, but it can actually be quite simple. Below are three great ways to make your home eco-friendly.
Go solar
Solar panels are one of the most popular home additions for individuals who want to go green, and with good reason. Solar panels have relatively low maintenance needs, and they can last upwards of 25 years when cared for properly. They also completely eliminate emissions from your home, which will not only minimize your home’s carbon footprint but can also help reduce your home’s monthly energy costs. Another great benefit of solar panels is that you can disassemble them at the end of their long life, and you can recycle most parts. Bear in mind though that not all components of solar panels can be recycled and certain components will require specialized waste removal services.
Choose eco-friendly appliances
A simple way to update your home to a greener design is replacing your current appliances with more eco-friendly versions. Choosing more eco-friendly appliances will help reduce your home’s energy use, which in turn reduces the cost of your monthly energy bills. When choosing more energy-efficient appliances look for items that bear an Energy Star rating. This rating certifies that the product is very energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Energy Star ratings can be applied to most electrical products, including computers, ovens, refrigerators, and televisions. Low-flow faucets and showerheads also offer a great way to introduce eco-friendly appliances into your home. These products slightly restrict the amount of water used without sacrificing water pressure.
Pick a new paint
It may surprise you, but a great way to make your home eco-friendly is by repainting your walls. Unbeknownst to many homeowners, most interior paints contain volatile organic compounds, commonly referred to as VOCs. While this type of solvent does help the pain spread more evenly, it can combine with the molecules in the air to create a fairly dangerous reaction. Painting with low VOC options will reduce this risk, make it easier to breathe, and will help make your home more environmentally friendly. Low VOC paints are odorless and non-toxic, and they release fewer dangerous emissions into the atmosphere.
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