Simple Steps towards an Eco-Friendly Home

With the effects of climate change becoming more apparent than ever, there’s never been a better time for households to become aware of their carbon footprints. Unbeknownst to many of us, basic choices we make on a daily basis have a lasting impact on the world in which we live. However, this isn’t to say that conservation requires families to completely upend their lifestyles. A little bit of knowledge and forward thinking can go a long way in the fight to save the environment and preserve our delicate ecosystem.

Invest in Eco-Friendly Decor

Investing in eco-friendly furniture and décor is a great way to display your commitment to eco-consciousness while imbuing your home with an undeniable sense of style. Virtually any type of home furnishing you can think of is available in an environmentally-friendly form. For example, sofas and chairs made from recycled and/or organic materials are sure to look great in your living room. Additionally, a dining table crafted from recycled wood makes a welcome addition to any kitchen or dining room, and a comfortable organic mattress goes great in any bedroom. Furthermore, replacing traditional carpeting with hardwood, bamboo or tile surfaces can help limit your family’s exposure to dust, dirt, danger and assorted chemicals. As any added bonus, these types of flooring are much easier to clean, which is sure to be a boon to anyone who appreciates a tidy home.

Recycle Regularly

When it comes to doing your part for the environment, recycling is an absolute must. The typical American household produces a significant amount of trash, and a sizable percentage of this waste can be put to good use through recycling. Since recycling policies tend to vary by city and township, everyone in your home should be well-versed in what’s okay to recycle and what isn’t. Furthermore, if your current locale requires recycling to be sorted, make a point of meticulously separating papers, plastics and glasses before putting them out for collection.

Take Responsibility for E-Waste

There’s little wonder as to why so much e-waste is being produced these days. With people constantly upgrading their smart phones, televisions and personal computers, electronics seem to become outdated mere moments after their release. While there’s nothing wrong with getting new devices, it’s imperative that your household take responsibility for the old ones. Many modern-day electronics contain elements that are harmful to the environment, making them ill-suited to sit in dumps and landfills. So if anyone in your household attempts to throw out electronic devices with regular trash, you’ll need to put a stop to this. ave them start recycling apple products and other old electronics using convenient resources like online recycling sites that will pay you cash for your tech devices.

This isn’t to say that disposing of e-waste needs to be a cumbersome chore. If you want to do right by the environment and make some extra money in the process, why not sell any devices you wish to upgrade? Your old phones, TVs and computers may be worth a lot more than you think. Additionally, many schools, community centers and charities are always open to accepting device donations. If the devices you wish to part with no longer work, take them to your nearest e-waste recycling facility.

Be Mindful of Energy Usage

With so many devices running around the clock, the average American household uses quite a bit of energy. Taking measures to limit your home’s energy consumption can prove beneficial for both the environment and your personal finances. For starters, transitioning from traditional light bulbs to LED bulbs can dramatically reduce energy use and the frequency with which bulbs need to be changed. Since LED bulbs can last longer than a decade, any additional upfront cost should prove well worth the investment. Secondly, investing in energy-efficient washers, dryers and kitchen appliances may cost a little more in the short term but save you a small fortune in the long run. Furthermore, every member of your household should be encouraged to turn off lights in unoccupied areas and unplug electronics that are not in use.

These days, no household can afford to put conservation on the backburner. With the effects of climate change being felt all around the world, there’s never been a more crucial time for families to step up and do their part for the environment. While this may sound like an arduous undertaking, reducing your household’s carbon footprint doesn’t have to be inconvenient, strenuous or financially draining. Any family looking to create an eco-friendly home would be wise to heed the previously discussed pointers.