How to Make Your Home Habits a Little Greener

By Eileen O’Shanassy

Protecting the environment is a global effort that extends from huge agricultural enterprises to an individual level. While you may not be able to invest in completely renewable energy at this point, there are other things you can do around your home that are a bit more “green” and friendlier to the environment.

Replace Your Lights

Replace old incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LEDs for significant energy savings. These bulbs can emit the same amount of lumens while reducing the overall energy usage by up to 75 percent. They also last longer and don’t emit nearly as much heat, which is a huge benefit during those hot summer nights. These are available in both a white and yellowish temperature to give you the option that suits your needs.

Seal Gaps and Doors

Heating your home is another significant use and cost of energy. Seal up gaps around windows or doors that let drafts in. Consider replacing your old windows with new energy-efficient ones that will help insulate your home, keeping you warmer while reducing your energy usage. Be sure to check for leaks every year and update your sealants as they degrade overtime as well.

Fix Drips and Leaks

A small drip in your sink might not seem like a big deal, but a single leak can waste more than 90 gallons of water every day depending on how significant of a leak it is. Check out your pipes and replace aging plumbing with new pipes and connectors to prevent future leaks from popping up. A single leak is a sign that others might soon follow. It might be necessary to contact a plumber if you can’t find and fix it yourself.

Lawn and Yard Care

A Utah landscaping professional says you can landscape your yard to make it more aesthetically appealing and natural with native plants and trees. They add variety to your yard without costing you a lot in order to care for them. In other areas that require more time and attention, such as around trees or along the house, you might want to use a lawn care service to clean up and get your yard in the best shape.

Being green doesn’t have to cost hundreds of dollars or tons of time. Making simple changes in your lifestyle and around the home allows you to be environmentally conscious and save money at the same time.

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Eileen O’Shanassy is a freelance writer and blogger based out of Flagstaff, AZ. She writes on a variety of topics and loves to research and write. She enjoys baking, biking, and kayaking. Check out her Twitter @eileenoshanassy.