DIY Your House Into a More Sustainable and Cost-Efficient Home
Guest Post Author: Danny Knight
The things we do every single day, most of the time without ever thinking twice about it, impact our environment now and for generations into the future. We don’t consciously waste energy or resources, but it is a fact of modern life, especially in the U.S., where we don’t routinely encounter a scarcity of resources.
Fortunately for the earth, we as a global community have become more aware of how what we were doing individually and collectively is harmful, and that what we can do individually and collectively now can turn that around. Benchmaster Woodworx presents some small steps you can take to make your home more sustainable.
You Can Do It
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or make big drastic changes to make a difference. The small things you do add up to make big changes. For instance, you can begin now to make your home more eco-friendly while saving money on energy costs. And, you can even do it yourself!
One of the side benefits of making eco-friendly improvements to your home is that you’re adding to your home’s value. People just like you want to live in smart, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable homes and will look for that when they’re house shopping. Be sure and keep receipts and take before and after photos to verify your improvements and expenditures when selling.
When you're considering purchasing new products, look for options that are made more sustainably, like the benches, light fixtures, and decor from Benchmaster Woodworx. Supporting ethical businesses with sustainable practices gives you quality items you can be proud of and sends a message to traditional businesses that sustainability does matter.
It Starts So Simply - With LED Bulbs
How easy is it to screw in a light bulb? Pretty darn easy, right? But the impact on the planet and on your light bill when you choose to make that light bulb an LED is not a small thing.
LED bulbs last significantly longer than other bulbs because they don’t have any parts that burn down like a filament and they don’t break down over time. LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours—almost three years of constant use. And LED lights use up to 75% less energy than conventional forms of lights.
LED lights are available in a multitude of colors, styles, and color temperatures so you can light your home in a variety of styles and enhance the ambiance in every room.
Reduce Paper Waste by Going Digital
As technology continues to advance, it has become more and more important to consider switching to digital options in order to save paper. Going digital saves not only trees and resources but also money and space in the home. You can opt for most bills and statements to be sent to you electronically. Then, you can combine PDF files using a free online tool. Just drop in the file, arrange them, and save the new merged version.
With the availability of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, it's easier than ever to access and store important documents, bills, and other paperwork without having to print everything out. Making the switch to digital not only benefits the environment, but also offers a convenient and organized solution for managing household paperwork.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
This is one energy-smart feature that can really save you a significant amount of money on your monthly energy bills. Being able to set the thermostat to maintain your home at a consistent temperature means you’re not cooling a cool house or warming a warm home.
A smartphone-controlled thermostat is easy to install yourself – you can do it in under thirty minutes – and it will maintain your home at whatever temperature you want it to be. You can control it from your phone, leaving it at a lower temperature in winter when you’re gone, and then warming it up on your way home, or vice versa in summer. Some of them, like Nest from Google, even learn how you like your thermostat setting throughout the day and will do it for you.
Save Water
Look into low-flow showerheads to prevent wasting water when you shower. They reduce the amount of water flowing through the shower head without sacrificing power and pressure. They work by using special restrictors or aerators in the showerhead to reduce the flow rate. Switching from a traditional showerhead to a low-flow showerhead can save an average of 2.5 gallons of water per minute, or up to 20 gallons of water per 10-minute shower.
Low-flow showerheads also save you money in energy costs. Heating water is the second largest use of energy in your home right after temperature control. And low-flow shower heads are inexpensive and easy to install.
Create a Vegetable Garden
This is a project that’s not only good for the planet’s health but it’s good for your health too. By planting some of your own foods you’re controlling exactly how they’re grown. It’s a fun and tasty way to reduce your carbon footprint. And a garden beautifies your home too!
You don’t have to decide between flowers and vegetables in your garden either. Planting flowers and vegetables in the same bed is a strategy professional growers use to boost yields and keep crops healthy.
Take a Few Steps Towards Sustainability
These easy and inexpensive DIY projects that make your home more environmentally friendly compensate you and establish your home as more valuable. It’s difficult to see any reason why we don’t make these changes right now.
Image by Pexels
Danny Knight is a blogger, a diy'er and an encourager of others to try their hand at something! You can read more from him here at his website: fixitdads.com
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