7 Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly That You Likely Haven’t Thought Of

7 ways to make your home more eco-friendly that you likely haven’t thought of.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

7 ways to make your home more eco-friendly that you likely haven’t thought of. Image Unsplash.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly That You Likely Haven’t Thought Of

People are becoming more aware of the importance of protecting the planet by reducing waste, employing sustainable practices, and conserving precious resources. You may be looking for additional ways to maintain an eco-conscious lifestyle. 

Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just starting your sustainable living journey, these financially savvy and functional tips will help you make your home more eco-friendly.  

  1. Use Beeswax Wraps

Swap out cling film, aluminum foil and single-use freezer bags for reusable beeswax wraps. They’re made from cotton infused with food-grade beeswax, rosin and coconut oil and are self-adhesive, so they can be folded into bags and grip the sides of containers. 

They come in various designs and sizes and are efficient for packing lunch, putting away leftovers, or storing produce and snacks. You can use the wraps for raw meat or other wet food items, but you should place the food in a container first and then use the wrap as a cover. 

Beeswax wraps are generally long-lasting, depending on use, maintenance and washing. Clean them with cold, soapy water, rinse and air dry. When they crack, restore the bonds in the wax by putting it out in the sun or in the oven on a baking tray. When beeswax wraps have lost grip and need to be replaced, you can put them in your compost pile or bury them in the garden. 

  1. Use All Food Scraps 

Use everything you have to its full capacity. You can use food scraps in various ways to produce less waste and create more meals, saving you money. Here are some ideas: 

  • Grow more vegetables: You can use vegetable tops and roots from celery, lettuce, celery and potatoes to grow more. If you’ve ever wanted to start a home garden, now is the best time. 
  • Make vegetable broth: Onion skins, potato skins, carrot peels, pea pods and corn cobs can be used to make vegetable stock.
  • Make candied treats: Mix apple slices with potato peels and bake them with cinnamon and honey for a crunchy treat. You can make candied lemon peel treats with leftover lemon rind or any citrus peel.
  • Make muffins with juicer pulp: If you use a juicer regularly, juice pulp muffins will ensure every piece of fruit and vegetable is used well. 
  1. Clean and Replace Filters Regularly 

Appliance filters should be cleaned or replaced correctly to save energy and money. 

Dryer Filter

Clogged filters block air from flowing through the dryer, which can cause the machine to overheat and use more energy than necessary. A clean air dryer filter works faster and more efficiently to dry your clothes. Clean your filter regularly or air dry your clothes on a washing line or drying rack. If you can’t do this, clean the screen every few weeks.  

To clean the filter, remove lint buildup with your hands or vacuum cleaner. Place it in a sink of hot water for a few minutes and rinse with cold water. Dry the non-filter parts with a clean towel and let it air dry. Vacuum the space where the lint screen sits and return the filter to position. 

HVAC Filter

You should replace your HVAC filters every one to three months to keep contaminants out and airflow smooth. Ensure the old filter is disposed of properly and recycled. Some recycling facilities and HVAC service centers allow you to bring it in. 

Fridge Condenser Coils

Over time, condenser coils with buildup reduce your fridge’s ability to keep your food cold. Cleaning them will improve your refrigerator’s efficiency and save energy, and you should do this every few months. 

Move your appliance to access the coils, which are usually hidden by a panel at the back or the front. Unplug the fridge. Use a brush or flathead attachment to vacuum the coils and use a toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas. Replace the panel. 

  1. Invest in Smart Power Strips 

Buy power strips for your TV, charging areas and home office to increase energy-saving efficiency. Everything from your laptop chargers to your television consumes energy when plugged in, even if you’re not using them. 

Smart power strips detect when a device is in standby mode and will cut off the power supply, which reduces your electricity bill and saves energy in the long run.

  1. Install a Low-Flow Shower Head

Low-flow shower heads save water and money by lowering consumption from 5 gallons to less than 2 a minute. Your electricity bill will also go down since less water use decreases the demand for water heaters. Low flow doesn’t mean low pressure. Newer models use small holes and air to create high-pressure water flow. Check the details of a showerhead before you buy it to ensure you can adjust the water pressure. 

To test if you need a low-flow showerhead, set a timer to see how long it takes for the water to fill a 1-gallon bucket. You need a more energy-efficient version if it takes less than 20 seconds to fill up. 

  1. Install Outdoor Solar Lights 

You may have already swapped out your incandescent lights for longer-lasting LED bulbs. Take it a step further and install solar lights in your yard. Electricity is responsible for 34 billion metric tons of carbon emissions yearly, and solar lights are an eco-friendly option that reduces your carbon footprint and saves money on electric bills. Plus, they’re low maintenance and require no connecting wires. 

  1. Choose Bamboo Products 

Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly materials on the planet due to its quick growth and ability to regrow naturally after the culm is cut off. This means soil is left undisturbed, which allows ecosystems to form around the roots and keep them healthy. Bamboo also requires little water and can adapt to different environments, making it easy to harvest and grow. 

Bamboo releases 35% more oxygen than trees and can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide depending on the size of the hectares the plant occupies. Bamboo will play a crucial role in a green future, which is why people have started using it to manufacture eco-friendly products. 

Look for products with FSC, OCIA and Oeko-Tex certifications and prioritize products made directly from bamboo, like utensils and toothbrushes.  Although bamboo is eco-friendly and renewable, processed rayon textiles made out of it can still harm the planet, so you should shop consciously. If you want to try sheets or textiles, ensure they are labeled “organic bamboo” and “bamboo linen.”

Every Change Counts 

Implementing just one of these ideas can reduce your carbon footprint and minimize waste while creating a healthier living environment. There are countless ways to make a positive impact with your lifestyle choices.

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