On some level, most of us are still feeling the impact of the pandemic.  But it’s not all bad:  It seems that our dear Earth just might be getting a much-needed break from us.  I’m noticing that we still have fewer planes in the skies, fewer cars on the roads.  Some of us have been forced to find sustainable alternatives to the disposable items that we once took for granted.

For instance, when there were no paper towels on store shelves, I came up with a sustainable alternative that I still use now because it actually works better for me.  And, like many sustainable practices, it is also saving me money.

I would love to see the concept of sustainable living continue to gain momentum.  And today’s guest post, with a few tips and suggestions, is a good place to start.

The following is a contributed post.  For more on my contributed posts, please see this page.

Tips for Making Your Home More Sustainable

Having a more sustainable household is something that can really help our environment. In order to save our planet for generations to come, we need to be aware of how much of an impact we’re making when it comes to our carbon footprint.

Here are some tips to help you make your home more sustainable.

Consider Solar Panels

 

It was once very unusual to see solar panels used in either business or residential settings. They were a costly splurge that many people could not afford. But, with more people embracing them, they are becoming increasingly affordable.

Solar panels are a great way to help power your home while reducing the amount of electricity that your home pulls from your utility company on a daily basis. So, not only are you saving electricity, but you’ll likely also save a hefty amount on your utility bills.

If you’re considering solar panels, check out this local solar panel company to get started.

Grow Your Own Vegetables And Herbs

 

Have you ever thought about growing food right in your own back yard? Well, it’s easier than you think. Before the advent of the supermarket, generations before us used to do it out of necessity.

And growing your own food definitely has its advantages: Homegrown vegetables are usually more fresh and delicious than store-bought. And you can decide to go all-organic in your growing.  You have control of how your food is grown, and you know exactly what is (and isn’t) in it.

Learning to grow your own vegetables and herbs is something that you can take your time with.  Start with the basics, and expand from there. Attend a few seminars at your local nursery, find some good reading sources, and talk to friends and neighbors who already have successful vegetable gardens.

Be Conscious Of Utility Usage

 

It’s good practice to look at what you’re using in terms of your utilities like water, gas, and electricity. Strive to take tiny and simple measures like not leaving the water running while you brush your teeth – or taking short showers instead of baths.  Fix any plumbing leaks you might have.  Turn off the lights when you leave a room.  Put your heating system on a timer or programmable thermostat.  All these little things add up.

If everyone in your household commits to taking these painless steps, you can shrink your carbon footprint – and save money.

 

Aim To Use Less Plastic

 

And finally, try to be more plastic-free. It can be quite a challenge to have a completely plastic-free household, but the more you can do to reduce how much plastic you purchase, the better.

Buy items that are made of sustainable materials instead of plastic.  And, look at the way things are packaged.  Avoid plastic packaging where you can.

Small changes can make a huge impact.  Take for example one case of bottled water:  The water is packaged in 56 single-use plastic bottles.  That’s a lot of plastic.  If instead you invest in some good-quality reusable water bottles, and refill them using a large water dispenser, you’ll have kept 56 plastic bottles out of the landfill – and possibly the ocean.  And that is just for starters.

Making our homes more sustainable is the least that we can do for the environment to ensure that it’s healthy for future generations.

 

Posts on this website are for entertainment only and are not tutorials.

 

 

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