7 ways to make your home more eco-friendly
Whether you’re thinking about a full-scale remodel or just basic maintenance, make 2022 the year you go green for good.
When you’re wrapped up in the excitement of flashier changes like picking out paint colors and flooring, it’s easy not to want to dive deep into the VOC rating of that gallon of paint you just bought or find out if that new hardwood is from ethically sourced materials.
But the truth is, just like that perfect shade of greige, going green can greatly improve your everyday life at home. Renewable resources and alternative energy are part and parcel of an entire approach to your home that can increase your comfort, lower your energy bills and protect the environment all at once.
Sustainable living isn’t just about the energy sources and materials you use — you can incorporate these elements into every aspect of home improvement.
Here are seven tips for incorporating Earth-friendly strategies into your home decisions:
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Don’t overlook simple energy-saving steps
Go through your home and identify points where you’re leaking air. Door and window edges are common culprits. Weather stripping, caulking and minimizing leaks can increase your home’s energy efficiency at a minimal cost.
Repurpose what you have
Be mindful of what you’re using when you renovate, and look for ways to upcycle or repurpose what you already own. For example, do you really need new cabinets, or will refacing them get the results you want while using fewer materials?
Put a premium on lifespan
When it’s time to replace things, think about the next replacement down the road. The longer a material or appliance lasts, the longer it takes before it reaches the landfill, which lowers your project’s potential negative environmental impact. A metal roof, for instance, will last longer than almost any other material.
Go for lower flow
Your water fixtures make a big difference. For instance, nearly a third of your water usage comes from toilet flushing. Install low-flow faucets, showers and toilets to bring down your water consumption — and your bill.
Pick alternative materials
With many home services, you can specifically request eco-friendly materials. For example, household cleaning solutions can use plant-based cleaning supplies that gently break down stains. Look for the EPA Safer Choice logo when shopping for your own goods.
Protect the south side of your house
The south side of your home gets the most direct and harsh sunlight. Heavy drapes and high-efficiency windows can help deal with this extra load. Planting trees and large shrubs in that area will also help create a shady oasis.
Plan for green replacements
Sooner or later, you’ll be making big-ticket purchases such as new heating, roofing or appliances. Start planning now for renewable options when you make these bigger investments. You probably won’t install a geothermal HVAC system on a whim, but you might do so if you’re replacing your system anyway.
Your everyday toolkit: Keep these items on hand for home repairs
Basic toolbox
Keep a box with these essential basics: tape measure, claw hammer, utility knife, level, crescent wrenches, hex keys, a handsaw, pliers, multiple screwdrivers and a collection of screws and nails.
Try to keep it organized and easily accessible; it’s very easy for a tool box to dissolve into chaos if you don’t keep things in proper order. You’ll thank yourself later on when you need to find a particular screwdriver for a task.
Fire extinguisher
Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher per floor. If you have only one, make sure it’s near the kitchen, where most home fires start.
Look for an ABC-rated unit that will extinguish all fire types.
Teach everyone in the home where it is and how to use it. While you’re at it, make sure your family has a plan to escape in the event of fire, and practice it.
Drill and drill bits
A battery-powered drill and driver is an essential home tool. Add a selection of drill bits in many sizes to be ready for whatever you need.
The standard 12-volt cordless drill you can find at many big-box stores should provide more than enough juice for most home purposes.
Emergency supply kit
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends keeping an easily accessible kit with these items for emergencies: three days of food for every person in the house, 1 gallon of water per day per person, first-aid kit, flashlight, weather radio, basic tools, dust masks, plastic sheets, garbage bags, can opener, medicine, hygiene products and cellphone charger.
You can find more details from FEMA at Ready.gov/kit.
Stepladder/step stool
A must-have for many household needs. Many injuries take place due to people using chairs or other inappropriate stand-ins for a ladder.
Remember to practice ladder safety: Never go beyond its recommended top step, don’t try to reach just a few inches more, and have a buddy hold and stabilize the ladder for you.
Safety equipment
Keep plastic gloves, leather gloves, dust masks, ear protection and eye protection on hand. You never know when a job might call for them. It’s wise to use protection during a wide variety of tasks — a mishap during yard work or while using a drill can lead to an eye injury. You can usually find safety kits that will include all the basics you need.
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