Being more conscious of our impact on the environment is becoming increasingly important. With Earth Day on April 22, now may be the time to take small steps to become more environmentally friendly.
By making some simple changes in your household, you can begin to play a role in protecting the environment. And the best part? It doesn’t require spending a fortune.
"Living a green lifestyle doesn’t need to be expensive. As the world goes through a green revolution, living a cleaner life becomes more affordable and easier to start,” says Matthias Alleckna, energy industry analyst for EnergyRates.ca, an energy comparison website.
1. Switch to LED
Switching the light bulbs throughout your home to LED bulbs is one of the simplest ways to reduce your energy usage and your energy bill. LED lights use 75% less energy and can last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs, said Alleckna. The average cost of an LED bulb is about $5 and they last about 25,000 hours, according to eartheasy. “These numbers may not sound like much, but if you apply that calculation to every light bulb in your home, including the time each one of them is on every day, you will find surprising results,” he said.
2. Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are another way to reduce your home’s energy consumption. These thermostats are known for being able to automatically adjust the temperature of your home based on your preferences and behaviors. “A smart thermostat will allow you to reduce up to 20% in heating or cooling expenses per year,” said Alleckna. (Here are some other ways to lower your heat bill.) You also don’t have to spend a fortune to get a smart thermostat. Consumer Reports highlights on many options — from Ecobee, Honeywell and Nest — available for less than $200.
3. Change up your landscape
When it comes to making your house more environmentally friendly, you should include landscaping.
Cassy Aoyagi, board member of the Los Angeles chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, suggests planting native perennials.
4. Transition to solar
One of the most significant ways to make your home greener is by switching to solar. While it’s not the cheapest option, it also doesn’t have to be prohibitive. “There are a number of solar companies that offer programs where they foot the cost of installing solar on your rooftop and you simply pay them the monthly fee for your electric use rather than your usual local utility company,” said Maya van Rossum, author of The Green Amendment: Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environment. There are an increasing number of state programs that support solar. The U.S. government also offers a 30% solar tax credit.
