The best 5 tips for a greener home

Guest post by Sophia

In the 21st century, we have to care about the environment more than ever. Thanks to technology, science, and many inventions, it is now easy for all of us to start changing the world for the better, starting from our own lives and homes. So, here are some easy tips for a greener home that you can start implementing today.

Using less plastic

This one is a pretty obvious yet important one. Reducing the use of plastic you normally use on daily basis, is a significant change. Starting from plastic bags that are expelled from use in many countries, and moving on to single-use plastic straws, spoons and forks from takeout, as well as water bottles and food containers.

Instead of plastic bags, buy reusable grocery bags that are cheap, have many cute designs, and are eco-friendly. Buy one reusable water bottle, and use biodegradable food containers when packing food. When getting fast food or food from a restaurant, bring your own paper bag. Another small yet important change you can make in your house is switching to eco-friendly stainless steel clothes pegs. Think about how many of those you lose per year, and with these, you will reduce waste, plus many brands care about the design as well, so they can still look cute.

Beauty products

Almost every woman loves makeup and uses it daily in large quantities. When you think about how many bottles, and packaging you go through, it adds up to a big number. However, even your vanity room or table can be eco-friendly.

The first thing is replacing wet-wipes with a makeup removal cloth, and one you can try is Face Halo. This is one step everyone can try, and if you want to take it a bit further, research eco-friendly brands that use natural, Vegan, and sustainable ingredients, as well as wooden packaging. Pick deodorants that are ozone-friendly, or even better, switch to natural deodorant sticks, which are not only eco-friendly, but also safe and healthy for your skin. Or make your own with this DIY deodorant recipe you can find here.

Energy-saving mode

One of the biggest changes we should all make, and that would reflect hugely on saving the environment is the way we use energy and electricity.

The easiest step to start with is to replace regular lightbulbs with LED ones that will last you for years. Keeping track of how much water you use is also important, so get in the habit of turning it off while brushing your teeth or shampooing your hair. You can also make a water tank in your backyard to collect rain which you can then use to water flowers, for example. Don’t leave TVs and computers on standby mode and don’t leave them on when you are not in the room.

Solar panels

Most of these are not only eco-friendly but budget-friendly as well, which is more than enough to look into it. One great way to incorporate both benefits in one is to install solar panels.

They reduce the use of fossil fuels which emits toxic gases when burned to create energy, so you will give your contribution to saving the planet from global warming. You can use them to heat water or provide electricity for lighting or other appliances in the house. With this, your electricity bills will be lower, and it is a long-term solution since the sun will always shine.

Always recycle

Many countries have strict rules about recycling different products, and those rules have to be followed. Otherwise, you can create multiple bins in your home for different types of waste.

Organic waste, like fruits and vegetables, can go in one bin. Paper, plastic and metal in separate ones, but make sure the containers are empty because that way, the recycling process is easier. Other easy ways to recycle in your home are to leave mown grass on the ground because it will absorb the nutrients from it, and also planting trees, to reduce global warming. Check if your local supermarket has a recycling bin because you can use it and get cash coupons in exchange for cans and bottles you bring.

The seemingly small contribution we make by choosing to make our home eco-friendly is actually a significant one. So, start with these simple steps and inspire people around you to do the same.