The Best Tips for Choosing an Eco-Friendly Home
If you have watched the news lately, then you have likely seen that the people of the world are starting to turn their attention to the environment and what they can do to help our planet thrive. After all, this is our only home and if we do nothing then we can’t survive. Some people believe that they can’t do enough on their own but that is simply not the truth. By finding and living in an eco-friendly home, you can avoid waste and be a part of the solution. Follow these tips today.
Avoid Waste
There are many changes that you can make around your property that could make a big difference as far as limiting waste. Many of these adjustments are easy and cost-effective, such as switching out your current shower head for a low-flow option or changing out all of your incandescent light bulbs and using LEDs instead. LEDs are great because not only will they last longer so you don’t have to throw them away, but they are also much brighter so they can improve the quality of your life. You can also invest in high-quality and sustainable lighting products from Technolamp!
Another great way to limit waste is to have a smart thermostat. This nifty tool is especially important during the hottest and coldest months when you may be blasting your heat or air conditioning. Since you don’t need to use these resources when you are not home, you can set a smart thermostat to only work when you are on the premises which will avoid waste and save you money.
Do Your Own Maintenance
While you should do your research to find a home or apartment that is already built sustainably, if you own your home, there are some maintenance tasks that you should prioritize in order to limit unnecessary waste. For one, check the seals around all of your windows as there is often a gap, and if there is, then your heating and air conditioning will leak outdoors and your systems will work harder than necessary. You can seal your windows with caulk, and if that doesn’t work, consider having them replaced.
If you have the option, it is also wise to install solar panels on your home. Solar panels may have a large cost upfront, but they are well worth it over time and they can ensure that you can keep your lights on and your electronics buzzing without needing to rely on the electric company. The power you get from the utility company requires the burning of dangerous fossil fuels, while solar panels need only the power of the sun.
Move and Get Around
You can also make smart, sustainable decisions that will allow you to help the planet even when you leave the house, and the best way to do that is to find a home or apartment that is in close proximity to your job and the stores that you go to frequently, so you don’t have to create pollution during your travels. If your job is close enough, you may be able to walk or ride your bike which is also good for your physical health.
Once you decide on a home, you can even make the moving process more sustainable by finding movers that make it a point to avoid waste and use eco-friendly trucks. Once you have a shortlist of candidates, ask them to come to your home so they can see what needs to be moved, and then ask them for a written price quote that you can refer back to later.
Don’t Forget About Home Insurance
Your home is probably your most valuable asset, so it makes sense to protect it with a good home insurance policy. If you're looking for homeowners insurance, there are many different types of home insurance available, so it's important to shop around and find one that covers all the eventualities you're worried about. For example, if you live in an area prone to floods or earthquakes, make sure your policy covers those risks. Home insurance can be expensive depending on the age and condition of your home, claims history, and location, but the peace of mind it offers is priceless.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can create a sustainable life wherever you live, and rest assured that your efforts are making a difference. Once you find a home, make eco-friendly updates, plan your move, and don’t neglect purchasing home insurance.
Source - Unsplash
Tina Martin