If you want to make a deeper commitment to the planet’s health and wellbeing, you can improve your environmentally conscious decision-making by starting right now in your life. It is not always easy to begin this journey, but don’t be dismayed if you are lacking clarity about where to start. Here are a few tips to help you start down the path of environmentally conscious and energy-efficient living.
Substitute Your Energy Sources
If your home utilizes finite energy sources, you can replace this with renewable energy like solar energy. By using solar panels and a home battery backup you can be ready to embrace greener living. You can power your home and even prepare yourself for power outages. By opting for cleaner energy sources, you can do your part to reduce your negative impact.
Increase Your Natural Light
If you are open to minor renovations, increasing your natural light at home can serve both an aesthetic and an environmental purpose. By harnessing the sun’s rays in your home, you will find yourself with an increase in warmth and light without any additional energy. While this is beneficial for practice purposes, this also increases your home’s aesthetic appeal and can be a worthwhile update if you ever go to sell your home.
Update Your Windows
According to Neeoco’s mass save energy assessment, Natural light is a wonderful resource in our homes; however, without proper preparation, it can have the opposite effect. If you do not have proper insulation around your windows or energy-efficient windows, you may have energy leaking out from your home. Not only can this waste a significant amount of energy, but it also can leave you with exorbitant energy expenses which is why you need to assess your windows as you look to embrace a green lifestyle.
Inspect Your Insulation
If you suspect that windows may not be the only place where energy is escaping from your home, consider inspecting your insulation. Not all insulation is created the same and many previously used insulation materials did not age well and may not be holding up. If you are concerned about energy leaks, your insulation may be a culprit.
Identify Gaps and Leaks
Windows and insulation may not be the only culprits of energy leaks around your home. If you think that there may be areas of your home that may be improperly sealed, consider taking some time to identify gaps in your home. Doors, small breaks or gaps in your home and basements and attics are often some of the more egregious agitators of home energy efficiency. Even with the best-informed decisions, if you have leaks within your home, you are likely to be engaging in a losing battle if there are significant gaps.
Conduct an Energy Audit
If your energy use is off the charts or your utility expenses are far beyond what they should be, you likely have an issue that requires your attention for both environmental and budgetary reasons. An energy audit can identify major problem areas or issues. Whether you enlist the help of a professional or conduct the audit yourself, this can pinpoint your problem. With this additional information, you can develop a well-informed plan of how to address your energy issues.
Turn Off and Unplug Unused Appliances and Devices
This may seem obvious, turning off devices and appliances that are not currently in use is a key element of green living. A useful rule of thumb is that if you are not using it, take a moment to turn it off and unplug it. You may not realize it, but even when devices are plugged in but turned off, they may still be pulling small amounts of energy.
Assess the Businesses You Buy From
While your home is a key place to start living a greener lifestyle, the businesses you support can have a major impact on your sustainable living. Large corporations can be some of the biggest contributors to environmental harm and improper energy use. With some research into their business practices and their commitment to the planet, you can make better-informed choices. Even better, consider opting for small, local businesses that directly support the community and the planet.
Opt for Energy Efficient Transportation
Many people use transportation frivolously, just because it is the thing that many people do without giving it a lot of consideration. If you can, consider using transportation methods that do not require energy use, including walking and biking whenever possible. If you need to use transportation methods that use finite resources, consider using more environmentally friendly options like eco-friendly cars.
As you look to increase your support of a healthier planet, know that there is so much that you can do in your personal life. Your individual choices can make a difference, you just need to decide where you are going to start.
