Explore 5 effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable.

Sustainability is a popular topic, but what does it really mean? It refers to fulfilling your present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It also involves making eco-friendly decisions in how we live. While it might not be possible for most of us to have a fully sustainable home, one that relies solely on nature's resources without harming the environment, there are plenty of steps you can take to increase your home's sustainability.

5. Landscaping

A simple and effective way to make your yard more eco-friendly is by starting a compost pile. Begin by layering brown and green materials like dead leaves and yard trimmings. As time goes on, add vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells, turning the mixture periodically to aerate it. This will eventually yield rich, fertile soil perfect for a vegetable garden – another sustainable addition to your home. For added sustainability, introduce edible plants to your landscape, and replace grass with drought-resistant plants in a xeriscaped yard. Reducing water usage promotes sustainability, and planting deciduous shade trees around your home can also lower air conditioning costs by allowing more sunlight in during the winter months when they shed their leaves.

4. Reuse and Recycle

Within the reduce, reuse, recycle hierarchy, recycling is the least ideal option. While it's better than adding waste to a landfill, reusing items that still have a purpose is far more beneficial for the environment. For instance, instead of discarding broken tools or furniture, consider repairing them. You'd be surprised how much can be fixed with just duct tape. Items like baggies, paper and plastic bags, envelopes, and file folders can be saved for future use and often have a much longer lifespan than most people realize. Recycle printer paper by using both sides, and repurpose grocery containers made of unrecyclable plastic to store household items.

3. Reduce

While recycling and reusing are vital, the most effective practice for sustainability is reducing your impact in the first place. For example, avoid disposable paper plates and cups, and opt for compact fluorescent light bulbs over traditional incandescent ones to save energy and last longer. Fixing leaking pipes can conserve thousands of gallons of water, while weather stripping windows reduces energy loss and cuts heating and cooling costs. Installing low-flow toilets and showerheads is an investment that saves both water and money over time, providing immediate benefits.

2. Make Smart Consumer Choices

The sustainability of your home is greatly impacted by the choices you make as a consumer. Opting for rechargeable batteries reduces waste from non-recyclable items. Purchasing paper products made from recycled materials helps close the sustainability loop. For an even greener option, skip the paper towels and use reusable cloths. Biodegradable trash bags and cups, made from corn, break down over time, reducing plastic waste in landfills. Energy-efficient appliances, like front-loading washers and dryers or high-efficiency dishwashers, not only save energy but also lower your costs in the long run.

1. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners

While many natural cleaners are available today, some still contain synthetic fragrances that can contaminate our water supply. Luckily, you can create effective, environmentally safe cleaners using common household items. White vinegar, with its natural acidity, is great for eliminating mold and bacteria, and works wonders on mirrors and windows. Baking soda is fantastic for deodorizing, while lemon juice serves as another powerful bacteria fighter. Sodium borate, or borax, is a versatile cleaner perfect for scrubbing walls and floors.

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