With environmental issues becoming more and more difficult to ignore, there is a lot of talk about sustainability. One great way to focus on your personal sustainability is to make your home more eco-friendly. So much of our carbon footprint comes from the energy we use in our homes. We also waste a lot of food and water. If you are trying to make your home more sustainable, there are a variety of ways you can do so. Below are household products that can make your household more environmentally-friendly.
1. Smart Thermostat
The biggest culprit for energy usage is heating and air conditioning. While maintaining your air conditioner is vital to cutting down on the amount of power used by your system, you should take a look into smart thermostats if you want to cut down on the amount of power you use.
Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere on your phone. This means that you can leave the thermostat off while you are gone and bring it to your ideal temperature on your way home, cutting down on the massive amount of energy used to keep your home at an optimal temperature the whole time you are away. You may even be able to control each room and change the temperature based on individual preferences. Smart thermostats are great because they will help you cut down on energy use while providing the comfort desired from air conditioning and heating.
2. Kitchen Products
Like thermostats, there are other products that come in energy-saving “smart” alternatives. A smart refrigerator will help you save power. Another smart appliance you can use to cut down on energy use is a smart dishwasher. Not only will it use less power, it will save water as well. Beyond smart dishwashers, the soap and sponges you use in your kitchen have an impact on the environment as well.
Choose organic or all-natural soaps. These have less of an effect on the planet and are better for your skin. In addition, a konjac sponge is a great alternative to the typical sponges. Made from a plant root that is native to Southeast Asia, these sustainable sponges are soft but get the job done. Furthermore, replacing paper products with bamboo will make a huge difference. Not only do they last longer, they are much better for the environment.
3. Bamboo Over Plastic
Like paper products, plastic can be replaced by bamboo alternatives. Just about anything you own that uses plastic can be found in bamboo. Whether it’s a bamboo brush for your hair, teeth, or dishes, a set of bamboo cutlery, or containers for leftovers, there is no end to the amount of bamboo products that are available. They are very durable, offering strength and longevity in addition to the environmentally-friendly nature of bamboo. Bamboo is plentiful and doesn’t produce as much oxygen from carbon dioxide as other trees do. However you look at it, choosing bamboo over plastic is a great way to make your home more sustainable.
4. Paper Products
Finally, whether you are buying paper towels, toilet paper, or even stationary, choosing bamboo paper products over the traditional options can make a difference in the efficiency and sustainability of your household. Bamboo toilet paper is stronger, requiring less to get the job done. Traditional paper products come from trees that produce a lot of oxygen out of the carbon dioxide in the air. We need more of them around to combat the amount of carbon in our atmosphere warming our planet. Bamboo is a very sustainable plant that is used to create durable and strong products.
Whatever you do for a living and however much money you have, making your home more sustainable isn’t just good for the planet—it is good for your wallet. The less product you use, the less you will have to buy. When it comes down to it, the sustainable options are the most affordable in the end. They might be more expensive at first, but over time the savings will add up. Just be conscious about what you are using, what you are buying, and how much you should be saving. Then you will be able to take an honest look at how sustainable your home is.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
