You want to make your home more eco-friendly. How can you do it without breaking the bank?

Break the bank by demanding complete divestment from all fossil fuel companies, and when they refuse, engage only with smaller mutual banks owned by their customers.

The essential aspect of designing any space is to provide enough windows to keep the spaces lit during the daytime. This is affordable than adopting any smart apps and LEDs. Lighting-as-a-service is an innovative business model where the manufacturer takes responsibility of product throughout its life-cycle. The user needs to pay only for the light they use. The manufacturer takes care of replacing burnt-out-bulb and recycling or end-of-life of the product. This can be more affordable than purchasing and managing maintenance cost.

Not only will switching to LED - also having them as Smart bulbs - will contribute to even most cost and energy savings! Common platforms like Amazon allow you to schedule when the light turn on and off (both indoors and outdoors). Extra Note - Various LED offerings are also helpful in security and wayfinding applications.

Greening your home is easy and affordable. Here’s my quick guide: LED Bulbs: Less energy, less cost, more savings. Low-Flow Fixtures: Reduce water use effortlessly. Natural Cleaners: Safe, simple, DIY-friendly. Plants Everywhere: I’m obsessed! They purify air, uplift moods, and transform any space into a lush oasis. My home and office are full of them, creating a beautiful vibe. Upgrade Insulation: Save energy, stay comfortable. Go Renewable: Invest in solar or wind for long-term benefits. Small steps can lead to big environmental (and wallet-friendly) wins. Let’s do this!

LED bulbs have several benefits. Not only are they energy efficient, they are more economical & super convenient because you aren’t changing out bulbs constantly. I always suggest to my clients to change out their bulbs and inform them of the many benefits.

Installing low-flow fixtures is another budget-friendly way to make your home more eco-friendly. These fixtures reduce water consumption by limiting the flow rate without compromising performance. By replacing old faucets, showerheads, and toilets with low-flow alternatives, you can conserve water and lower your utility bills. Additionally, reducing water usage helps alleviate pressure on freshwater resources, contributing to environmental sustainability. With minimal upfront investment, you can enjoy long-term savings while minimizing your environmental impact.

Newer boilers are generally more efficient and will use less energy to heat water. Turning to the garden, you can reduce water consumption by creating a tank to store rainwater from your roof. This will allow you to water your garden during periods of dry weather in the summer, without placing demands on public supplies.

Excited to share one of my favorite eco-friendly swaps: Low-Flow Fixtures: They're awesome for bathrooms and kitchens. Why? Because you use less water without even noticing. It's all about saving without sacrificing. Eco & Wallet Friendly: Imagine cutting your water use by half and saving up to $170 yearly on bills. Yes, please! Simple Swap, Big Impact: Easy to install, and you start seeing the benefits right away. Plus, you’re doing your part for the planet. Switching to low-flow fixtures is a no-brainer for any eco-conscious home. Let's save water and money together!

Installing low flow fixtures is a sure bet in saving water, and including that with sensors for sinks is ideal. Sometimes, the cost of installing low flow fixtures may at times prove too costly. An effective and proven workaround, especially if one stays in self-owned premises, is to control the volume of water at the angle cock and set it to the minimum.

I have been on a health and wellness journey for many years now. One of the first things I did was switch to more natural cleaning products in my home. I had no idea how dangerous products are that are filled with chemicals. I used recipes I found on Pinterest and hear about on social. I also researched more natural products I could buy when time did not allow to make mine.

Transitioning to natural cleaning products is a simple yet effective way to create a more eco-friendly home without breaking the bank. Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can harm both your health and the environment. By opting for natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, you can clean your home effectively while minimizing your exposure to toxins. These ingredients are affordable, readily available, and biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for both your home and the planet.

Cleaning vinegar or white vinegar is is also an inexpensive, eco-friendly and effective cleaning agent! Acetic acid breaks down the structure of dirt, oil, film , stains and bacteria. However it is not good on stone, waxed or polished wood and cast iron surfaces.

I’m all in on natural cleaning products, and here's why: Gentle & Green: They’re kind to our skin, pets, and planet. Ditching harsh chemicals keeps our homes safe and clean. DIY & Save: Mixing up cleaners with vinegar, lemon, or baking soda is not just eco-friendly, it’s budget-friendly too. Pure Air, Pure Home: Natural cleaners reduce indoor air pollution, making our homes healthier and happier spaces. Natural Fibers: I’m also a huge fan of natural clothes like linen, cotton, and wool. They feel great, last long, and are kind to the earth. Embracing natural choices, from cleaning supplies to clothing, enhances our lives and protects the environment.

Our family uses a mixture of thieves oil and vinegar in a spray bottle to clean everything from faucets and toilets, surfaces and door knobs. We even use it to de-odorize some fabrics. It's cost effective and works like a charm!

Incorporating plants into your home offers diverse benefits, from improving air quality to adding a touch of natural beauty. Each plant has its own unique characteristics. Some options to consider include: - the resilient Snake Plant, - the low-maintenance Chinese Evergreen, - the striking Staghorn Fern, or - the elegant Orchid. Remember to choose plants that suit your lifestyle and your local climate.

Aligning your home's sanitation with the use of plants can be incredible. The banana island and the biological filters that include marsh plants create a good solid effluent system, guaranteeing a beautiful garden and adequate sanitation treatment. Biological filtration systems are simple and cheap to make, that's a good idea!

After I heard so much about the benefits of house plants, I jumped on the bandwagon. I never had a green thumb, but looked for plants that are easier to take care of. I enjoy the benefits and the way they look. When I list a home for sale, I try to always place these specific plants around.

Planting a lawn instead of a hard surface can reduce the summer heat coming off that surface. Choosing the right lawn for your area, can lower maintenance costs and also are drought tolerant.

Incorporating indoor plants into your home decor is a cost-effective way to improve air quality and enhance the overall eco-friendliness of your space. Plants naturally purify the air by absorbing harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen, creating a healthier indoor environment for you and your family. Additionally, plants can regulate humidity levels and reduce noise pollution, further enhancing the comfort and sustainability of your home. With a variety of affordable plant options available, you can easily greenify your space while staying within budget.

Upgrading your insulation can bring images of torn drywall and pink foam sticking out, but it doesn’t need to be that intense. Think of places where heating and cooling are escaping or coming in (depending on the season). Blackout shades/drapes can be a cheap and easy “insulation” option. Adding a draft stopper to the bottom of a door is another simple and cheap insulator. Even duct tape around a window that doesn’t seal can help conditioned air stay where you want it, though there are certainly prettier options. Bottom line - think outside the box when you’re looking at ways to upgrade your environment.

Sealing cracks and gaps in your house is one of the fastest and easiest ways to save on energy costs. If your home's envelope is full of holes, no matter how hard your HVAC works it will never be able to keep up.

Upgrading your home's insulation is a smart investment that can improve energy efficiency and comfort without breaking the bank. Proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for heating and cooling throughout the year. By sealing gaps, adding insulation to walls and attics, and installing weather stripping around doors and windows, you can prevent energy loss and lower your utility bills. Additionally, improved insulation reduces reliance on fossil fuels, leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller environmental footprint.

If you live in an old house with sliding sash windows, you could consider replacing the window staff beads and parting beads with new beads containing integrated draft strips. You will need to overhaul and re-balance the sashes at the same time. This will greatly reduce air leakage and improve the efficiency of your heating system.

Adding a battery to your solar system will not only solve the problem of black outs and reduce your electricity bills. It can also make your home entirely off grid. You need someone who not only is a professional but someone who really knows what they are doing. A solar battery system is quite complex, but it's using basic math to work out.

The addition of a hybrid solar Inverter and another simple solar installation for lighting has made a great difference to our comfort in terms of power need. Large window openings and minimal curtains ensure we do not turn any light bulb till dark, requiring them for only about 4 hrs everyday thus lots of savings. The house has lots of natural light and its well ventilated.

Consider smart thermostats, several utility providers are offering rebates to offset a portion of the cost. Smart thermostats help in saving the energy consumption of your heating and cooling systems.

Designing an eco-friendly home is achievable by embracing the principles of the circular economy, which prioritize reusing and repairing existing resources. Instead of purchasing new items, explore local alternatives like thrift stores and online platforms for pre-loved furniture and materials. Repurpose and refurbish items creatively, and engage in DIY and upcycling projects to give new life to old items. Participate in community swaps and prioritize quality and durability when investing in new items. By adopting these practices, you contribute to a more sustainable way of living while closing the loop on resource consumption and promoting a healthier planet.

In my opinion, installing a rainwater harvesting pit for roofs and other surface runoff areas would go a long way to ensure reduced dependency on the municipal water supply which already faces shortage in the eyes of climate change and increased pollution levels. This would help address the non-potable water requirements of flushing, irrigation, cleaning etc. Combined with a treatment system either chemical or more passive could even help address the potable water needs.

Para garantizar la sostenibilidad de una vivienda o proyecto durante su construcción, es fundamental realizar un análisis exhaustivo del entorno, considerando factores como el clima, la radiación solar, los vientos predominantes y la topografía. Esta información previa permite dise?ar de manera óptima, aprovechando el dise?o pasivo y estrategias de arquitectura bioclimática para minimizar el consumo de energía destinado a calefacción y refrigeración, así como para optimizar la ventilación e iluminación natural. Una vez implementado el dise?o pasivo para reducir el consumo energético, se procede a analizar los materiales e instalaciones necesarios para mejorar aún más la eficiencia energética.

Repair leaks and install low-flow fixtures to conserve water. Be mindful of "phantom" energy by unplugging electronics when not in use. Improve insulation by sealing drafts around windows & doors. Create natural cleaning solutions using items like vinegar & baking soda. Embrace a reduce-reuse-recycle mindset to minimize waste. Cultivate a garden or grow herbs indoors to reduce reliance on store-bought produce. Compost food scraps to enrich soil & divert waste from landfills. Opt for sustainable materials like bamboo or reclaimed wood for renovations. Welcome natural light by keeping curtains open during the day to lessen reliance on artificial lighting. These steps can make a significant difference in reducing your environmental footprint.