With global warming becoming an increasingly more prominent concern, more people are starting to work toward reducing their carbon footprint.
Choosing eco-friendly solutions and consequently living in a green space not only delivers a host of social, economic, and health advantages; it also minimizes the impact we have on the environment. Some of these benefits include reduced operating costs, higher productivity levels, and enhanced comfort, ultimately improving one’s overall quality of life.
Furthermore, professionals at rental agencies such as https://theurbanavenue.com/ will agree that many people are willing to pay more in rent if they can save on utility bills.
Although many people can’t afford Energy Star appliances or solar panels, everyone can make various cost-effective changes. These modifications typically don’t take a lot of time, yet they’re efficient and will turn your apartment into an eco-friendly place. So, let’s explore a few of these options.
Consider Installing Led Light Bulbs
Swapping regular light bulbs for energy-efficient LED ones makes a significant difference. It’ll help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on utility bills, and they last longer.
Use Recycled Products
Buying recycled products is a great help to the environment. Numerous household items have reprocessed options, including kitchen rolls and toilet tissue. Yet, the possibilities don’t end with paper products. There’s also a tremendous selection of reconditioned appliances and technology, such as gaming consoles, mobiles, and even toasters available.
Use Cold Water to Do Your Washing
An estimated 90% of the power used by your washing machine is spent on heating water. Using cold water to wash clothes is a lot more efficient. It:
- Saves you money on your energy bill
- Reduces your contribution to carbon dioxide emission
- Keeps your clothes looking better for longer (hot water is known to deteriorate the fabric and dull the color)
Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
The chemicals in conventional cleaning products have an extremely negative impact on the environment. When you wash them away, they ultimately end up in the water supply, making the purification process more difficult and costly. Fortunately, there’s an alternative option.
Natural products like citric acid, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar, instead of caustic chemicals, are great substitute products for daily household cleaning.
Install a Water Filter
Installing a water filter in your home is a significant step toward making it more eco friendly. These appliances are available as under-sink, whole-house, pitcher, or faucet filters. It has the potential of saving you time and money and reducing your contribution to single-use plastic ending up in landfills, provided you stop buying bottled water.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Your heating and cooling systems are two of the biggest sources of energy consumption in your home. Yet, leaving these turned on when you’re not home isn’t uncommon, wasting both money and power. One of the most effective solutions to this problem is a smart thermostat.
These gadgets are fully programmable, allowing you, for instance, to set them to turn your heating or AC system on and off at specific times during the day. Installing this technology in your apartment will reduce both your expense on utility bills and your carbon footprint.
To Wrap Up
You can do many small things in your apartment to create a more eco-friendly environment that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Start by doing small, cost-effective things such as installing LED light bulbs and washing your clothes in cold water, then build from there.
Remember, going green requires a transition phase, yet every little thing you do brings you one step closer to achieving your goal.