The latest debate amongst environmentalists is whether climate change is reversible or if it’s too far gone. Failure to adhere to renewable energy plans and a blatant disregard for the environment has created the mess that we are currently in. Consumerism has damaged this planet so much that our efforts might likely be in vain. We may not be able to reverse the effects of climate change at this point, but the best we can do is prolong our stay on this planet.
The best place to practice eco-friendly living is at one’s home. Homeowners can make changes to their living arrangements that are beneficial for them and the environment. Minor changes around the house can help save money and battle global warming around the world. Not many of us realize how vital our input is.
You might want to consider these five tips to make an eco-friendly home and play your part in the battle against climate change. Here are some household changes you may want to consider.
Solar paneling
Installing solar panels on your roof gives you the chance to take advantage of renewable energy without damaging the environment. Electric power companies may claim that they can produce energy as cleanly as possible. However, despite everything, electric power plants take up more space than you can imagine. They often wipe out acres of natural land to make place for grid stations.
No matter how we look at it, electricity consumption through non-renewable resources is harmful to the environment. You may want to look at solar panel installation companies in the area for a better alternative. Not only are they a more eco-friendly solution, but you stand to save thousands of dollars a year on electric bills.
Use double glazed windows
The sun’s rays can severely damage your health if you overexpose yourself to sunlight. UV rays in large quantities are known to cause skin cancer and speed up the aging process. Moreover, your house might quickly heat up due to excess sunlight that pours through your windows. Hence, you are most likely going to use the air conditioner to cool the place down. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it will also cause a drastic increase in your electric bills.
A minor change you can make is to incorporate double-glazed windows that help keep out excess sunlight. It also helps keep the place cooler so that you don’t have to resort to using the air conditioner so frequently.
Install water sprinklers
In the battle against climate change, it’s also important to understand that we are experiencing a global water shortage. If water resources continue to deplete, the fight against global warming will skew against us. Watering the garden leads to a fair amount of wasted water. The ground doesn’t always absorb all the water, and the runoff goes to waste.
One of the best ways to save water in your house is to install water sprinklers instead of watering the garden. Sprinklers water the lawn in equal and digestible doses. This way, you have a timed distribution of water where there is minimum wastage. An added benefit is that you don’t have to go out in the blazing heat to water the lawn yourself!
Energy-efficient bulbs
Energy savers and LED lights are considerably better than classic high voltage bulbs that consume massive electricity. These bulbs give you just as much light and don’t bring the harmful effects of fluorescents and increased bills.
Most people avoided these bulbs because they were only available in a dull white color. Modern LEDs come in warmer colors that create a comfortable ambiance in the house. They aren’t even as expensive as energy savers once were. They are perfectly reasonable, and everyone should install them in their respective homes to save energy and reduce expenses all the same.
Buy a dishwasher
Washing the dishes is one of the most irritating chores to do around the house. However, it is not only annoying but is also highly inefficient when it comes to water conservation. Running the faucet in the sink and hand-cleaning the dishes takes far too much time and uses unnecessary amounts of water.
Consider buying a dishwasher instead.
Load the washer up with the dishes and let it get to work. You don’t have to go through the hassle of washing, and you save water in the bargain. Initially, they may look like a costly investment. Still, it’s a one-time expense, and they save you time while contributing immensely to water preservation. Moreover, the reduction in your water bill will probably cover the dishwasher cost in a few months!
Conclusion
With the tragic effects of climate change all around us, we need to play our part, even if it’s as minor as making changes to our homes. Individual effort in the fight against global warming is the only way we can prolong catastrophe. The changes mentioned above can help you do your part and live an eco-friendly life. Factors like installing solar panels, adding sprinklers, and buying a dishwasher aren’t just eco-friendly; they will make your life easier as well.
Play your part, educate others and let’s try to save our planet for future generations.
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