Although going green in your home might sound like it could be expensive, you could find that you actually save money by making a few eco-friendly changes. While there are many changes you can make that will cost you money for an initial outlay, over time you’ll find that you’ll save money and could even recoup some of your costs. Here are just a few differences you can make at home that will protect the planet while also protecting your bank account.
Invest In Solar Power
Solar panels on your home’s room can generate sufficient energy to power your home, especially if you live in an area with a lot of sunshine. Most electricity companies even have plans in place which pay you money back for the electricity that you return to the grid, so you can not only save money but actually make money in the end by making this change! If you go down the solar power route and decide to only power your home this way, you may need to think about investing in a generator just in case you fail to produce enough or an unforeseen problem causes a power outage. You’ll find several models featured on bestgenerator.reviews to help you make your choice so you can stay powered at all times.
Start Saving Water
Install a low flow shower head and a low flow flush in your home toilets to reduce your water bills and also your water consumption. If you’re on a water meter, this can make a difference to your bills while also helping to save our precious natural resources. You won’t notice the difference to your shower or your flush so it’s certainly something well worth doing.
Switch Appliances Off
One of the quickest, cheapest and easiest ways to make your house a greener place to live is to switch off your appliances when you aren’t using them. Turn lights off if you aren’t in the room, open your curtains and use the natural daylight instead of switching lights on and always fill your washing machine and dishwasher before turning them on. It’ll save you money on your bills while helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
Lower Your Thermostat
When it comes to air conditioning and heating, you’ll find that even a small change in your thermostat will make a surprising difference. Try to reduce by one degree at a time and you’ll realize you can probably drop by 3 to 4 degrees (or increase by the same amount during the warmer months) before you notice the difference. The savings will soon mount up.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
There are lots of eco-friendly cleaning products on the market today, and while these make a better choice for anyone who is trying to become more green, they aren’t the cheapest options out there. If you want to save money as well as being environmentally friendly, you can easily make your own cleaners using simple ingredients that you probably already have in your cabinets. Ingredients like bicarbonate of soda, lemon and white vinegar can cut through grease and grime while also saving the planet.
Buy Reclaimed And Used Items Instead Of New
Although it can be tempting to buy new things, always think again before you take the plunge and spend money. Do you actually need the item you’re going to buy? Do you not have something at home which serves the same purpose? Is it possible to buy the same thing second hand or reclaimed? You can save money by only buying items which are absolutely essential and by buying anything else from a second hand shop, charity, thrift store or yard sale. You could even buy from websites like eBay. Not only will you get great products that you really need at an affordable price but you’ll also be helping to avoid items going into landfill and reducing the carbon emissions produced from manufacturing.
By making just a few small changes to your home, you’ll find that not only can you and your family become more green and environmentally sound, but you can also save money. Your bank account and the planet will thank you!