It’s easy to mistakenly associate sustainable living and eco-homes with heavy expenses- especially when you consider the costs of acquiring and installing solar panels and wind mills, or the fact that energy bulbs are costlier than regular bulbs.
But then you should not forget that one of the qualities of eco-friendly living is cost-effectiveness. On the long-run, going eco is cost-effective and that’s what everyone should focus on. For example, you don’t pay power bills when using solar panels. Also energy bulbs consume less energy.
However, there is the possibility that you don’t have the money to unleash your eco-friendly wishes. In that case, you are in luck. There are other things that you can do to show our planet some love. The best part is that you don’t have to pay anyone to do them for you.
They are:
- Grow Ornamental Plants
This can be as simple as visiting a horticulturist near you, purchasing ornamental pot plants, and placing them in corners inside your home. Their pleasant scents will minimise your need for artificial air freshener, which isn’t good for your health.
- Plant Deciduous Trees
These are trees that shed their leaves in autumn. Plant them in the south and west sides of your home. They will protect it from excess sunlight in the summer and let in ample sunlight in the winter. This will minimise your air conditioning need and thus reduce your energy consumption.
It’s worth noting that plants and trees trap dirt, metabolise CO2 from your environment, and release oxygen. This means that you get to enjoy cleaner air.
- Grow a Garden
Gardens are not only beautiful but can provide you with some food like potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes that you usually buy in grocery stores. This means that you would eat healthier and reduce the amount of packaged food stuff that you buy. On top of that, some of your waste can be integrated into the garden.
- Compost Your Waste
This is much better than burning your waste and can become a source of manure for your garden, thus helping you avoid using chemical fertilisers- (o far as you don’t add meat and faeces into your compost.
- Ditch Your Car
Buy a bicycle, use public transport, or try a car sharing service for moving around. It’s not only cost-effective, but will also serve as your contribution to the reduction of emissions and energy consumption. You can even decide to walk to work- depending on the distance from your home. Walking can even serve as your daily dose of exercise.
- Avoid Toxic Cleaners
There are many alternatives that are non-toxic. Try baking soda, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, and borax.
- Become a Vegetarian
The earth’s wildlife is endangered enough. Also, the amount of resources like land and water it takes to produce eggs, meat, and dairy products as well as the waste that comes out of the production process outweigh their benefits as food.
- Use Eco-friendly Lighting
While expensive, eco-friendly lighting options like LED and CFL have longer lifespan than regular bulbs. They even use less energy.
- Minimise Your Waste Output
You can do this by purchasing products that are durable and can be reused. Also, go for products that have recyclable packaging. You can even cut down on your use of paper by reading e-books and favouring online news subscriptions over newspapers.
- Always Go for Energy Efficient Appliances
Look for the Energy Star label on any appliances you want to buy. The label represents the Environmental Protection Agency’s seal of energy efficiency.
Going eco doesn’t end with these ten tips. If you can afford it, install solar panels. If you must use a car, buy an energy saving car. Install gutters to collect rainwater, and insulate your windows and doors. By doing all of this, you would practically be making the earth a better place.
