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Global climate change is a serious environmental issue, and it’s one that each of us can fight if we choose to make a few sustainable upgrades to our homes and lives. From choosing sustainable home decor to composting our food scraps, the fight against climate change starts with many of our consumer shopping habits and everyday activities as homeowners.
To discover some of the things homeowners can do to live a more sustainable lifestyle, conserve energy, and protect the planet, check out these handy tips from the Beth G Homes Real Estate Team.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
When you make your home more energy-efficient, it benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gases, pollution, and water usage — and it also saves you money on utility bills. A few ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home include:
? Purchasing energy-efficient appliances for your home, including heating and cooling units, refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and chest freezers.
? Replacing old or outdated windows with energy-efficient ones.
? Repairing broken windows that let hot or cool air into the home.
? Installing energy-saving entry doors.
? Lighting your home with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
? Installing energy-efficient ceiling fans.
Before hiring a professional to repair or replace your windows, doors, and appliances, it’s important to obtain quotes from at least three different companies, read online reviews, confirm whether each company is licensed and insured, and request referrals from past customers. Angi.com is a great starting point when hiring home improvement professionals, as the site can be used to search for broken house window repair near me — as well as general contractors, solar companies, woodworkers, plumbers, and ceiling fan installers.
Moreover, keep in mind that the cost of improving your home’s energy efficiency will depend on the types of sustainable upgrades you’re making. As one example, the average cost of repairing a window is $290 — but specific fees vary by window and repair type.
Choose Eco-Friendly Home Decor
In addition to improving your home’s energy efficiency, there are many ways to decorate and furnish your living space with sustainability in mind. Wood benches, chandeliers, clocks, and pallets are a few environmentally friendly options for decorating your home — as constructing wood products uses less energy and contributes to fewer greenhouse gases than many other types of decor.
Install a Whole-House Water Filter
If you regularly purchase bottled water, installing a whole-house water filtration system will save you money, reduce plastic waste, safeguard your skin, health, and clothing, and even protect your plumbing system from damage. Whole-house water filters reduce contaminants in your tap water, making the water safer for drinking, bathing, cooking, and washing clothes. Plus, purchasing a reusable water bottle costs a whole lot less than buying a pack of bottled water each week.
Build a Compost Bin
Instead of throwing your food scraps in the trash each day, why not compost them to lower your carbon footprint at home? By building a compost bin for your backyard, you can keep food scraps, coffee grounds, dead leaves, and branches out of landfills — and instead turn your food and yard waste into soil. If you don’t have an outdoor space for a compost bin, however, you can just as easily start a compost pile on your kitchen counter.
Living an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle is Easier Than You’d Think
Greenifying your entire home takes time, especially if you plan on adding solar panels, replacing your kitchen appliances, and installing energy-efficient windows and doors. Other sustainable upgrades, however, can be completed in a day or less — and they could be a great place to start if you’re new to eco-friendly living. Start by supporting sustainable home decor brands, replacing your light bulbs, and building a backyard compost pile — and you’ll be well on your way to living a lifestyle that’s better for you and the planet.
Beth G Homes Real Estate Team understands that buying or selling your Seattle home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. Call (206) 462-4444.
