5 Easy Ways to be More Green at Home

Today is Earth Day, and it’s a great time to think about small, practical steps you can take to be more eco-friendly at home. Here are some straightforward tips to help you get started, both inside and outside your home.

This post is sponsored by Greenworks, but all opinions and ideas are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Love & Renovations.

As Corey and I have been focusing on our home’s exterior this spring, we’ve also been considering daily changes to become more environmentally friendly. In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to share some of the changes we’re committing to this year and hear about your own sustainability efforts.

Greenworks, a brand dedicated to eco-friendly solutions, has created a Facebook group where you can share your green projects and get tips from experts. If you join, you might even win $300! I’d love to see you there.

Here are five easy ideas to make your home more eco-friendly without a lot of hassle:

1. **Opt for Reusable Products**: Switch from disposable to reusable items whenever possible. Start with things like water bottles and shopping bags. Each family member should have a reusable water bottle, which reduces the need for plastic bottles. Keep reusable grocery bags in your car to avoid plastic ones, and when you do end up with plastic bags, reuse them for other purposes like carrying food or picking up pet waste.

2. **Plant Trees**: Planting trees is a simple way to benefit the environment while enhancing your home’s appearance. We planted an orange tree last year, though the rocky soil has made it challenging. This year, we’re considering trying a fruit tree or a magnolia. It’s often affordable and straightforward to plant a tree, and it’s a positive contribution to both your home and the environment.

3. **Donate and Thrift**: Donating items and shopping at thrift stores are eco-friendly practices that reduce waste and consumption. When you have things to give away, donate them instead of tossing them, unless they’re in poor condition. When looking for new items, check thrift stores and platforms like Facebook Marketplace first. Shopping secondhand is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and can be a lot of fun.

4. **Monitor Your Energy Use**: Small changes in your daily routine can significantly impact your energy consumption. Turn off lights when you leave a room, shut down electronics when not in use, and unplug appliances that aren’t needed. Adjust your thermostat or use a smart thermostat to optimize energy use. These habits can help reduce your energy footprint with minimal effort.

5. **Switch to CFL Bulbs**: Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) use about one-fifth of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Although they cost more upfront, they save money over time and reduce your home’s overall energy consumption.

These tips are a great starting point for anyone looking to become more eco-friendly. As you implement these changes, you may find other ways to make your home even greener. Happy Earth Day!