10 Easy and Affordable Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades

Full Editorial on June 4, 2023

In recent years, sustainability and eco-friendliness have become incredibly important lifestyle choices. More folks are looking to make a difference in their daily lives by adopting environmentally friendly practices. Going green doesn’t have to be a costly or tedious process. Here are ten easy and affordable eco-friendly home upgrades you can implement today.

Upgrade 1:  Insulation and Weatherization

Insulation and weatherization are the first eco-friendly upgrade you should consider for your home. Improving your home’s insulation can save you considerable money on energy bills and increase comfort all year long. One inexpensive way to insulate your home is by using heating cables to heat your floors and prevent pipes from freezing.

Upgrade 2: Energy-Efficient Lighting

Swapping out outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED alternatives is a simple and cost-effective way to create a greener home. These bulbs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. This will help you save money on electricity bills and replacement costs over time. Additionally, using energy-efficient lighting can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions since power plants require less energy production.

Upgrade 3: Smart Power Strips

Another simple yet effective upgrade for a more sustainable home is investing in smart power strips. These devices prevent “phantom” or “vampire” energy use by automatically turning off power to devices when they’re not in use. By minimizing wasted energy consumption, smart power strips can help shrink your carbon footprint while saving you money on monthly electricity bills.

Upgrade 4: Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is another affordable way to make your home more energy-efficient. A programmable thermostat can set specific temperatures for different times of the day and week. This ensures that your home’s heating and cooling systems only use energy when necessary. Most programmable thermostats have an initial cost of $30-$60 and can help you save up to 10% on yearly heating and cooling bills.

Upgrade 5: Water Filtration System

AA water filtration system is a healthy and eco-friendly choice for your family. With a geothermal system, you’ll reduce your dependence on fossil fuels for temperature control while enjoying cleaner and safer water. Although this upgrade may have a higher upfront cost, it pays off in long-term energy savings and environmental benefits.

Upgrade 6: Composting Systems

Nothing says sustainability more than turning waste into usable nutrients for your plants. Adding a composting system to your household routine can reduce food waste while creating rich fertilizer for your garden. Composting bins come in various sizes, ranging from apartment-friendly indoor options to larger backyard systems.

Upgrade 7: Low-flow Showerheads and Faucets

Did you know traditional showerheads use up to 5 gallons of water per minute? You can cut this number in half by switching to a low-flow showerhead. Adding aerators to faucets can also decrease water usage without sacrificing water pressure. You’ll save money on water bills while reducing overall water consumption.

Upgrade 8: Solar Panels

While the initial investment may be higher compared to other eco-friendly upgrades, solar panels have become more affordable in recent years. Solar panels are a fantastic way to produce clean, renewable energy for your home while reducing your dependence on fossil fuels. Learn more about how drones can assist in the installation of solar panels, making the process more seamless and efficient.

Upgrade 9: Organic Bedding and Towels

The materials we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our environmental footprint. Opting for organic bedding and towels can lower your exposure to harmful chemicals and support sustainable farming practices. Look for products made with organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp fabrics that are not only eco-friendly but also incredibly soft and comfortable.

Upgrade 10: Repurposed Furniture and Décor

What better way to make an eco-friendly statement in your living space than by adorning it with furniture and décor made from reclaimed materials? From repurposed wooden pallets turned into tables to unique lighting fixtures created from old pipes or metal scraps, the possibilities are endless. Shop at local thrift stores or check out online marketplaces to find stylish and sustainable gems.

Every little step we take towards an eco-friendly home can significantly impact the environment. While the list above is not exhaustive, these ten affordable upgrades are a great place to start when considering greener alternatives for your home.

How One Can Make Some Holiday Decor The Simple and Sustainable Way

Article Editor on November 13, 2020

Making holiday decorations does not have to be difficult(especially when one is hard up for money). There are many ideas one can use(during the holidays) and keep the sustainability going into the new year. There is no reason for people to not practice sustainability this year, according to Helen Schifter. 

1)The Tiny Tannenbaums

All one does is clip some greens into floral foam. Place the display(using egg cups) onto a silver tray. It will create a mini little forest in the house. One can also add some lights to the display. It adds sustainability and looks fabulous for the holidays.

2)A Pretty Platter

This is a fun one for those who enjoy crafting. All one does is take an unused silver tray and fill it with some silver ball and other ornaments. Why not add in some green ivy and evergreen(for those who really like to get into crafting). Set it on a table and it looks wonderful.

3)All The Trimmings

This one is going to involve some poinsettias. All one does is cut the poinsettias into miniatures. Place them into a glass and burn the ends. That will keep everything intact for a few days. The best part is that some of this can actually be used for recycling later.

4)Some No-Muss, No-Fuss Festivity, and Fun

Take some plain glass vases and fill them with some evergreen. How much one uses depends on the one doing the crafting. One can use the glass for recycling later if one decides not to keep the glass in the house after the holidays.

5)A Brass Ring Wreath

All one has to do is get some wreaths through Sugar and Charm. One can branch the wreaths out on the wood across one’s fireplace.

6)Black Pepper Tablecloth

This one for those who have a fuss tablecloth that just will not behave. All one does is use some black butcher paper to replace it. One can decorate the red napkin any way one feels inclined to. The best part is one can ditch the cloth once the holidays are over.

7)Candle Jars

One takes some candle jars that are lying around the house. Place some orange slices inside to add more infusion of the holiday spirit. One can also add some sea green coloring and red to bring more to the holiday spirit. One can set the jars on the wood fireplace or table.

8)Some Coffee Filter Garland

This is for the ones who really like coffee. All one does is take some coffee filters not being used and start having some fun. One can also use tissue paper if needed. One can find a way to make this garland at the Country Living site.One does not have to spend a lot of money to bring in the holiday spirit. All one needs is the spirit inside already and a knack for doing home crafts. Crafting is very fun and making it sustainable is extremely important to people like Helen Schifter.