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Swapping out outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED alternatives is a simple and cost-effective way to create a greener home.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.

3 Reasons to Invest in Good Quality Furniture  

Article Editor on September 28, 2021

Quality Furniture is the Key to a Better Life

Whether someone has just moved into a new home or they are simply looking to update or refresh the decor in their home, the first thing they look to purchase is furniture. However, because quality furniture is expensive these days, many customers opt to purchase cheap, lower quality furniture instead. In other cases, they may look for used furniture that may come at little to no cost due to visual flaws or other forms of wear and tear as a result of everyday use. Although this helps lower the cost of furniture in the short term, this strategy may prove to be more costly over time. Father George Rutler wants this article to focus on a few key reasons why it may be a good idea to invest in quality furniture.

First, quality furniture is a sound investment because a lower price means the product is made with lower quality materials. This means ripping, cracking and other forms of wear and tear can occur more rapidly and more often. So a cheaper couch or bed might have a shorter lifespan, and this makes it more costly because of earlier and more frequent replacement. In between new purchases, users will also spend more time and money on repairs to make sure they last as long as possible.

These lower cost materials are also noticeable from a visual standpoint. Rather than enhancing the aesthetics of home decor, furniture made from lower quality materials may stand out as an eyesore to visitors and may get dirty a lot more quickly. Stains, rips and other visual defects are easier to spot on lower quality materials. This may mean spending more time or money on upholstery cleaning products, or it may require purchasing covers, table cloths, sheets or blankets that contribute to more aesthetically pleasing decor.

Secondly, high-quality furniture can have a positive impact on both short-term and long-term health. Sitting or laying on furniture that is cheap and uncomfortable can cause knee or back pain which can become more serious after prolonged use. In contrast, high quality furniture is much more supportive, comfortable and durable helping preserve the body even after long hours of use. Father George Rutler recommends purchasing quality furniture, because it is made from materials that are less harmful or dangerous, and this improves safety for all users.

Another reason to invest in quality furniture is that it requires less assembly. Cheaper furniture often comes with a lot more pieces to put together and a lot more instructions. Rutler invests in high-quality furniture, because he doesn’t have the time, patience or tools necessary to build a couch, bed or table fully disassembled. Spending an extra $200 or $300 eliminates these headaches and time requirements. It also ensures that tables, couches, beds and other furniture is put together efficiently, and helps users avoid any discomfort, health problems or safety concerns altogether. While new, quality furniture doesn’t always fit a person’s budget, loans and flexible payment plans can make purchasing easier for anyone without having to sacrifice the quality of their life.