The things we do inside our home can leave the largest carbon footprint of anything we do, especially since that’s the place we spend most of our time. Cooking, cleaning, heating, cooling, and so much more of our daily activities are leaving an effect on our planet. However, there are ways you can make a difference inside and outside of your home this spring! Plastic, water, and energy are large sources of waste in our homes that are easy to cut back on with a few simple lifestyle changes.
Replacing everyday household items is a great way to cut back on your carbon footprint without even noticing a difference. Sponges, soaps, lip balms, snack bags and dryer sheets can all be replaced easily for some more environmentally friendly options. Instead of using disposable sponges, there are a variety of eco-friendly options such as natural sponges, reusable cloths, brushes and rags. These cut back on plastic waste since you’ll be able to use them for longer periods of time. You can also switch to organic lotions and soaps. They are better for your body and the earth since they’re made of all natural ingredients, and you can even use the type that won’t leave you with plastic to throw away.
The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day just in the home alone. That’s a lot of water! Although it’s essential, there are ways to more efficiently and responsibly cut back on water consumption in your household.
One of the most obvious ways to cut back on your water consumption is to not leave the water running the whole time you’re using it. Between everyone in the home turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, or while doing dishes, you can save a lot of water, energy, and money.
You might not know it, but there could be small leaks in your pipes that could be wasting water without you even knowing it. You can check your water meter each week to make sure there are no major changes on future water bills. If you suspect you have a leak, you can also call a plumber to inspect your plumbing system.
Composting retains a large volume of water that helps prevent soil erosion and runoff, which is beneficial for your community and a garden you might have! Incorporating compost into your routine can help give extra nutrition to your plants and vegetation. The use of food in planting has properties that improve downstream water quality by removing heavy metals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, oil, grease, fuels, herbicides, and pesticides from the water. It also conserves water so you don’t need to physically water your plants as much.
The concept of composting can seem a little foreign to many, however it’s actually very simple! Virtually all food that can be eaten can be composted. You can start by getting a bin for food scraps and organic waste, and incorporate it into your gardening process, planting it alongside your vegetables, or just letting it soak into your soil.
You can save energy by making sure your home systems are functional. A great way to save energy and help save the planet in the process is to make sure your home’s HVAC system is energy efficient. First, clean out your filters to make sure that there is no dust or pet hair blocking your air flow. Be sure to schedule maintenance this spring to make sure you’re not wasting energy unnecessarily! If your system is old or damaged, it might be time to get a new air conditioner for your home.
We hope that you enjoy these tips in honor of Earth day! If you want to make a difference in the environment by switching to high-efficiency HVAC, call Island Air Heating & Air Conditioning. Island Air Air Conditioning and Heating is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Orange Beach, AL. Call us at (251) 943-4709 or email us at [email protected] with any questions or for more information.
We are your trusted American Standard Customer Care Dealer serving South Baldwin County, AL. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful home tips. earth day earth day earth day earth day earth day earth day
