Eco Friendly Tips for Your Home
Each and every day, our REALTORS® try to be good stewards for our communities and environment. There are a ton of ways we, as homeowners, can impact the environment for the better! The key is to start small, in whatever ways you can and build from there.
1. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
We’re taking it back to the basics for our first tip – but it is so critical! Make sure that you are reducing your consumption of products that may clog landfills, like Styrofoam packing materials, plastic single use bottles, etc. Switch to reusable whenever you can, like aluminum water bottles or fabric grocery totes. Recycle whenever possible – this is a great way to get the kids involved too.
2. Change Your Gardening Routine
Rather than using harmful pesticides to keep your garden and lawn work together, switch to something that is pollinator friendly like all-natural fertilizers. Pollinators are incredibly important in food production and atmosphere maintenance from plant life, and pesticides threaten many of those species, like bees.
3. Plant a Tree
This is a great family friendly activity. Studies show that by planting one tree, you can help to combat the effects global greenhouse gas emissions. And you and your family will enjoy your contribution for years to come. Can’t plant a tree in your space? The Canopy Project is a great organization that plants one tree for every dollar donated.
4. Lower your water consumption
Water is a renewable resource, yet much of the world does not have access to clean and safe water. And while water might be one of your lowest utility bills this month, there are a lot of savings to be had! Consider turning off the water when brushing teeth or shaving, install low flow shower heads or high efficiency flush toilets to use less of this precious resource.
5. Explore LEED or Energy Star Certification
Looking at a new construction project, or building a new home? Consider asking your REALTOR® for their recommendation on a LEED certified builder to help with your home. The LEED program provides guidelines for building a more-eco-friendly home and LEED certified properties are becoming more and more popular. Not building a new home? Try looking for new Energy Star appliances to give your home a mini boost.