Installing solar panels, water tanks and recycling bins are not always easy, and it could take years before you have a big enough budget to create a home that is more sustainable. There are, however, easy ways to make a big difference – right away.   

Reduce What You Use  

We waste a lot in general. Globally, we throw out about 1.3 billion tons of food a year, or a third of all the food that we grow. It is important to put thought into what you buy. Ask yourself these important questions before you buy something in the future:  

• Do I need this?  
• Will it be used?  
• Why do I want to buy this?  
• What purpose does this serve? 

Choose Cold Water  

There is no need to use warm or hot water in any of your washes. Sometimes tough stains call for a hot water surge, but it is not always necessary. Up to 90% of the energy used by a washing machine goes toward heating water, according to Energy Star.  

Another easy-to-follow tip towards a more sustainable household is to keep your tumble dryer for rainy and cold days when it is not possible to line dry your clothes.  

Use Rechargeable Batteries  

Old traditional batteries need to be disposed of properly and kept out of landfills. And while the up-front cost may be higher, rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run, while also producing less waste.  

Get a Water Filter  

Filtering your water and eliminating water bottles is a very sustainable habit. Whether you opt for a whole-house, under the sink, a faucet or a pitcher filter, your home will instantly become more eco-friendly if you stop buying plastic water bottles. A water filter saves time and money and helps reduce the amount of single-use plastic that ends up in the landfills shares the Biofriendly Planet.  

Wash with Soap Bars  

Avoiding plastic at all costs is a good idea for any household. An easy habit to kick is buying shower gels and washes that come in plastic bottles. As we’ve shared before, plastic is not recycled equally and the chances of that whole bottle being recycled are pretty rare.    

Find more sustainable ways to live on HOMEMAKERS.