5 Ways To Save Money and the Earth at Home

April is Earth Month and home to Earth Day on the 22nd, so you’ll be getting a lot of environment and sustainability-centered content on socials and in the news over the next few weeks. When reading about all the climate and environmental problems happening in the world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless as simply just an individual. But, the good news is that some small lifestyle tweaks can make a world of a difference in not only reducing your footprint, but also saving you money in the long run! An abundance of these sustainable and money-saving changes exist right in your home, too. In this blog post, we’re starting you off with five easy ways you can start to make a difference in your home. 

1. Invest in ENERGY-STAR appliances

If you are looking to buy new appliances after just moving into a new house or are ready for some new ones because your current machines just aren’t cutting it, consider buying an appliance that’s labeled under ENERGY STAR. To be classified as an ENERGY STAR appliance, machines must meet strict energy usage guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. According to their website, these appliances work the same or better than non-rated appliances all while using less energy; for instance, an ENERGY STAR washing machine uses 50% less energy and 50% less water than standard machines, and, according to one blog, thee machines can save over $100 a year. 

2. Let in natural light

This one’s simple: By pulling back the curtains during the daytime, you can utilize the natural sunlight to illuminate your home and, in turn, turn off more lamps and house lights! Not only does this reduce your energy usage, but it also reduces your electricity bill. Bonus: Switch to LED lights! These lightbulbs are even more energy-efficient and can further save you some $ on your monthly bill. 

3. Make little swaps in various rooms

You’d be surprised at how many small changes and swaps you can make in every room of your home to use less plastic and save money! In the kitchen, try swapping out plastic utensils like spatulas to metal ones to make them last longer; use more dish towels, rags, or Swedish dishcloths rather than paper towels to clean up; and swap out plastic Ziploc bags for reusable ones like these for leftovers and snacks. In the bathroom, you can buy a glass or metal soap dispenser and use refills to save money rather than buying a new one each time; swap out plastic toothbrushes for bamboo ones (these make up a majority of landfill waste), and take shorter showers to use less water and save money on your water bill! Here are more little ways you can make a difference. 

4. Install a smart thermometer

By swapping out your home air conditioning system to a “smart” one that you can control via your phone, you can save tremendous amounts of energy. How? Smart thermometers track and monitor your temperature while at home to best optimize it, and since you can control it remotely, you can choose to run your HVAC less while out. This blog says that some smart thermometers can save you 15% on cooling costs and about 11% on heating costs. 

5. Start a garden

This last tip is one that requires a little more effort and TLC, but the end results are so worth it! According to Arcadia Power, “by growing your own food, you eliminate the emissions that come from the transportation of goods to your local markets and mass grocery stores.” You’ll have access to your own “produce section,” essentially! This is also a fun activity to do with the whole family, and it can even boost your home’s value. Here is a list of some of the best vegetables to grow in Florida to get you started!