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Second-hand furniture, organic bedding, and energy-efficient appliances are just some of the ways to improve sustainability.
Do you want to live more sustainably but are not sure where to start? You might think that green living is out of your grasp, but small changes to your space can make a big impact. Keep reading to discover our best tips for creating an eco-friendly home.
Decorate with Second-Hand Furniture
The furniture industry is extremely wasteful. From textiles and woods to plastics and resins, it takes a lot of materials to create the products in your home. And chances are that they won’t last very long either. Buying used furniture reduces the demand for new resources to build the item itself while also eliminating the need for packaging.
High-quality, vintage furniture has already proven that it can withstand the test of time and its appearance often only gets better with age. There’s no need for a trip to your local second-hand store, as you can find things like used couches for sale online. For example, CouchCycled does the hard work for you by shortlisting the best second-hand couches and delivering them to you in a good-as-new condition.
Shop for Sustainable Fabrics & Furnishings
In the quest for sustainability, you’ll also need to be mindful of the materials used to fabricate household items. This doesn’t just mean the materials used to construct pieces of furniture; it’s just as important to consider the fabrics used to create curtains, cushions, rugs, and even your bedsheets if you want to make a real difference.
Eco-conscious fabrics are made from natural materials that have been produced using sustainable practices. Some examples include bamboo, linen, hemp, and lyocell, which are all more sustainable options than cotton. They’re also super soft, strong, and highly durable so that your items will last you a long time without compromising comfort.
Replace Old Appliances
High efficiency equals low energy bills! Did you know that star-labeled refrigerators can save you up to $100 in electricity each year? Plus, they use 75% less energy than standard refrigerators that haven’t been built with conservation in mind!
Switching your outdated electronics for energy-efficient appliances not only cuts the costs but also helps protect the environment by reducing overall pollution levels. Washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners, heaters, and lightbulbs can also be upgraded to maximize both your savings and sustainability status.
Use Renewable Energy Sources
Make your energy consumption even greener with renewable energy sources; they’ll cut down your carbon emissions along with the costs of your bills. Solar panels are more efficient than ever before and, surprisingly, you don’t have to live in a hot climate to harness the power of the sun! If you don’t quite have the installation space, you could alternatively source your energy from suppliers that only use clean energy.
Insulate Your Home
Keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, insulation is a must-have for any eco-friendly home. It involves using materials like cellulose and fiberglass to prevent heat loss and air infiltration to regulate the temperature of the rooms in your house. The EPA states that insulation can lead to a 15% saving on your total energy costs — another financial perk that should be enough to convince anyone to go green!
