20 Things You Can Do To Save The Planet From Home

The little things that have a big impact on the overall picture. Sure, nobody is expected to save the planet on their own, but if we all make a small effort, we have a better chance at succeeding. Something as simple as turning off the faucet at the right time or repurposing instead of getting new things will help you achieve this goal.

Replace your light bulbs with CFLs.

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You can save a lot of energy by simply opting for the right type of light bulbs. CFLs are energy-efficient bulbs that let you save considerably more energy than the incandescent bulbs. So consider making a change.

Conserve water.

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There are lots of ways in which you can conserve water at home. For example, install water-saving faucets and toilets, don’t leave the faucet running while you’re brushing your teeth or washing dishes, etc.

Choose bamboo over timber.

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Bamboo is fast-growing and has a quick rate of replenishment, which makes it an eco-friendly option, compared to other types of wood. So opt for bamboo flooring or bamboo furniture instead of the usual types.

Let the sunlight in.

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The sun is an amazing source of energy and we should all learn how to take advantage of it. For example, open the blinds during the day to let the sunlight in instead of turning on the lights. You’ll also get to save a little bit on heating so that’s great too.

Use rugs and carpets.

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You should use rugs and carpets to save energy during the winter. They’ll keep the floors warm and cozy plus they’ll also make the rooms feel a lot more inviting. Use rugs especially if you have concrete or marble floors.{found on eagstudio}.

Don’t keep the fridge in the sun.

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It’s important to know how and where to position your appliances so they can be as efficient as they can. For example, the refrigerator should never be placed in the sunlight because it will have to use more energy to stay cool. Keep it in the shade. You should also be careful not to place the refrigerator too close to the walls if you want to ensure proper airflow.

Get energy-efficient appliances.

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Look for energy star-qualified appliances when shopping for your renovated home. They use less energy than standard models and you can really tell the difference when the bill comes.

Wash clothes with cold water.

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Heating water when washing clothes requires a lot of energy. You can use cold water instead. Most washing machines feature special programs that were created specifically for that.{found on annsacks}.

Use the microwave.

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Did you know that the microwave uses about 50% less energy than a conventional oven? Think about that the next time you’re cooking dinner. The microwave has lots of functions you can use so don’t underestimate it.

Compost your kitchen scraps.

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Sure, it may take a while longer to separate and compost the kitchen scraps than it would to simply throw them in the garbage bin but by choosing to do this you reduce the amount of household waste. Plus, if you have a garden, you can use the compost there.

Opt for native plants.

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If you have a garden or a back yard, consider using plants that are native to your area if you want to protect the local environment.

Make your own pesticides.

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Instead of getting those toxic pesticides you find in stores, you can make your own. For example, chopped tomato leaf spray or garlic oil spray are great for keeping unwanted bugs away.{found on callmepmc}.

Use natural cleaners.

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Help save the planet by switching to natural cleaners. Vinegar is an excellent option. Use it when you clean the floors, the cookware, the sink and shower head. Other great natural options include lemon, baking soda and even ice.

Decorate with green plants.

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Use indoor plants to improve the air quality in your home. Decorate with plants and you’ll also have a means to add color to a monochrome décor. You can use them in any room of the house. The trick is knowing which species to choose.

Re-purpose.

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Don’t throw out the old furniture. Re-purpose it and give it a new life with a little bit of paint, some minor repairs or by simply allowing it to change function. Turn a chair into a nightstand or a planter, a bookcase into a kitchen island, a cabinet into a coffee table and so on.

Insulate your windows and doors.

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Don’t let the cold air get in by insulating your doors and windows. It would be easier to get energy-efficient windows from the start so think about that the next time you plan a renovation.

Alternative material logs for the fireplace.

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If you have a wood-burning fireplace or a fire pit, opt for logs made of alternative materials such as recycled sawdust, used coffee beans or soy. They release 80% fewer emissions than regular wood.{found on eclecticallyvintage}.

Use eco paints.

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It’s not like we paint the walls in our homes very often but why not try to protect our planet when we do have to repaint. Eco paints contains low levels of volatile organic compounds and they’re superior to other types of paints from this perspective.

Fix the leaky pipes and faucets.

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Something as minor as a leaky faucet or toilet can actually cause you to waste a lot of water. Each day you postpone fixing the problem means more waster water. It’s better to take care of the leak as soon as you discover it.

Use solar-powered outdoor lights.

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These things have rechargeable batteries that take advantage of the energy produced by the sun. They’re great because there’s no need to use electricity or to turn them on and off every time the sun sets.