6 Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades You Can Do Yourself
According to government data, U.S. homes are responsible for 15.4% of the country's greenhouse gas emissions. These low-cost upgrades can help you reduce your home's negative environmental impact.
1. Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
Americans use more than a trillion gallons of water for showering every year. Low-flow showerheads reduce the volume of water used during your shower from about 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.5 to 2 gallons per minute. These showerheads sell for about the same price as standard showerheads, are available in many styles and are easy to install.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
You can save up to 10% on your energy costs by changing your thermostat setting when you are not home or sleeping. Smart thermostats make it easy to do this automatically by scheduling the thermostat to adjust the temperature during times when you are normally not home or are asleep. Most models can be programmed by using voice commands or an app on your smartphone and cost less than $200. With potential energy savings averaging $180 per year, it won't take long for your investment to pay for itself.
3. Use Power Strips
Appliances draw a small amount of electrical power even when they are not being used. Unplugging all of your appliances when you aren't using them isn't always practical. Instead, plug your appliances and electronics into power strips. This allows you to switch off multiple devices at the same time by pushing the off switch on the strip. Power strips also help protect your electronics from power surges.
4. Learn Sustainable Building Techniques
Take your do-it-yourself skills to the next level by completing a course on sustainable building techniques at the Saoirse Learning Center. You will learn how to construct low-cost, durable buildings that are made from non-toxic, natural materials and are rot-proof, fireproof, termite-proof, and eco-friendly. You can then put these skills to work making eco-friendly upgrades to your home or building affordable, eco-friendly housing for your community.
5. Boost Your Home's Value
Eco-friendly home improvements are good for the planet. They can also be good for your wallet. Eco-conscious buyers may be willing to pay higher prices for a home with eco-friendly upgrades. To get the most out of your projects, choose upgrades that buyers are looking for.
If you aren't sure what is most in demand, talk to a local real estate agent. Take before and after photos and keep the receipts for the improvements you have made. You may need them to support a higher appraisal value for your home or insurance purposes.
6. Add Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Bare windows are a pathway out for heat in the winter and a pathway in for heat in the summer. Use less energy to heat and cool your home by installing window treatments that block the sun in the summer and retain heat in the winter. Options include blackout curtains, solar shades, blinds, awnings, and shutters.
Most of these options are easy to install, requiring only a few tools, such as a tape measure, hammer, and nails. Window treatments are available in a variety of styles to match your home decor so you can enjoy both energy savings and improve the look of your home.
While individual homeowners do not contribute as much to environmental damage as large corporations, small changes can add up. These eco-friendly improvements can help you reduce your negative impact on the planet.