54 Simple Ways To Go Green

Going green doesn’t always require major home renovations or expensive upgrades. There are many simple, low-cost ways to reduce your carbon footprint, create a healthier living space, and save on monthly bills. This guide offers practical tips to help you adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, from energy-saving strategies to water conservation techniques.

Energy-Saving Strategies for Your Home

Reducing energy consumption is one of the most effective ways you can live a greener lifestyle and save money. Here are some simple strategies.

Optimize Your Refrigerator’s Performance

Your refrigerator is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. To improve its efficiency, do the following:

Check the temperature: Use an appliance thermometer to ensure your fridge is between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer is between 0 and 5 degrees. Keeping these appliances just 10 degrees colder than necessary can increase energy consumption by up to 25%.
Test the door seal: Place a dollar bill between the rubber gasket and the frame, then close the door. If you can easily pull the bill out, the seal may need replacing, allowing cold air to escape and forcing your fridge to work harder.
Relocate your refrigerator: Move it away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or your range. A fridge uses up to 2.5% more power for each degree the surrounding temperature is above 70 degrees.

Maximize Heating and Cooling Efficiency

Heating and cooling account for nearly half the energy used in our homes. Try these tips to reduce consumption:

Adjust your thermostat: Even one degree warmer in summer or cooler in winter can have a big impact on your energy bills.
Use natural temperature control: Open blinds or drapes to let in solar heat on cold days, then close them at night to retain warmth. In summer, use exterior blinds, shutters, or awnings to block out sunlight and reduce cooling costs.
Schedule regular furnace maintenance: Clean or replace furnace filters monthly during winter to save up to 5% on heating costs. Annual checkups ensure your furnace is properly calibrated for optimal efficiency.

Upgrade Your Lighting Choices

Lighting can significantly impact your energy consumption. We recommend these changes:

Consolidate incandescent bulbs: Where possible, use one higher-wattage bulb instead of multiple lower-wattage ones. For example, one 100-watt incandescent emits more light than two 60-watt bulbs combined but uses 17% less power.
Switch to LED bulbs: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED options to reduce energy consumption and extend bulb life.
Use natural light: Maximize daylight use by keeping curtains open during the day and painting walls in light colors to reflect more light.

Water Conservation Techniques

Conserving water is another impactful way to go green. Here are some effective ways to reduce water usage in your home.

Detect and Fix Leaks

Small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time. Here are some strategies to minimize these:

Check for toilet leaks: Add food coloring to your toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after two hours without flushing, you likely have a leak that needs fixing.
Inspect faucets and pipes: A single drip per second from a leaky faucet or pipe can waste up to 5 gallons of water a day—and 1,800 gallons a year.
Replace worn-out parts: Often, fixing a leak is as simple as replacing a washer or other small component, which can save you money on both water bills and potential water damage repairs.

Reduce Water Usage in the Bathroom

The bathroom is typically the highest water consumer in a home. Try the following tips:

Install a low-flow showerhead: Replace your showerhead if it fills a 1-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds. A 1.5 gallons-per-minute showerhead can save up to 14,600 gallons of water annually.
Limit shower time: Aim to keep showers under 10 minutes to further reduce water consumption.
Lower your water heater temperature: Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit instead of the standard 140 degrees to save energy and reduce mineral buildup in your tank.

Implement Smart Dishwashing Practices

Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwasher can be more water-efficient than hand washing.

Run full loads: A full dishwasher load is more efficient than washing the same number of dishes by hand.
Skip pre-rinsing: Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle food residue, making pre-rinsing unnecessary in most cases.
Use the eco-setting: If your dishwasher has an eco-mode, use it to further reduce water and energy consumption.

Eco-Friendly Workshop and Garage Tips

Your workshop and garage can also benefit from green practices.

Proper Tool Maintenance and Storage

Unplug power tools: For cordless tools that aren’t frequently used, unplug the chargers. Most will hold some charge for up to a year.
Organize with repurposed containers: Use clean, empty plastic food containers to store nails, screws, and small parts. This keeps these nonrecyclable items out of landfills while providing useful storage.
Create a battery center: Set up a designated area to store, test, and recycle batteries. This helps prevent improper disposal of hazardous materials.

Sustainable Paint and Solvent Practices

Recycle paint thinner: After use, allow dirty solvent to settle overnight. Carefully pour the clear top layer into a clean jar for reuse, and properly dispose of the sludge at a hazardous waste facility.
Mix leftover paints: Combine leftover white paints (keeping latex with latex and oil with oil) to use in your garage or workshop. This reduces waste and creates a durable, easy-to-clean surface.
Store paint cans upside down: This prevents air from entering the can and keeps the paint fresher for longer.

Green Cleaning and Organizing Solutions

Creating a cleaner, more organized home can also contribute to green living.

Create Natural Cleaning Products

Use vinegar and baking soda: These common household items can clean and deodorize many surfaces effectively and safely.
Make your own all-purpose cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle for a versatile, eco-friendly cleaner.
Use lemon juice: Its natural acidity makes it great for cleaning and deodorizing, especially in the kitchen.

Repurpose Household Items

Use old T-shirts as cleaning rags: Cut up worn-out cotton shirts for dusting and cleaning, reducing the need for disposable wipes.
Repurpose glass jars: Use them for storage, organizing small items, or even as drinking glasses.
Create a compost bin from an old trash can: Drill holes in the bottom and sides of a plastic trash can to create a DIY compost bin for your garden.

Sustainable Kitchen Practices

The kitchen offers many opportunities to adopt greener habits.

Minimize Food Waste

Plan meals and shop with a list: This reduces overbuying and potential food waste.
Use leftovers creatively: Transform yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch to reduce food waste.
Start composting: Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Opt for Energy Star-certified appliances: These use less energy and water, reducing both your utility bills and environmental impact.
Use a toaster oven for small meals: It uses less energy than heating up a full-sized oven.
Keep appliances maintained: Regular cleaning and maintenance of appliances such as refrigerators and ovens help them run more efficiently.

Eco-Conscious Laundry Habits

Laundry is another area where small changes can make a big difference.

Wash in cold water: Unless you have a tough stain, most clothes clean just as well in cold water, which saves energy on water heating.
Adjust the water level: Use the appropriate water level for the size of your load to avoid wasting water.
Air dry when possible: Hang clothes to dry instead of using the dryer to save energy and extend the life of your clothes.

Going Green in Your Living Spaces

Make your living areas more eco-friendly with some simple changes.

Harness Natural Light and Temperature Control

Use light-colored curtains: These reflect sunlight, keeping rooms cooler in summer while still allowing natural light in.
Install programmable thermostats: These allow you to automatically adjust temperature settings based on your daily schedule.
Use ceiling fans: They can make a room feel up to four degrees cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Incorporate Indoor Plants for Air Purification

Choose air-purifying plants: Species such as spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants naturally filter indoor air.
Place plants strategically: Put them near potential sources of pollutants, such as in the kitchen or near electronics.
Maintain plants properly: Healthy plants are more effective at purifying air, so ensure they receive proper care.

Budget-Friendly Green Home Improvements

Going green doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some affordable improvements:

Install weatherstripping: Seal gaps around doors and windows to improve insulation.
Add a door sweep: This simple addition can significantly reduce drafts under exterior doors.
Use smart power strips: These automatically cut power to devices in standby mode, reducing phantom energy use.

Encouraging Family Participation in Green Living

Making green living a family effort can amplify its impact and make it more enjoyable.

Educate Children on Sustainability

Explain the importance: Help children understand why conserving resources matters.
Lead by example: Show children how to recycle, conserve water, and save energy through your actions.
Involve them in green projects: Let kids help with tasks such as sorting recyclables or planting a garden.

Make Green Living a Fun Family Activity

Have energy-saving competitions: See who can reduce their energy use the most in a month. Keep track of who turns off lights the most when they leave a room or who takes the quickest showers.
Create eco-friendly crafts: Use recyclable materials for art projects.
Plan nature outings: Regular outdoor activities can foster a deeper appreciation for the environment.