The home is where the heart is. It’s also the place where we use a lot of energy and create a lot of waste. Fortunately there are many things we can do to reduce our energy expenditure and decrease our impact on the environment. These changes do not need to be big. While it would be great, it is impractical for most people to install solar panels on their roof, or replace all their appliances all at once with energy-saving alternatives. What we can do is make small changes over time. Start by recycling your newspapers, or drinking more tap or filtered water and skipping all the bottles. As you see how easy these small changes can be, take on bigger challenges.

Even if you were to make sustainable, or green living, a go simply because you’re trying to reduce your home energy bills, you are still helping our planet. Try installing a low-flow shower head; they’re inexpensive (they will pay for themselves in a few months) and easy to install. Low-flow shower heads can reduce your home water consumption and energy cost for heating the water by as much as 50% each.

There are other things you can do that are as simple, or even simpler than this to help our environment. Chemicals used for cleaning, fertilizing and protecting our pets can eventually leak into our waterways affecting our communities. Try using green alternatives to these products. Search online or ask a knowledgeable sales associate at your local hardware store where to find the most environmentally friendly alternative to the harsh chemical we are used to. 

Small changes add up, whether it’s taking advantage of sprucing up our homes with earth-thoughtful appliances, driving less or choosing to use green alternatives whenever possible, it all adds up.