As the global conversations about climate change, environmental wellness, and “green” technology continue, you may want to begin thinking about how to make relevant changes to your own lifestyle. People spend more time in their homes now than ever before—working or studying remotely, entertaining family and friends, or simply building a life—and with the growing accessibility of new and exciting tech, it’s a perfect time to switch over to more energy-efficient appliances and environmentally-friendly habits. 

However, many people believe that “green” home improvement projects are too expensive or impractical compared to standard options. Surprisingly, that isn’t the case—sustainable living practices can help you save money in the long run. Below are three suggestions for new ways to make your home better for you and for the planet.

1. Invest in a Solar Battery for Your Home

 Solar panels are a popular choice for “green” home improvement. Acting as a receptacle

for the energy that your solar panels collect, a solar battery is a responsible investment that will help you in the event of an emergency. Like a traditional backup generator, a solar battery will store power for later use. However, it does not produce the same harmful emissions as a traditional generator. In addition to being reliable and convenient to maintain, this will help to reduce your carbon footprint.

Over time, this investment will allow you to save on utilities by monitoring your own energy consumption. When you own a solar battery, you can independently check how much energy is used by your household and avoid excessive expenses. If you choose to transition before alternative energy features become standardized, you can set yourself up well for the future when more and more people will be making this smart switch.

2. Replace Appliances with Energy-Efficient Options

  Many appliances are now being produced with energy-efficient options that are better for the environment and for your wallet. You can look for appliances openly marked with their energy-saving features, which consume exponentially less than their conventional counterparts.

For instance, conventional clothes dryers are the most energy-consuming devices in a typical home. With new technology, an energy-efficient refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher combined would consume about the same amount of energy as a traditional dryer. Ultimately, these appliances can shrink your electricity bill and save you hundreds of dollars over the lifespan of your machines.

3. Landscape Your Lawn & Garden Responsibly

In addition to the changes you can make to your home’s interior, you can also amend your outdoor space to make positive changes. Firstly, pay attention to the plants that you add to your garden. You can plant flowers that attract pollinators and provide shelter for bees, contributing to larger efforts to slow or stop their decline. You can also grow your own fruits and vegetables to make your own meals directly from your backyard.

If you do choose to garden, be wary of chemical pesticides and weed killers that can be harmful to pets and to people. Many products that are available from retail stores or from professional landscapers are highly toxic. For instance, some herbicides have been linked to conditions like Parkinson’s disease and heart failure. If they are sprayed on your lawn, they can drift to other patches of land, be consumed by pets, or even contaminate the soil and water in your area.

Ultimately, making “green” home improvements like these three examples is smart for you and for the environment. Building a solar energy setup and investing in energy-efficient appliances are great ways to rework the necessities of life to be more environmentally safe and cost-effective while engaging with nature in your own backyard can help you get in touch with the resources that you’re working on to protect. 

With any combination of these ideas, you will be taking steps toward a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle that rewards you for being kind to the planet.