By Zara Miller

Looking online, the eco-friendly houses advertised in magazines and reality TV shows are often unrealistic for the average homeowner trying to reduce their emissions. The EdgeLand House, located in Austin, Texas, maintains a constant, comfortable temperature by using the earth’s surrounding mass. Across the Atlantic in London, England, the Haycroft Gardens was designed with an L shape that helps fill the property with natural light. However, the Saplings Newspaper compiled a list of quick and easy eco-friendly changes that can be made to an already built home.

How to Tell If a Product Is Eco-Friendly

Once you understand the benefits of choosing eco-friendly products, it’s not a hard sell to start seeking them out. However, it is wise to be cautious about how a product is actually helping the environment. Unfortunately, some companies have seized on the marketing opportunity and advertise their products as sustainable or eco-friendly without that being true—this is a practice known as “greenwashing.”

To ensure you are investing in products that are truly eco-friendly, look for items that are certified by credible organizations, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Energy Star program, USDA Organic orGreen Seal Certified.

1. Repurpose Old Furniture

The first thing to consider when shopping for new furniture? Not buying it at all, says Laura Hodges, a Maryland designer with certifications from the Green Building Council and Sustainable Furnishings Council. By repurposing old furniture, there’s no energy used to build or ship it and practically no waste. During the process, you could save an old item from the landfill. Recycle Track Systems writes in an article that it takes painted wood over thirteen years to biodegrade, and it takes over a thousand years to biodegrade polyurethane pillows.

If you can’t find new furniture from families or friends, the next best place to check is your local antique store. Vintage and antique furniture often boasts unparalleled craftsmanship. You’ll find dovetail joints, hand-carved details, and solid wood construction that can outlast generations. Next time you look at your 

2. Switch to LED Light Bulbs

When you’re ready to dip your toes into the waters of sustainable home improvements, switching to energy-efficient lighting is a simple, inexpensive way to start: Next time a lightbulb goes out, just replace it with an LED bulb. Truly, using this option is a no-brainer.

Although LED bulbs are slightly more expensive to purchase than traditional incandescent bulbs, they pay off in terms of longevity and energy savings. You can use LED bulbs throughout the house as well as for holiday lights or landscape lights.

3. Swap Household Cleaners

Switching to green cleaners reduces air pollution both indoors and out, minimizing exposure to both asthma and allergy triggers, as well as chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Look for all-natural or plant-based products from companies that have a complete list of ingredients on their labels and are stamped with eco-friendly certifications (here’s how to decode green cleaning labels so you can buy the best products).

4. Level Up to a Programmable Thermostat

According to Energy.gov, you can save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by changing the temperature of your home 7 – 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours of the day. Programmable thermostats and smart technology can ensure you don’t miss the perfect times to reset your thermostat – usually when you’re sleeping or not at home. It can be hard to remember to change the temperature in the morning, change it again when you get home and then change it before you go to bed. With a programmable thermostat, you can program the thermostat to set to specific temperatures at different times of the day.

Sure, your rickety manual one works just fine, but a smart thermostat like Nest’s will have a setting like Eco-Mode that automatically drops the temperature when you’re not home.

5. Unplug “Vampire” Electronics

Unplug anything you’re not using, even if it’s turned off. A plugged-in appliance or electronic is still drawing energy from the outlet. All the devices you keep plugged in can quickly increase energy use and inflate your energy costs.

6. Improving Insulation

Insulation, often overlooked but vitally significant, plays a pivotal role in the energy efficiency equation. Think of it as the invisible shield that protects your home from temperature extremes. Ensuring your home is well-insulated means you’re taking a substantial step towards minimizing energy waste.

Upgrading your insulation to advanced materials like fiberglass or cellulose offers superior thermal resistance. This means they are adept at keeping the indoor temperature stable, irrespective of the weather outside. A properly insulated home eases the strain on your heating and cooling systems, thereby translating into considerable energy savings. Your energy usage dips, and your environmental responsibility surges.

7. Low-Flow Fixtures

Low-flow fixtures are a small change with a significant impact. These water-saving marvels are designed to reduce the flow rate of water from your faucets, showers, and toilets. Consequently, you see a significant decrease in water usage without sacrificing functionality.

Let’s take the example of low-flow showerheads here. You can use innovative technology to maintain water pressure while reducing the volume of water released. Similarly, low-flow toilets have become incredibly efficient at flushing with less water. By replacing your standard fixtures with low-flow alternatives, you can save several gallons of water each year. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to make your house greener.