We all care about the environment, but sometimes it’s hard to know what we can do to help conserve energy and water. But you’ll be glad to know that there are a number of simple and easy ways that you can make your home more eco-friendly.
Install a Water Efficient Toilet
Every time you flush your toilet, you use a lot of water. By installing a water efficient toilet, you can save gallons with each flush, helping to conserve water, and also helping you to save on your water bill.
Water efficient toilets are a great choice for families, especially ones with small children. After all, how often do you catch your little ones in the bathroom, flushing the toilet just for fun? Or how about when they go to the bathroom, don’t actually do anything, but still use a handful of toilet paper and flush anyway?
Put Up a Clothes Line
While Utah may be cold a lot, the summers tend to be hot—which is perfect for drying clothes. You can save a lot of electricity by skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes to dry outside. On a nice summer day, your clothes can dry in about an hour or less, which might be even faster than your dryer.
When using a clothes line, make sure you choose a sunny place where your clothes can dry quickly. If you are worried about bright colors fading, you can turn clothes inside out while they’re drying. And if you don’t like the way your towels get stiff when they air dry, let them hang outside until they’re almost dry, then throw them in the dryer for just a few minutes—they’ll come out nice and fluffy.
Designate a Spot for Recycling
Recycling isn’t difficult, but sometimes it can be hard to remember to do it. By creating a spot in your kitchen for recycled goods, you’ll be able to remember to toss in your empty pop cans, flattened cereal boxes, and your old newspapers. Just make sure that you pay attention to what your area will recycle, so that you don’t accidentally put in items that they won’t accept.
Open Your Curtains
If your home has a lot of windows, you can save a lot of electricity simply by opening your curtains and pulling up your blinds during the day. You might be surprised how much natural light you can get in your home, eliminating the need to keep your lights on all day. You can also help conserve electricity by making sure you turn lights off when you leave a room.
Weather-Proof Your Home
Utah winters are often cold, but simple changes can make a big difference. If you have hardwood floors, putting down rugs can help to maintain heat. It also doesn’t hurt to turn the thermostat down just a couple of degrees and cuddle up with blankets, too.
When the weather turns hot, you can keep your house cool by opening your windows at night and closing your curtains during the day to keep the heat out. If you don’t already have energy efficient windows, they’re a good investment. These windows can keep out drafts, making it easier to keep your house warm when it’s cold; when it’s hot, energy efficient windows help keep your house cool.
