Simple Ways to Reduce Your Household’s Carbon Footprint

As the effects of climate change become increasingly more apparent, many of us have opted to reduce our carbon footprint. Conservation has never been more crucial than at this moment in time, and it is incumbent on all of us to do our part for the environment. When people hear about environmental awareness, many of them mistakenly believe that being eco-friendly entails completely upending lifestyles to which they’ve grown accustomed. Unbeknownst to these individuals, doing right by the environment doesn’t have to be an imposition or dramatically alter their way of life. Households looking to minimize environmental damage and offset climate change can benefit from the following pointers.

Invest in a Green Mattress

Comfort does not have to be synonymous with wastefulness. No matter which area of your home you’re looking to furnish, odds are you’ll be able to find eco-friendly furniture options. Case in point: the bedroom. The next time you find yourself in the market for new furniture, look into purchasing a green mattress and bed-frame made from reclaimed wood. Never has getting a peaceful night’s rest been more beneficial to the environment.

Adhere to Local Recycling Rules

When it comes to living a greener lifestyle, recycling is among the most vital steps you can take. However, it’s important to remember that recycling rules tend to vary by state, city and township, so if you’re in any way unclear on local recycling rules, make a point of educating yourself. Failing to adhere to these rules can result in hefty fines and even prevent your recycling from being collected.

In addition to brushing up on the rules that govern recycling in your current locale, you’d be wise to learn more about local rules concerning e-waste. Given the number of gadgets found in most modern-day households and the speed at which we tend to go through said gadgets, many families have their fair share of outdated and unwanted electronics. While you may be tempted to throw these items out, discarded electronics have a habit of leaking dangerous chemicals into landfills, and in extreme cases, this can have an adverse impact on water supplies. Furthermore, throwing certain electronics out with regular garbage may be illegal in your city or township.

Luckily, there are a variety of ways to recycle your old electronics. Taking them to your nearest e-waste recycling facility is among the easiest options, but if the items in question are still in working condition, you may also want to consider donating or selling them.

Utilize Alternatives to Air Conditioning

If you live in an area that’s prone to blisteringly hot summers and/or warm weather year-round, air conditioning is likely a necessity. Still, you may not need to run your AC 24/7. In addition to increasing your household’s carbon footprint, always-on AC is practically guaranteed to rack up a small fortune in cooling costs. Fortunately, if you’re looking to take some of the pressure off your air conditioning, you’ll find no shortage of practical options.

Installing dependable ceiling fans throughout your home can be a great way to circulate cool air while minimizing AC usage. When the weather is hot, set these fans to rotate counterclockwise, as this will create a cooling breeze. While investing in reliable ceiling fans may cost you a little bit of money in the short term, the amount you’ll save in cooling costs should prove well worth the expense.

Energy-efficient windows are another sound investment for eco-conscious homeowners. Since these windows feature multiple panes, they tend to be more effective at keeping cool air inside and warm air outside than standard single-paned windows. Additionally, energy-efficient windows can help trap warm air during the winter months, making them a boon to homeowners in cooler areas.     

In recent years, it has become impossible to deny the impact human activity is having on the environment. Hoping to help mitigate the damage, many households have taken to recycling and other eco-conscious practices. Additionally, as a growing number of families are discovering, reducing their carbon footprint doesn’t have to involve massive lifestyle changes or depleted finances. Eco-savvy households eager to do their part in the fight against climate change should put the previously discussed measures to good use.

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