Many homeowners think that expensive solar panels and smart home gadgets are the only ways your household can adopt more eco-friendly practices. However, we’re here to tell you that there are simple tips anyone can implement at home to be a little friendlier to the planet – and your wallet!

SWITCH TO LED LIGHT BULBS

LED bulbs are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs, which means they have a much longer lifespan, lasting more than 20 times that of their incandescent counterparts.

USE COLD WATER TO WASH YOUR CLOTHES

75%–90% of the energy your washer uses goes to heating the water, which is most of the time an unnecessary step. Hot water is actually known to set stains, and cold water will get your clothes just as clean!

LINE-DRY WHEN POSSIBLE

Dryers are not only tough on the environment, but they’re rough on your clothes too. Air-dry whenever you can, and your clothes will retain their shape and last longer.

INVEST IN WINDOW TREATMENTS

Reduce your air conditioner usage by installing curtains or blinds, keeping the sun out and your home cool in the summer. Window treatments will also give your home a nice interior design upgrade.

USE CLOTH KITCHEN TOWELS, NOT PAPER TOWELS

Not only are cloth kitchen towels reusable and therefore the more eco-friendly option, but they add a luxurious element to the look of your kitchen, unlike paper towels.

PURCHASE A WATER FILTER

You will recover the cost of a water filter in no time when you stop buying cases of water bottles. Less than 10% of the price of bottled water goes towards the water itself – most of the money is spent on packaging, shipping and marketing costs. A reusable water bottle is also a great way to keep plastic from our landfills.

KEEP THE OVEN DOOR CLOSED

We know – it’s tempting to keep checking on those chocolate chip cookies. But try to do so without opening the oven door. Your oven temperature can drop by 65 degrees Celsius just from opening the door for 30 seconds.

TURN OFF THE TAP WHILE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

No need to keep the water running while you brush. Same goes for shaving!

COMPOST YOUR VEGETABLE WASTE

Instead of trashing your potato skins, carrot tops and broccoli stems, toss them in a compost bin in your backyard. Soon you’ll have free vitamin rich soil to use for gardening.