As awareness of climate change grows, so does the desire to embrace more ecologically friendly practices. Here are four upgrades that can help you green up your home and daily routine.
- Schedule an Energy Audit
This is the perfect place to start if you want to increase the efficiency of your current home. During an energy audit, you will learn what appliances are using the most energy, where the air leaks are, and — most importantly — what you can do to lower your household’s carbon footprint.
- Explore Recycling Options
There has been increased talk about recycling lately as companies struggle to find a market for recycled goods. Instead of looking at this trend as a reason to stop recycling, consider it an incentive to find new and creative ways to give your trash new life. Start by cleaning and prepping all of the materials that go into your curbside bin. It is generally best to take electronics, appliances and scrap metal to recycling centers equipped to handle them.
- Upgrade Your Roof
Traditional asphalt roofing shingles can generate a lot of heat in an attic or upstairs space. Luckily, there are some great alternatives that provide greener solutions. Many metal roofing materials no offer UV coatings that reflect the sun to help reduce heat transfer.
If you want to really green up your home, solar shingles New Jersey are another option. Not only do they reduce heating, but they also generate power for your household, reducing both your carbon footprint and utility bills.
- Rethink Landscaping Choices
The standard American lawn may seem like a natural and attractive landscaping choice, but it can be incredibly harmful to the environment. Most lawns require significant upkeep to stay attractive, which can have environmental consequences. Embrace alternative landscaping trends such as hardscaping and xeriscaping to save on work while moving toward a more environmentally friendly yard.
Being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to be difficult. Start with an energy audit to find your home’s weak spots. Then explore ways to maximize efficiency, reduce waste and green up your landscaping.