How can I live a green lifestyle?

If you want to talk the talk, then you’ve got to walk the walk! But don’t worry: You don’t have to live in a 100% renewable energy home and recycle every single thing you use to “live the green life.” Start with some of these simple suggestions!

• Start composting. There are many items around your home that are compostable (food waste is one obvious example) that can be put to good use. For example, in the spring you can use your compost as powerful fuel in your garden.
• You can purchase electricity that was generated using renewable energy sources. In fact, we offer our customers green-energy options that include renewable energy credits (RECs) for that very purpose!
• Switch to a laptop instead of a desktop computer. Generally, a laptop consumes only a quarter of the power that a desktop would. If, from time-to-time, you find that you need a bigger display, try plugging your laptop into your TV as a second monitor.
• Cook a healthy dinner at home instead of going out to eat. Not only does this allow you to eat a healthier meal with your family, but you can also support local businesses and entrepreneurs by purchasing local and organic products. It’s a win-win!
• There are even several home improvement tips available on our Bright Insights blog that you can make around your house to support a green lifestyle!

Hungry for more tips? Check out Green Living Tips for some more great ideas on how you can make nearly every part of your life green and eco-friendly.

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Thinking of doing some home renovations? These six fixes will not only make your home more comfortable and visually appealing, they’ll significantly cut down on your electricity bill, too! The long-term savings are priceless.

Here are a few areas you can target during your next home improvement project to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

• Get a low flow toilet or showerhead. You can save a significant amount of money over time by installing these low flow fixtures. Naturally, prices will depend on where you live, but you can reasonably expect your new fixtures to pay for themselves in 10 years of use or less.

• Check your insulation. Improvements can help keep the temperature of your home regulated, which will keep your energy bill lower all year around.

• Install CFL bulbs in your home. These light bulbs are more energy efficient and last much longer than regular light bulbs. If you are preparing to take the plunge and buying new bulbs for one room, then you should consider buying more bulbs at a cheaper price and install them around your entire home to maximize your savings!

• Try a clean and smart dishwasher. These appliances use less hot water, and can even be programmed to run during off-peak hours when they will use cheaper electricity.

• Consider a programmable thermostat. They help you save a lot of money by tweaking the temperature in your home—you can even set it up to turn off while you are at work or sleeping and turn back on when you get home!

• Install ceiling fans. What you may not know is that ceiling fans can be used effectively during both the summer and the winter. During the winter, your fan should circulate clockwise to push warm air down and trap it low to the ground where you can feel it. In the summer, run it counterclockwise to create cool downward airflow!

Are you hungry for some further reading? Check out our Bright Insights blog post about 5 DIY projects that are sure to increase your home’s energy efficiency!

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Alternative lighting

One of the easiest ways to cut down on energy bills is to make the switch to fluorescent or LED light bulbs throughout the house. If you have the money, consider investing in remotely controlled LED lights that can be turned on, off, and dimmed with a smartphone or tablet app. Set your lights on a timer when you are away from home for additional safety and adjust settings for your individual needs.

Programmable thermostat

Adjust the temperature of your house and set timers for heat and air conditioning with programmable thermostats in order to use as little energy as possible. Some programmable thermostats are also remotely controlled, an added bonus if you go out of town and forget to turn off your air conditioning.

Low flow faucets

Changing out your kitchen and bathroom faucets and showerheads for low flow alternatives is a straightforward and relatively simple DIY project that will save you money in the long run. If you want to further save water in your home, set some water usage ground rules such as taking limited length showers, turning off taps while brushing teeth, and running full loads only on the dishwasher and washing machine.

Air drying laundry station

Tumble dryers are one of the biggest energy wasting culprits in the home. For an instant green fix, set up an air drying station in your laundry room (a slotted air drying rack on the wall or back of the laundry room door will do the trick) and air dry as many of your clothes as possible. In the summer, make use of your backyard’s natural solar power and dry your clothes the traditional way – in the sunshine.

Upcycled furniture

Going green at home is about more than saving energy. Recycling and reusing are just as important as reducing energy bills. When updating furniture and home accessories, consider rehoming items you already have (old trunks, wicker baskets, and sideboards) or buy from charity stores and flea markets. Upcycled furniture adds charm and vintage aesthetic while being sustainable as well.

Kitchen wall vertical garden

Even the least green thumbed homeowner can easily set up a windowsill garden at home. Think out of the box and hang your potted herbs and vegetables on the kitchen wall to add color and creative flair to your cooking and dining space. This project not only looks good but also saves money on fresh produce bills. If, after completing this task, you feel confident in your gardening skills, consider setting up a garden in your backyard to continue your sustainable food production.

Kaitlin Krull is a writer and mom of two girls living the expat life in the UK. Her writing is featured on Modernize.com and a number of home decor sites around the web. She can also be found blogging from time to time on her personal blog, A Vicar’s Wife.

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