Nowadays, everyone is trying to make their home more eco-friendly. Not only is it good for the environment, but it can also help you cut your utility costs. Here are a few ways to make your home eco-friendly and all on a limited budget just in time for Earth Day.

 

 

 

 

1. Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. They last 10 years and only use 10 percent of energy of normal bulbs.

 2. Switch out conventional hot water heaters for solar hot water heaters.

3. Change your traditional showerheads and toilets with pressurized low-flow alternatives. These save gallons of water per day.

4. Capture rainwater and shower water to irrigate your garden and plants.

5. Install skylights in your roof to lighten up those especially dark rooms.

6. Put in solar panels. Solar heating will provide energy for your house and heat the water. It is pure, clean energy, and can be stored and used later.

7. Motion sensor light bulbs can be used for both outdoors and indoors, so you never forget to turn the lights off when you leave.

8. Install a drying rack in your laundry room. Tumble driers use a ton of electricity and are not too good for your clothing.

9. Spray foam insulation, like cotton from recycled jeans, because it is very efficient and non-toxic compared to that old pink fiberglass insulation. 

10. If it’s time to buy new appliances for your house, only buy Energy Star-rated ones. These products can be found anywhere appliances are sold.

 

11. And for us Arizonians, you can even use solar energy to heat your pool in those chillier winter months.