Earth Day Exclusive: Sustainable Living at Home

Don't get it twisted, we should always be thinking about small changes we can make in life to ensure we leave this world better than we found it. In honor of #earthday trending on every social platform today, this blog post is dedicated to the small changes we can implement at home that (promise) won't in fact *dramatically alter your day to day life* 

Single-use plastics and CO2 emissions are the largest sources of Earth's pollutants. Solar panels and Energy Star appliances are great big steps to take, yes, but there are plenty more budget-friendly concepts to kickstart an eco-friendly home. These are changes you likely won't notice everyday that add up to a larger sustainable impact when we all contribute.

LAUNDRY 

According to Energy Star's website, 90% of the energy it takes to run a washer comes from heating the water. Simply switching your water preferences to 'cool' can save an immense amount of energy with each cycle. We're not bathing in it while it runs after all, so, take it from Elsa -- the cold never bothered her anyways. If you regularly deal with stained clothing, try washing all of those items together and switching the temperature to 'warm.' This will still cut your energy usage in half. 

LIGHTING

Swapping regular bulbs for energy-efficient light bulbs will use less electricity. Any time you are saving energy, you are implementing a sustainable practice. Ultimately, if you're using less electricity, you're also saving money on your monthly bills. It pays to be eco-friendly sometimes.

RECYCLING & COMPOST

This one may take a little more work on your part, but separating your materials makes you more conscious of how much waste you're producing. Again, this could save you money in the long run as to not buy and use what isn't necessary for your family. With many recyclable items, you can actually be paid for your efforts. Composting allows you to get rid of your leftovers and you can then use that as fertilizer for your plants. Composting bins today are designed with order in mind. You wouldn't need to worry about any unwanted odor or space issues. 

PLANTS

Plants are a great way to naturally decorate a home, all while keeping indoor air clean. In addition to it being a great use for the fertilizer from your compost, a full-blown garden can really cut down on your single-use plastics. Tending to plants may require more energy on your part, but you're also reaping the benefits you sow (pun intended). Basic benefits include monetary savings (store-bought vegetables come at a price) and consistently fresh, in-season produce.

What's one thing you do in your home every day that contributes to a more sustainable future? We want to know -- comment below!