Tips for Being More Eco-Friendly at Home
You may be surprised how big of an impact these small steps have!
Going green doesn’t always have to mean expensive upgrades to your home. On the contrary, there are a lot of options for not only inexpensive solutions, but adjustments that can be made into fun activities for the whole family. Check out some of our favorite ways to easily help your home have a green impact on our planet:
Plant an Herb Garden
This is often inexpensive, but can be a fun activity for the whole family. In the greater Seattle area, not everyone has a backyard for a large garden, but herb gardens require a relatively small amount of space, and can often be maintained in apartments or small patios if needed. Of course, the sky's the limit, and if you have space, it’s a fun idea to consider a larger produce garden that gives your household a sustainable supplemental food source! After all, cooking is much more fun when you grow the ingredients yourself.
Use a Water Filter Instead of Buying Packs of Water Bottles
This is a great way to not only reduce the harmful waste that comes from water bottles, but it also saves a ton of money. Brita filters, for example, only need to be changed a few times a year depending on the filter you purchase, but can be filled up endlessly right from the sink. No need to get the Costco pack of plastic! If you’re needing to take a water bottle for a hike or to the park, consider a reusable water bottle instead. One no-brainer in comparison to plastic bottles, they often keep your water nice and cold!
Use Window Treatments
Not only can this add a little style to your room, but it also helps control the temperature. Without curtains, a sealed window can still let in warm and cool air from the outside. Save the planet as well as some money by adopting this feature into your home.
Use Reusable Totes
While several cities have gotten rid of plastic bags, paper bags are still unnecessary if you invest in a few well-made totes for your groceries. A handy tip is to always keep a few in your car or by your front door, that way you always have them when needed.
Shop Locally at a Farmer’s Market
This falls back into the category of not only being good for the environment (not driving too far for errands and supporting local small businesses that don’t mass-produce), but also is fun for the whole family to participate in. The greater Seattle area in general has so many farmer’s markets to explore, all of which have fantastic vendors (and they usually have delicious samples to try). Doing this brings more sustainable goods into your home and instills eco-friendly practices in your household.
Going green can be as easy as taking some small steps. If you’re looking specifically for green architecture or features in your next home, our team specializes in this and would love to help you along your journey. Send us a note, and we’ll make a plan!