When it comes to making our homes eco-friendlier and energy efficient, we often focus on the inside. We buy more energy efficient appliances, take shorter showers, install better light bulbs, and a host of other things. But there’s also a lot that you can do outside your home, so these strategies shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’ve been looking for ways to make your home eco-friendlier, here are a few strategies you can use outside the house.
Start a Garden
For starters, plant a garden. If you have the space, starting a garden is one of the best things you can do. As an example, if you planted some vegetables in your garden, you wouldn’t have to buy them from the store. You would then have fresh vegetables to eat, all without having to drive over to your local supermarket and putting their vegetables in a plastic bag. It may seem like a small action, but at the very least you get to enjoy the taste of a fresh vegetable that you grew yourself.
If you do start a garden, consider setting up a rain barrel. A rain barrel will collect rainwater, so that you don’t have to use a hose to water your garden. This will lower your water costs for the month, and since you’re using less water through this system, it’s more environmentally friendly. For instructions on how you can set up a rain barrel, check out this guide.
Do Your Own Composting
The next thing you should consider is doing your own composting. Rather than buying soil and fertilizer from a garden store, you can make your own using your home’s waste. This will help to reduce the amount of trash your home generates, and you’ll even get some great fertilizer out of it. Composting your waste is relatively easy once you get started. You’ll need a few basic materials to begin, such as a container and some ingredients. Then it’s just a matter of keeping up with it and adding it to your regular chores list. For more information, this guide will walk you through the process.
Install Solar Panels
A great way to make your home eco-friendlier is by installing solar panels. Solar panels can be used to power your home, meaning you won’t have to rely as much on oil or gas. For solar panels to work, you’ll need an area outside your home that get’s plenty of sunshine, such as an open yard or on your roof. You should talk to a local solar panel power company about your options and the costs associated with it. In many cases, you may find that installing solar panels will actually save you money in the long run, while also being better for the planet.
Make Sure Your Roof Is in Good Condition
If you have an older roof, there’s a good chance it’s not as efficient as it once was. If this is the case, any heat or cool air you generate inside the home is likely to leak out. By having your roof inspected, you can better insulate your home, and therefore make it more efficient. A good place to start is by using this roof repair cost calculator from an Austin, TX roof repair company. From there you can decide on whether fixing your roof is a good decision for your home.
Change the Lights
Finally, you should consider changing up your outdoor lights. Just like you might replace the bulbs inside your home to something more energy efficient, you can do the same outside. After you’ve changed the bulbs, you can also look at some other options too. For instance, you can put your outdoor lights on a timer, or install a motion sensor. This will have the lights on less often, saving energy. Another thing you can do is install solar lights, which will get power from the sun during the day, then light up at night.
Put a Plan into Place
There are many ways you can make your home eco-friendly, but some of the best lie outside the home. After looking at the list above, take some time to think about which strategies would work best for you. Then make yourself a to-do list and start checking them off one at a time. Each individual item may not seem like a big change, but they will all add up when you’re done. Then, before long, you should have a home that is more environmentally friendly, thanks to the changes you made on the outside.
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