Wondering how you can live a more sustainable lifestyle? With the effects of climate change impacting the lives of everyone across the globe, it’s important to do your part to reduce your environmental impact. The best way to do this is to make sensible improvements to your home, reducing your energy consumption and your overall carbon footprint. Here are four great projects to help you go green in your everyday life at home.

1. Use Solar Energy

A home’s overall energy consumption makes a massive impact on the environment. Solar energy and solar panel systems have been around for decades, but they’ve just recently become more affordable to install in the average home. A solar energy system is powered by the sun, a resource that won’t be depleted. Consult your local experts in solar energy to devise a system that’s right for the unique needs of your house. Be sure to ask about a solar battery, which allows you to store energy throughout the day to use after the sun goes down. This is a fix that’s as good for the environment as it is for your wallet – when you do this project the right way, you nearly eliminate your monthly energy bills.

2. Create a Natural Pool

Who can resist the allure of an attractive backyard swimming pool? There’s actually a way to make this exciting addition to your yard that benefits the environment. Professional pool builders in Charleston can assist you in creating a natural pool. Natural pools use the processes of nature to purify the water and they use pumps that aren't pressurized, reducing your electricity usage. By incorporating aquatic plants into the design of your pool, you’re able to eliminate the need for harmful chemicals like chlorine. The aquatic plants can be separated from your main swimming area, creating a lagoon-like look that’s as good for your backyard aesthetic as it is for the environment.

3. Install Smart Technology

In recent years, the rise of smart home technology has allowed people to live a simpler, greener lifestyle. In particular, smart thermostats are especially helpful in reducing energy waste from heating and cooling systems. Program your thermostat to fit with your weekly schedule, giving the HVAC systems in your house a rest whenever you’re not at home. You’ll feel peace of mind that your home will be the perfect temperature while you’re there, and you won’t waste any energy when you aren’t.

You can also integrate smart technology into your home’s lighting system. Smart bulbs and switches communicate with your programmable smart home technology system, and you can also control them with the touch of a button on a smartphone. In addition, be sure to integrate your outdoor lighting into your overall smart home system. This allows you to program your outdoor lights to turn on and off as needed, providing you with an extra layer of security around your house. For additional energy savings, swap out all your bulbs with LED options, which burn brighter while consuming less energy.

4. Improve the Insulation

A simple way to prevent energy waste is to bolster the insulation around your house. This is an easy fix that helps your home maintain a consistent temperature, which in turn allows your heating and cooling systems to run less often. There are two key areas around the house where some additional insulation really can make an impact. In your attic, spray loose-fill insulation on the eaves to prevent energy loss through the roof. In the garage, install a layer of foam insulation behind the garage door. These simple improvements reduce the energy it takes to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house for years to come.

Conclusion

Going green at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these tips and feel confident that you’re taking responsible steps to reduce your environmental impact.