Sometimes, in the face of a global crisis like climate change, it feels like there's not much you can do to help. It's normal to feel stuck, to feel helpless in the face of something huge and systemic. Feeling stuck and helpless doesn't mean that you are stuck and helpless. There's a lot that you can do as an individual to help with global climate change, starting right in your very own home.

Energy

First of all, check where your electricity is coming from and look to see if you have any options about that. If your power company isn't using renewable sources, you may be able to install your own. Check for Philadelphia solar options or other renewable energy in your area to see what's available. You may be able to install solar panels or a solar water heater on your own roof, if your HOA allows it and your roof gets enough sun to make it worthwhile. 

Insulation

If you can't find renewable energy options and you can't install your own, don't give up. There's still plenty you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Check your insulation, for example. If your insulation is old or badly installed, you could be wasting energy both in the winter and the summer. As hot air and air conditioning escapes, you waste both energy and money trying to keep up. You can make your home more eco-friendly and lower your cooling and heating costs in one fell swoop if you make sure that your home is properly insulated and airtight. 

Windows

Part of that task could include upgrading your windows. This is an important task that needs to be done from time to time anyway, so if you're looking at installing new windows, investigate some of the new, energy efficient options that are now available. Windows should close tightly and keep warm air inside your home. Equally important are blinds and shades, which can help to keep the worst of the summer sun at bay so your home stays cool in the summer as well as warm in the winter. Unless you're living in a historic home with the original windows, there's just no reason to keep old windows that leak cold air and drive up your costs and your carbon footprint. 

Appliances

Make sure to buy appliances that are efficient. Washing machines and dishwashers, for example, now come in water-saving and high-efficiency models. You can even buy shower heads that are designed to help you save on your water bill. This applies to small as well as large appliances. Use energy efficient lightbulbs and make sure that your electronics have their energy saver modes enabled. This is a perfect example of how being eco-friendly is also budget-friendly, since more efficient appliances can save you money on all kinds of utility costs. 

Materials

There is a balance to be struck whenever you are replacing anything in your home, whether it's the siding or the couch. On the one hand, you can get the newest and most efficient version, but on the other hand buying used helps to reduce the amount of junk going into landfills. Careful maintenance can help you reduce waste, and more and more products are being made with recycled materials from sustainable sources. Still, you must learn to navigate these options and decide which is going to be the best available choice not just for you and your family but also for your community and your planet. 

The fight against climate change isn't something you can do alone, but everyone including you will need to do their part. The world isn't going to be saved by one person doing something extraordinary but by a lot of people taking small but significant steps. The steps you take may not feel like much, but by making your home as eco-friendly as possible, you are helping to stop the march of global climate change and save the world.