It is easy to become overwhelmed with the magnitude of the current climate crisis. Dire predictions may leave you searching for the big solutions to the even bigger picture. However, there are lots of small changes you can make in your home that will help to reduce your carbon footprint and make the world a better place for everyone. 

Switch to LEDs

LED light bulbs use a fraction of the electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and are a super-easy way to reduce your electricity usage. They may be more expensive initially, but LEDs can last up to 25 times the length of time of incandescents. Plus, since you probably won't need to replace them for years, you will be using a lot less in the way of raw materials and resources to manufacture them. 

Wash Clothes in Cold Water

Switching to cold water will help you conserve most of the energy involved in running your washer. New eco-friendly detergents are better at cleaning, too, so cold water can get out almost any dirt and grime you can dish up. While you are washing your way to a cleaner environment, why not consider adding a clothesline to your laundry habits? Skipping the dryer reduces your carbon footprint and your utility bills. 

Choose Natural Materials

When you make major purchases, look for natural materials. They are friendly to the environment and the air in your home. So, if you plan to remodel the bedroom, choose no-VOC paint and shop for a 100% organic latex mattress to provide a safe and environmentally-conscious sleeping environment. 

Skip Single-Use Containers

This goes for water bottles, food storage, and product packaging. If it gets used once and tossed, don't bring it into the house. There are great, reusable alternatives to most packaging items now, so you should not have any trouble finding suitable alternatives. 

Shop Thrift Stores

One way to help with the amount of stuff landing up in landfills is to actively participate in the recycle and reuse movement. Take your unwanted items to thrift or consignment stores, and look for great "new to you" items to replace them while you are there. 

Fix Leaky Faucets

A small drip can lead to a big waste of water. According to the USGS, a single faucet dripping once per minute will waste 34 gallons of water over the course of a year. If it drips more often, or if you have several small leaks, you could be talking about hundreds of gallons of water that goes right down the drain. 

Use Reusable Shopping Bags

When you head to those thrift stores, make sure to bring a reusable shopping bag or two along with you. Plastic bags are harmful to the environment, and many cannot be put into municipal recycling containers. 

Carpool and Combine Trips

If you are fortunate to have a coworker that lives nearby, ask if they are interested in setting up carpool arrangements. You can split the expense of commuting and save on fuel at the same time. It gets even better if one of you has an alternative fuel vehicle. If carpooling isn't an option for you, try to condense your trips into as few as possible to reduce driving time and the resulting emissions. 

Unplug Your Electronics

Your devices silently drain electricity when they are plugged in, even if they aren't powered on. Save yourself a little money and conserve natural resources by unplugging your tech when it's not being used. 

Install Window Treatments

Installing blinds or shades on your windows can help save energy all year. Go ahead and use the natural light and warmth from the sun in colder weather, but shut it out during hot summer months. 

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars on a hybrid car or install solar panels on your roof to help the planet. Instead, try these simple eco-friendly tips to find out how easy it can be.