In today's society, it's more important than ever to be environmentally conscious. Not only can being eco-friendly help protect the environment, but it can also save you money. Here are five ways that you can make your home a more eco-friendly place.

1. Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

Although incandescent bulbs are the most popular choice in the United States, they're not the most efficient. Did you know that they only convert 10% of energy into light, while the other 90% is lost as heat? In addition, incandescent bulbs cause your air conditioning to work even harder to keep your home's temperature down, which is inefficient and can raise your utility bills.

Switching to LEDs can help make your home more eco-friendly. These bulbs use up to 80% less energy than incandescents, and they can also last for up to 49,000 hours longer. Additionally, LEDs don't emit a lot of heat, so you won't have to worry about raising the AC to maintain a comfortable temperature in your house.

2. Install Solar Panels

Although solar installation North Carolina may seem like quite the project, it can have numerous benefits on your life and community. As soon as you install your solar panel system, it'll begin generating clean electricity from the sun, which you can then use to power your home. In 20 years, solar panels can save your home between $10,000 and $30,000. They can also increase your property value. In fact, one study found that buyers were willing to spend an additional $15,000 if the seller's home was equipped with solar panels.

Installing solar panels can also decrease carbon emissions, which can significantly reduce pollution. Considering that pollution kills seven million people worldwide every year and causes health problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, installing a solar energy system can indirectly improve others' lives.

3. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water

According to Energy Star, up to 90% of the energy that a washing machine uses is employed to heat water. Therefore, washing your clothes in cold water can save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, washing in cold water can actually be better for your clothes, as hot water can deteriorate the fabric and cause the colors to dull.

If your clothes have stubborn stains that won't seem to come out with cold water, consider using the warm setting. Although this isn't as energy efficient as cold water, it's much better than using hot water and can be more efficient at removing grime.

4. Insulate Your Home

Another great way to make your home more eco-friendly is to invest in insulation. Insulation keeps in the heat, which means that you don't have to waste energy to reheat your home repeatedly. As an additional benefit, insulation is made from green materials, making it an environmentally friendly option. Some of the most common types of insulation include:

• Foam board

• Rigid fiber board

• Blanket

• Concrete block

• Insulating concrete forms

• Reflective

You can also double-glaze your windows, which involves using two panes of glass create a "sandwich" and trap the heat or cold.

5. Use a Recycling Bin and Compost Bin

Putting a recycling bin in your home can serve as an effective reminder to recycle items like bottles, paper and jars, while a compost bin can help you reuse leftovers rather than putting them to waste. The good news is that compost bins are designed to be neat and odor-free. Your compost bin transforms your leftovers into fertilizer, which you can then use to plant your own herb garden. Not only can this be an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home, but it means that you'll always have fresh herbs to garnish your favorite dishes.

Although the idea of living a more eco-friendly life may sound overwhelming at first, it doesn't have to be if you start by making small changes to your home. Following these five tips can help you reduce your energy usage and contribute to a more sustainable environment.