If you’re interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle, how about starting by reducing your environmental footprint at home? While the majority of new construction communities are built with energy efficiency and the latest technology to support green living – including our new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado – there are still many ways to improve your carbon footprint and support our planet without leaving home. In addition to buying within a conservation community, here are a few steps to get you started (and remember, every little bit helps!):
Use Homemade Cleaning Products
When you’re on the search for ways to reduce your plastic usage, skip conventional cleaning products and opt for DIY versions. Many cleaning solutions are incredibly simple to make and require only a few key ingredients, such as white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
Unless you’re facing stubborn stains, washing your clothes in cold water is perfectly effective at getting your clothes fresh and clean. By using cold water instead of hot, you’ll significantly reduce energy usage. As an added bonus, cold water is easier on your clothes and will prevent wear and tear. In addition to washing on cold whenever possible, aim to avoid washing after every wear to cut energy and water usage even more drastically.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
To reduce your impact on the planet, decreasing your home’s energy consumption whenever possible is a great start. A programmable thermostat will help you to almost effortlessly optimize your energy usage, while ensuring that your home stays comfortable. It’s also beneficial for the lifespan of your HVAC system and may even provide savings on your energy bills. One of the many perks of buying a new home is that they’re often equipped with a programmable thermostat and other energy-efficient features.
Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Leaving electronics plugged in when not in use is an energy drain that’s easily preventable. Whenever your appliances or electronics aren’t being used, switch them off and unplug them. Making this simple change a habit really adds up and will contribute to your home’s energy efficiency. This practice can also increase the life of your electronics, because the more items you have plugged in around the house, the more susceptible your devices are to damage from an unexpected power surge.
Only Use the Heater When Necessary
Although spring is quickly approaching, the mornings and evenings are still crisp. While you may be tempted to turn on the heater to warm up, try to save this for truly cold weather. Layering up or enjoying a hot beverage are often as effective as the heater at keeping you warm, and this choice is better for the environment. If you struggle with feeling cold, consider setting up draft excluders to trap warm air inside.
Living an eco-friendlier life often requires just a few simple changes. If you’d like to reduce your energy usage, consider purchasing one of our beautiful new houses in Elizabeth, Colorado. Each brand-new home in the Independence Neighborhood is designed with energy efficient features to be gentler on the environment, while providing all the luxuries of modern living. To learn more about availability and the sustainable infrastructure of our conservation community, please contact our team.