You can’t escape the demand for cleaner, more environmentally friendly living.

From cars to food, people are making innovations and modifying their choices to help conserve the Earth and support sustainable living.

Here are 8 ways to do just that.

    Hanging tungsten light bulb, energy saving and LED bulb
    The easiest way to save energy in your home, and reduce your electric bill, is to install energy-efficient light bulbs. (DepositPhotos)

    1. Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs

    If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to make the switch to energy-efficient bulbs.

    Modern light bulbs, such as compact fluorescentand LEDs, are energy efficient, last much longer than old incandescents — which last about a year, compared to CFLs at 10 years and LEDs at 25 — and cost less in the long run.


    Rain barrel
    It’s easy to upcycle a garbage can into a rain barrel and conserve rain water. (DepositPhotos)

    2. Recycle Rain Water

    Did you know you can reduce your water bill by using free rainwater for irrigation?

    This homemade rain barrel to recycle rainwater for use in your lawn and garden is an easy do-it-yourself project that costs less than $50.


    spray-foam-insulation
    Check your attic’s insulation and make sure it’s still intact and there’s enough. (DepositPhotos)

    3. Insulate Your Home

    You’ll want to use as little energy as possible to improve your home’s eco-friendliness, and insulation is a big step toward doing this.

    Having enough insulation can help trap outside air so you won’t have to keep the heating and cooling system running all the time.

    Insulating your attic and walls are common ways to keep outdoor air from creeping inside. Other options include double-glazing windows and covering hardwood floors with rugs — a stylish way to keep feet warm during low temperatures.


    Luxurious kitchens
    Luxurious curtains add texture and warmth to a kitchen. When drawn, they also help reduce solar heat gain.

    4. Hang Curtains

    If your home has bare windows, consider adding fabric and personalized décor. Bare windows aren’t just potentially boring to look at, they also let in outside air even if sealed shut.

    Hanging curtains and blinds can reduce the heat that enters your home and can protect floors and furniture from the sun’s harsh rays. Better yet, add some window film to reduce solar heat gain. Here is a guide on window film application.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Danny Lipford

    Danny Lipford

    Founder

    Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

    Learn More