Who wouldn’t like to be more environmentally friendly these days? Sometimes though, the process of being greener can be a bit overwhelming. Where to begin? For Southern Maryland homeowners, their homes are a great place to start. Here are some key areas homeowners can consider and important questions they can ask themselves if they’re ready to be more eco-friendly at home:

Trash

What goes into my trash? How much trash do I create each week? Let’s face it, trash isn’t a very exciting topic, and it’s often something that we create and dispose of without much consideration. If we want to be more green in our homes though, it’s important to take a step back and think about how much we’re throwing away and where we might make changes. Many homeowners already recycle, but sometimes recyclables still end up in their trash. Being more consistent with recycling is a great place to start. Many homeowners also find that they’re throwing away a lot of food scraps. Looking into your options for composting can dramatically cut your trash output.

Disposable vs. Reusable

This question will also help you reduce waste. How much of what you’re throwing away really needs to go in the trash? What I mean here is, are there reusable alternatives? As homeowners, we’ve been marketed to for years by brands selling convenient, disposable solutions for our needs at home. From the plastic soap bottles you buy each time one runs out to the plastic wrap we use to cover our food, disposable products are normal parts of daily life. Some simple switches to reusable products, like glass soap bottles you can refill with a tablet and some water or a waxed fabric covering to replace the plastic wrap, can help homeowners make strides towards a greener life.

Energy

How efficient is your home? What are your energy sources? Is your house well insulated to keep the heat in in the winter and cool in in the summer? Though it can seem like a big step, switching to solar can be a great option for many homeowners. If you’re not quite ready for that, even things like using more energy-efficient bulbs, replacing or sealing drafty windows in the winter, and simply making sure you turn off your lights can make a difference.

Habits

The most important thing for homeowners to consider is their habits. We’re all different, so we all have different ways that we can be greener in our daily lives. As homeowners, we often get into habits for how we keep our homes running, particularly when it comes to the things we buy. Taking a look at your own habits in relation to your home allows homeowners to create a customized plan to be more eco friendly. Maybe you decide to find an alternative to that plastic jug of laundry detergent or start buying grains in bulk instead of boxes.. Making your efforts personal and turning them into habits are two key strategies.

 

Is this something you think about as a homeowner? Are there any changes you’ve made recently that you’d recommend? Are there changes you plan to make this year? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!