Making eco-friendly home improvements can be a great project to undertake in the Midwest, and a great way to be more environmentally responsible. Eco-friendly upgrades can make your home more energy efficient and help give back to the environment, while still helping save you money and time in the long run.
There are a variety of eco-friendly home improvements you can undertake in the Midwest depending on the project. One popular project is adding green roofs, which can be used to capture and store rain water runoff, thus reducing strain on existing storm drainage systems. If a green roof is not feasible, other more conventional improvements could include installing energy-efficient windows and doors, adding insulation, adding light-blocking paint, and installing energy-efficient appliances.
Making energy efficient and sustainable upgrades to your home does take time, research, and money. But that doesn’t mean it has to be costly. There are plenty of smaller improvements you can make that can save you money and still help reduce your carbon footprint. Changing out window treatments for Roman shades and simple curtains can save on energy costs while still helping to block out light.
Low-Cost Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades
There are a variety of low-cost home upgrades that are not only good for the environment but can save you money in the long run. One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy bill is to utilize energy efficient LED light bulbs and appliances. This can save you hundreds of dollars over the long run as well as reduce your energy consumption. Other easy, low-cost changes you can make include sealing windows and doors, using air-drying clothes racks instead of clothes dryers, and wrapping water heaters in insulation.
Making small changes in your home can really add up when it comes to your energy bill and reducing your overall carbon footprint. Advanced home upgrades such as solar panels, water tanks, and geothermal systems may sound great but can be cost-prohibitive. Instead of committing to more costly long-term appliances, look for easier and more cost-effective ways to make your home green.
Add Vegetation to Help Reduce Carbon Footprint
Planting vegetation around your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more eco-friendly. Adding native vegetation to your home can provide better air quality, save energy, and reduce your carbon footprint. Native vegetation also requires less maintenance, and can provide more natural cooling in the summer. Adding a garden can also reduce stress levels, which can provide tangible mental health benefits.
Landscaping can be more than just for aesthetic purposes. It can also be used to reduce energy usage and create a more efficient home. Planting trees in the perfect spot can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm during the winter months. Adding layers of foliage and ground cover can also protect your home from the elements.
One of the greatest benefits of adding vegetation to your home is the joy of seeing wildlife in your own backyard. Whether it’s neighbors, small birds, or other species, encounters with wildlife can be incredibly enjoyable. From birds to butterflies, adding vegetation to your backyard can be both beautiful and educational.
Making Eco-Friendly Home Improvements in the Midwest
Making eco-friendly home improvements in the Midwest can have a variety of benefits for your home, community, and environment. From energy-saving renovations to simply adding plants and native vegetation, making eco-friendly improvements can reduce energy costs in the long run. Studies have also shown that these improvements can increase quality of life while also providing tangible mental health benefits.
Conclusion
Making eco-friendly upgrades can improve your home and the environment, and doesn’t require a lot of costly improvements. Even if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of ways to make your home more energy efficient and sustainable. Simple improvements such as switching to LED light bulbs, sealing windows and doors, adding insulation, and utilizing native vegetation can all save you money over time and still make a tangible difference in your home’s carbon footprint.