5 Tips to Make Your Home More Sustainable

By Samudrapom DamReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Updated on Dec 4 2024

Sustainability has become a global concern in an era of resource depletion and climate change. Homes are significant contributors to the carbon footprint and offer an opportunity for improvement.¹

Image Credit: wk1003mike/Shutterstock

Adopting eco-friendly practices and sustainable solutions can help reduce the environmental impact of homes and contribute to resource conservation.¹ This article outlines five strategies for making homes more sustainable.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency involves using less energy to achieve the same result or perform the same task. It is also essential for achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions through decarbonization. Energy-efficient homes require less energy for cooling, heating, and operating electronics and appliances.²

Installing energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, can significantly reduce energy expenses, as lighting accounts for approximately 15 % of an average home's electricity consumption.³ LEDs consume 90 % less energy and last up to 25 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs. Selecting bulbs with high ENERGY STAR® ratings ensures high-quality products and maximum energy savings.³

Similarly, smart thermostats allow remote control of home heating systems via mobile apps that connect to WiFi. Many models learn user habits over time, automating temperature adjustments and eliminating the need for manual changes throughout the day.⁴ These devices make homes more energy efficient and reduce carbon footprint by adapting to heating preferences through precise detection technology.⁴

Investing in energy-efficient appliances also helps minimize energy consumption. Appliances with ENERGY STAR® labels, such as refrigerators, water heaters, and dishwashers, meet specific energy efficiency standards and often exceed minimum requirements for quality and efficiency in countries like the United States.⁵

Reduce Water Waste

Reducing water wastage in homes can lower environmental impact and energy expenses. Installing water-efficient dual-flush toilets, showerheads, and low-flow faucets can significantly reduce water use without requiring lifestyle changes. Additionally, reducing hot water wastage can help lower energy costs.⁶

Leaking taps and dripping faucets contribute to unnecessary water loss and should be promptly repaired. Homeowners should compare the water efficiency of products and choose those with the highest efficiency to minimize wastage.⁶

For example, Australia's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme provides information about the water efficiency of various products, helping consumers make informed decisions. Households selecting water-efficient products under this scheme can save up to $175 annually.⁶ Under the WELS scheme, products are rated on a star system, where a higher number of stars represents greater water efficiency.⁶

Rainwater harvesting provides an alternative water supply during restrictions, reduces water bills, and helps maintain a healthy, green garden. Depending on the climate and tank size, rainwater collection can reduce mains water usage by up to 100 %. Collected rainwater can also be used indoors for washing machines and toilets.⁷

Adopt Renewable Energy Solutions

Adopting renewable energy solutions is an effective way to make homes more sustainable. Installing solar panels or small residential wind turbines can generate electricity, depending on factors like available sunlight, land area, and wind speeds.⁸

For instance, solar water heaters/heating systems save energy costs as they use sunlight to heat water for the home. These systems utilize solar collectors and insulated storage tanks to retain and capture heat from the sun and circulate the heat in the water.⁸

For example, solar water heaters use sunlight to heat water for household use, employing solar collectors and insulated storage tanks to capture and circulate heat. However, these systems often require a conventional water heater as a backup during periods of insufficient sunlight. Solar photovoltaic systems convert sunlight into electricity and can meet some or all of a home’s energy needs based on the number of panels installed.⁸ These systems work in both hot and cold climates, require minimal maintenance, and are highly reliable.

Small wind turbines for residential use can supplement or fulfill electricity needs, depending on wind speeds and available space. They can also be integrated with battery storage and solar energy systems to provide emergency backup power.⁸

Many utility providers offer renewable energy plans that source electricity from solar, wind, hydroelectric, or geothermal energy. These plans reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help lower carbon emissions.⁹

Opt for Eco-Friendly Materials

Incorporating eco-friendly materials into home improvements helps enhance sustainability. Options such as bamboo flooring, recycled countertops, and non-toxic finishes can reduce the environmental impact of renovations.^10,11

Sustainable alternatives are available for various types of flooring. Carpets and rugs made from natural materials like cotton and wool are eco-friendly options, while durable materials such as wood, cork, and bamboo are suitable for hard flooring, particularly when sourced using sustainable harvesting methods.¹⁰

Repurposing old furniture through methods like refurbishing and repainting reduces waste generation.¹¹ However, conventional paints and stains often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can negatively impact indoor air quality and cause health issues.¹⁰ Using low or no-VOC, non-toxic coatings, stains, and paints can mitigate these concerns while contributing to a healthier living environment.¹⁰

Minimize Waste through Recycling and Composting

Reducing waste through recycling, composting, and minimizing single-use plastics can significantly lower a household's environmental impact. Establishing a home recycling station with separate bins for recyclables is an effective first step toward efficient waste management.^12-14

Using materials like insulation made from recycled glass or paper and opting for rechargeable batteries for devices like flashlights further reduces waste.¹² Composting is another practical method to recycle yard trimmings, grass clippings, leaves, and food scraps, preventing these materials from ending up in landfills or incinerators, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Composting is cost-effective and requires minimal equipment, expertise, and effort.¹³

Single-use plastics are a major contributor to climate change, as each stage of plastic’s life emits a huge amount of greenhouse gases. Replacing them with reusable alternatives, such as glass containers, reusable water bottles, sandwich bags, grocery bags, and metal or glass straws, can help minimize their environmental impact.¹⁴.

References and Further Reading

1. Creating a Culture of Sustainability in Homebuilding [Online] Available at https://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/creating-culture-of-sustainability-in-homebuilding (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
2. Energy Efficiency: Buildings and Industry [Online] Available at https://www.energy.gov/eere/energy-efficiency-buildings-and-industry (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
3. Lighting Choices to Save You Money [Online] Available at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
4. Smart Thermostats [Online] Available at https://www.energystar.gov/products/smart_thermostats (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
5. Shopping for Appliances and Electronics [Online] Available at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/shopping-appliances-and-electronics (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
6. Reducing water use [Online] Available at https://www.yourhome.gov.au/water/reducing-water-use (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
7. Rainwater [Online] Available at https://www.yourhome.gov.au/water/rainwater (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
8. Residential Renewable Energy [Online] Available at https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/residential-renewable-energy (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
9. Green Power Options [Online] Available at https://www.energystar.gov/products/green_power_options (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
10. Green Building Materials [Online] Available at https://www.coa.gov.in/show_img.php?fid=137 (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
11. Singh, J., Sung, K., Cooper, T., West, K., Mont, O. (2019). Challenges and opportunities for scaling up upcycling businesses – The case of textile and wood upcycling businesses in the UK. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 150, 104439. DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.104439, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344919303349
12. Reducing Waste: What You Can Do [Online] Available at https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-waste-what-you-can-do (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
13. Composting At Home [Online] Available at https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home (Accessed on 04 December 2024)
14. Ramsden, K. (2020) Single-use Plastic & Alternatives [Online] Available at https://psci.princeton.edu/tips/2020/3/30/single-use-plastic-amp-alternatives (Accessed on 04 December 2024)

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