Sustainability at Home
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 By Making Sustainable living choices
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it starts right at home with a few intentional choices that benefit both the planet and your wallet. In honor of Earth Day 2025, we’re sharing practical tips to help you reduce your carbon footprint, conserve resources, and make eco-friendly living a natural part of your everyday routine. From energy-saving upgrades to smarter shopping habits, here are easy ways to create a more sustainable home environment.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
On average, appliances account for 20% of your home’s total electric bill. When buying new appliances, consider buying Energy Star appliances that have passed stricter energy and water efficiency regulations. Energy Star appliances last 10-20 years and use 10%-50% less energy per year. Specifically, water heaters with tankless or on-demand technology can save up to 34% more on energy than storage tank models, and can last over 20 years compared to 10-15 years.
Go Solar
Fossil Fuels cover 84% of the world’s energy consumption. Solar energy is an ideal solution. It’s clean, renewable, and available worldwide. Solar panels are a great way to lower your electricity bill. Apart from saving on the electric bill, you may be eligible for a federal solar tax credit, or solar incentive from your city. You don’t have to invest in solar panels to switch to renewable energy. Many small-scale solar products can help you transition to renewable sources of energy. For example, Chandler Chargers can keep your cell phone charged with just the power of the sun.
Go Paperless
Opt in to receive your bills and receipts via emails or apps on your phone. This helps save paper and slows down deforestation. It is estimated that the annual waste from receipts in the U.S. is 686 million pounds, and by skipping receipts or making them paperless, we could save 12 billion pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2), the equivalent of one million cars on the road. Many businesses offer incentives like discounts and exclusive offers to opt for paperless billing.
Green Your Energy Use
Approximately 30% of residential heating and cooling energy is lost through windows. Replace older windows with Low-E windows, which reflect heat in the summer and retain it in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Use LED light bulbs. This can save an average of $225 yearly by using up to 90% less than incandescent bulbs. Install a smart thermostat to help regulate your home’s temperature and reduce energy waste. Use a fan during mild weather to save 99% of energy compared to using an AC unit.
Quit Single Use Plastics
380 million tons of plastic are produced every year – but only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled. It’s estimated that 50% is for single-use purposes. Plastic products like straws, bags, and food containers are used for a few moments but last for hundreds of years. You can cut down on single use plastics by using reusable bags when shopping, a reusable water bottle instead of single use plastic water bottles, and purchasing unwrapped vegetables at the supermarket.
Conserve Water
According to the US Environment Protection Agency, we use 82 gallons of water a day in our homes, but we can decrease our water usage by installing water-efficient appliances and changing water habits. Did you know that by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, you can save 5 gallons of water and reduce your bills? The same goes for turning off the water while doing dishes. Some other ways to conserve water include: carefully planning clothes washing to ensure a full load, replacing your shower-head with a WaterSense shower-head, buying an adjustable toilet flapper to control how full the tank gets.
Learn Your Local Recycling Rules
Reach out to your local recycling facility to find out exactly what they accept. Plastic #1, which is used to produce soda and water bottles, is everywhere. Recycling just 1 pound saves an estimated 22.9 kWh of energy and 47.4 pounds of CO2 emissions when compared to producing the same amount of raw materials. Some communities have electronic-waste recycling programs or specialized centers that can safely dispose of your old appliances. Also, many manufacturers will take your products you are no longer using, so make sure to ask for disposal practices.
Donate and Buy Second-Hand
Instead of throwing away old items that will end up in landfills, donate. Thrift Stores, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army accept everything from furniture, vehicles, books, clothes, and more. Donate books, CD’s, and DVD’s to the local libraries. Save the donation receipts from the charity organization you donated to save on taxes. Purchasing second-hand items are great ways to save money, reduce the need for packaging and transportation, and conserve the Earth’s natural resources.
Every Small Change Matters
Creating a more sustainable home isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. By making even a few of these eco-friendly changes, you’re contributing to a healthier planet and setting an example for others to follow. Whether you're swapping out light bulbs, ditching single-use plastics, or simply turning off the tap, your everyday choices add up. This Earth Day, take a moment to reflect on how your home can become a force for good—because sustainability truly starts with us.
