Many of us would like to be more environmentally friendly, but sometimes the process of going green can be a little overwhelming. So, where do we start? For Chicago homeowners, their homes are a great starting place. Here are a few key areas to consider if you want to make your home eco-friendlier:

Waste

There’s nothing exciting about analyzing what goes into your trash and how much you’re creating week-to-week. But, if we’re serious about being greener, we need to take a step back and think about what (and how much) we’re throwing away and where we might be able to make improvements. Many of us already recycle, but sometimes recyclables still end up in our trash bin. Being more consistent with recycling is a good place to start. If you have a garden and you’re not already doing it, composting your food scraps will both decrease your wastage and benefit your garden.

Reusable or Disposable?

Here’s something else that can help you reduce waste — how much of what you’re throwing away really needs to go in the trash? Are there reusable alternatives that you can switch to? Many of us buy brands that offer convenient, disposable solutions for our needs at home. From plastic wrap to soap and shampoo bottles, disposable products are likely part of our daily lives. Consider converting to reusable products, like glass soap bottles you can refill with a tablet and a waxed fabric covering to replace plastic wrap. These simple choices can have us well on our way to a greener life.

Energy Expenditure

Do you know how energy efficient your home is? What are your sources for energy? Is your house properly insulated to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter? It may seem like a big step but switching to solar can be a terrific option for many homeowners. If that’s a few steps to far at this stage, even simple things like using energy-efficient bulbs throughout the house, sealing (or replacing) drafty windows, and even just making sure you’re turning off lights when you leave a room can make a difference.

Your Habits

Your habits deserve a deeper look. Of course, we’re all different, so we’re all going to have different ways that we can be greener in our day-to-day lives. As homeowners, we often get into habits for how we run our household, particularly when it comes to the things we purchase. Taking a look at your own habits in relation to your home will allow you to begin creating a customized plan to boost your eco-friendliness. Whether it’s deciding to find an alternative to that plastic laundry detergent bottle, or you start buying your grains in bulk instead of in boxes, making your efforts personal and improving your habits is a great strategy.

We can all be greener — it just takes some knowledge and intention on our part.

If you’d like to talk more about improving the eco-friendliness of your Chicago home, or if there’s something else I can be of assistance with, please get in touch. We're always happy to help.