Ways to Help Save the Earth on the "Homefront"

Today, we take a moment to celebrate the place we all call “Home” while acknowledging ways we can treat our home better. When it comes to preserving our planet, a slight change can go a long way. Here are some easy ways we can be earth conscience around our homes:

We can lower our energy usage in our homes to ensure all of our lightbulbs are switched to bulbs labeled energy efficient. These bulbs can include LEDs. Not only does this help the environment, but it can also help your wallet as well since these bulbs use less electricity. Also, turning off the lights in a room when leaving that room will help with your energy savings and help with cooling costs since rays of light will warm up a room. Another way to limit your energy consumption is to cut down on the times you preheat your oven. Some items will need to be placed in a preheated oven, like bread, but some things can begin to be cooked thoroughly in an oven while the heat is rising to the desired temperature. Make sure to watch to keep an eye on your meal since cooking times may vary when using this method.

When it comes to water consumption, there are many easy ways to conserve water. One of the easiest ways to watch your water consumption is to opt for a shower than a bath. When filling a tub, your water usage is double the amount used when taking a shower. Limiting those coveted bubble baths will help curb your water usage and help you save money on additional heating of water used for your bath. Another simple way to conserve water is to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. If everyone turned off the tap while brushing their teeth, one household would save approximately 5 gallons of water a day. Need a practical way to help yourself drink more water while helping the environment? Try investing in a refillable water bottle. With many styles to choose from and easy to travel with, this type of water bottle will help you stay hydrated but will be helping to lower the amount of plastic that can end in landfills. When you do opt for a drink from a plastic bottle, make sure to place the bottle in a recycling bend when you are finished.

Whether you have a green thumb or not, take time outside to plant a new tree or other plants. Not only will the outside benefit your physical and mental health, growing something new will help your land and the air around you to stay healthy. Other benefits for taking some time outside to plant are that you are sprucing up your curb appeal, and the shade from a new tree can help keep your home cooler naturally. When maintaining your new plants, make sure to use a watering can to conserve your water usage. Also, try to water all your plants before the sun is up, so there is no water evaporation. To save your plants from pesky weeds, use vinegar instead of harsh weed killers. This tactic will not only kill the weeds but keep your plants and soil from being exposed to harsh chemicals.