With global warming looming at the forefront of today’s planetary issues, there has never been a better time to take steps that will decrease your household’s carbon footprint on the earth. Luckily, a variety of things can be done at home that will get the job done without sacrificing your family’s convenience, safety, or current lifestyle. Modernize has put together the following list of green mini-makeover options to consider that are cost effective and customizable:
Naturally Filter the Air with Style
Increase your home’s air quality while adding a little extra pizzazz by placing a handful of live potted plants around the house. A myriad of beautiful houseplants are effective at filtering the air to rid it of contaminants and allergens, so you and your family can breathe easier while spending time at home. With cleaner air inside, your HVAC system won’t have to work so hard throughout the year, which is sure to reduce wear and tear as well as save you some money on your energy bills.
Head to your local nursery and look for plants like Boston ferns, Dracaena, and English Ivy. Your plants will need some sunlight on a regular basis, so try to locate them near windows or take the time to place them near a window for a couple of hours at a time a few days a week.
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Implement Interior Solar Lighting
Solar power is a pollution-free solution to lighting your home, and you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars in order to make a positive impact on both your energy bills and your household’s carbon footprint. You might be surprised at how much solar lighting can impact the overall look and feel of your home depending on where you decide to install it. Try one or more of these options:
- Use solar tube lights in your kitchen and bathrooms to introduce natural lighting that provides a relaxing ambience.
- Install entry light fixtures near the doorways that are powered by their own stand-alone solar panel, easily attachable to the roof.
- Create centerpieces for your tables that can accommodate exterior solar garden lights, such as potted flowers or vases filled with marbles, and bring your garden lights in at night to add to the centerpieces. This will brighten things up with a stress-reducing glow—free of charge!
Many stand-alone solar light systems are compatible with colored light bulbs, which makes them an excellent option for use as night lights in the kids’ rooms.
Update All of Your Windows
Another eco-friendly way to give your home a mini-makeover is to update all of the windows with the help of insulation film and new cellular shades. Both other these products will provide your home with extra insulation and will not only reduce your monthly energy costs, but will add some depth and character to your place as well.
Window insulation film comes in rolls that you can cut to size and apply yourself in just a few minutes’ time. It provides protection from harmful UV rays and comes in many colors, shades, and styles. With the help of insulation film, you can even make your windows look like they’re made of stained glass. The cellular shades provide some softness and seal out both air as well as moisture to ensure optimal insulation all year long. They’re easy to use and child-friendly, too.
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Whether you choose to implement one or all of these awesome mini-makeover ideas, you are sure to feel good about doing your part in taking good care of our planet earth.