# 3 Steps Toward Creating a Sustainable Eco-Friendly Life

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/3-steps-toward-creating-a-sustainable-eco-friendly-life/
- Published: 2020-03-31T21:41:18-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

With daily news of bush fires in Australia, wildfires in California, melting glaciers
and historic floods, more and more people are recognizing that climate change will
have a big impact on their lives and the lives of future generations. Interest in
eco-friendly approaches to living is now at an all-time high and indications are
that people are looking to take action. As they research possible ways of helping,
people are increasingly turning their focus toward sustainable living as a way to
minimize their impact on the planet. They are discovering that even small changes
can help make a big improvement collectively and contribute to making the world 
we live in a better place.

## Install Home Solar System for Renewable Energy

When you use electricity at home, you are typically relying on power that was produced
using fossil fuels that are contributing to greenhouse gases and global warming.
Solar power, on the other hand, harnesses the power of the sun and provides a green,
renewable form of energy. With the right solar system, you can power your entire
home and you may even be able to contribute clean energy back to the grid.

![solar panels being installed for power](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/05/wpid-wp-1432600254391-e1536011104528.jpeg?w=780&quality=
52&ssl=1)

The downside to solar is that it is quite expensive to install but you’ll make huge
savings in the long-term. If you’ve got a reserve of cash stashed away for a rainy
day, using your funds to invest in solar power is a good way to put your money to
work for you now. If you’ve got student [debt to pay off](https://www.earnest.com/refinance-student-loans),
you might want to think about refinancing your loan. By researching current offers
and finding the right lender, you can substantially reduce your monthly loan payment
and save thousands or even tens of thousands over the course of the loan. Whether
you have savings or you choose to refinance, finding a way to install solar energy
will prove to be a very wise investment.

Reducing Energy Usage

Taking steps to reduce your daily electricity use is a great way to start on the
path to being more eco-friendly. When temperatures are moderate you can add an extra
layer of clothing on days that are cooler instead of firing up your heating system.
On warmer days, open the windows early and late at night to get a cross-breeze going
that will cool the house without A/C.  You can also save on electricity by unplugging
items when they are not in use. Computers especially use a lot of energy, and you
can also unplug chargers, the microwave and other electrical devices too. Other 
tips include using a drying rack instead of a dryer and installing LED or CFL lighting
throughout your home.

![LED bulb and simple light bulbs.Green background](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/depositphotos_40060453_s.jpg?resize=135%2C87&quality
=52&ssl=1)

## Conserve Water

If you are wanting to save water and add to the beauty and value of your home, consider
investing in eco-friendly landscaping. By selecting flowers and shrubs that require
little irrigation and planting trees that provide shade for the house, you can move
from a water hungry lawn to a sustainable garden oasis. Installing a rain barrel
water collection system can also help save resources and may provide the irrigation
you need for your outdoor space. Inside the home, it’s important to take a look 
and see how you can conserve water too. Simple adjustments like turning off the 
faucet when you are brushing your teeth can save a substantial amount of this precious
resource over the course of the year. Additionally, consider installing low flow
toilets and showers throughout your home. Over time, these seemingly small changes
can make a huge difference to your carbon footprint and your monthly expenses.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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