# 7 Things You Can Do at Home to Be More Green - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/03/7-things-you-can-do-at-home-to-be-more-green/ - Published: 2021-03-17T10:54:55-04:00 - Author: Eillin Delapaz With governments and citizens across the globe doing all they can to reduce environmental impacts from [oil](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/09/energy-markets-being-fear-driven/). Moreover and move to a cleaner and more sustainable society, we should all be looking to be a little more green at home – not only when out and about. Maybe you’re looking to cut back on your household waste and consume less overall. Or maybe you’re interested in finding out a few things you can reuse at [home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/7-tips-for-making-your-home-sustainable/). Either way, we have you covered with some great tips. It is good to keep in mind that not everything we buy in-store needs to find its way into landfill, and so keeping an eye out for the times we can reduce, reuse and recycle is a good place to start.  ## **Consider a Cold Wash ** One of the first [things](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/04/green-living-guys-top-ten-things-for-going-green-this-earth-day/) on our list is not only green but a money saver too.  If you can, consider a cold wash a few times a week and work to reduce your reliance on hot and warm washes for your clothing. In doing this, you work to cut back on your use of warm and hot water, but also give your clothes the chance to last a little longer too. All using less of dirty power [plants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/02/help-materials-urn-6-eco-friendly-funeral-ideas/). Keep in mind that in-store you will find cold wash specific laundry detergents that work excellent in cold wash loads, and so stains and other impurities will still be removed from your garments.  ![If you can consider a cold wash a few times a week and work to reduce your reliance on hot and warm washes for your clothing In doing this you work to cut back on your use of warm and hot water but also give your clothes the chance to last a little longer too All using less of dirty power plants Keep in mind that in store you will find cold wash specific laundry detergents that work excellent in cold wash loads and so stains and other impurities will still be removed from your garments](https:// i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/IMG_8633.jpg?resize=300% 2C200&quality=52&ssl=1 "Easy Water Conservation Tips - The Green Living Guy") ## **Change Out CFLs to LEDs ** As you might already know, lighting does account for a lot of global emissions, and because of this, we’re making our second tip switching to LEDs.  You will have already heard of the perks of LEDs and the fact that they use just a fraction of the power when compared to other lighting technologies. They also [give you brighter lighting](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/google-gives-the-best-present-to-all-its-employees-green-lighting/) output with a whole lot less wattage consumption too.  Consider the fact that these LED technologies are also used in power-efficient smartphones, and the argument _against _LEDs is essentially mute.  ## **DIY What You Can ** Another key part of being more green is cutting back your reliance on all-new items from stores.  When you can make something, with a reduced level of consumption or environmental impact, you should certainly do it! Whether it’s fixing a tear in your jeans, making mugs from mason jars or anything else, it is almost always better to DIY a product than buy it brand new.  ## **Don’t Throw Out Green Waste ** Another key point to keep in mind when it comes to being a little more green is keeping on top of your green waste and making sure it goes to the right place! There isn’t too much good that can come from putting your yard trimmings and other compostable greenery into the general rubbish bin, and so consider the management of your [green waste with 1300 Rubbish](https://www.1300rubbish.com.au/services/green-waste-removal/). You will be able to rest assured your green waste is being handed off to a location where it can be reused or composted, for example, and gives back to the environment it was grown in.  ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/IMG_0257.jpg? resize=300%2C215&quality=52&ssl=1 "IMG_0257 - The Green Living Guy") ## **Consider Home Automation ** A rather new way of going green is working on automating parts of your home that have the potential to use a ton of power if left unchecked.  For example, investing in a smart air conditioning unit, smart bulbs and smart power outlets. Smart technology gives you the chance to easily turn everything off when you’re not using it – even if you’re 10,000km from home.  With these changes, it is so effortless to keep on top of your power use. You will easily be able to cut back on your carbon emissions with just about no effort at all.  ## **Plant Some of Your Own Food ** Another key consideration to be more green at home is to plant some of your own foods! Not only are these going to be a lot more fresh than store-bought alternatives, but they will also reduce the emissions required to get these foods to your table. For example, a few common at-home foods that are rather easy to grow include tomatoes, lemons and limes, herbs and even strawberries if you live in the right climate.  Keep in mind that plants also look great in the home. You can use these herbs and fruit trees as decor too.  ![Water conservation](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/ 01/937269F1-E337-4FB5-8D1D-A2CCCBBEBB35.jpg?resize=200%2C300&quality=52&ssl=1 "937269F1- E337-4FB5-8D1D-A2CCCBBEBB35 - The Green Living Guy") ## **Seal Off the Outdoors** Our final [tip for being a little more green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/02/green-warrior-tips-for-everyday-eco-action/) at home is getting a handle on your AC use and your home’s climate control.  Consider having a professional assess any air leakage in the home. You can also try things like blackout curtains and blinds to reduce the solar heat gain coming from the outdoors.  Without a [solid seal from indoors to outdoors](https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/sealing-your-home), you’re running the risk of losing your heated or chilled air to whatever the temperature is outside, which majorly increases energy usage and makes it a lot harder to live comfortably and in an [eco-friendly way](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/40-ways-be-more-eco-friendly/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f30a82826ab5e40ae1efde55aa735f0579f0105f7692fc289aebf0d58584c37e? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) Eillin Delapaz [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/)