People often think that to make their homes more eco-friendly, they must give up style and comfort. This is not always the case! You can make many upgrades to your home that will help you save energy and money without sacrificing your desired look and feel. This article will discuss five of the best eco-friendly home upgrades that experts say you can do without compromising on quality or style!
Paint Your Front Door A Bright Color
Eco-Friendly experts like Vikki Nicolai, La Crosse WI eco enthusiast, say one way to add curb appeal to your home is to paint your front door a bright, eye-catching color. When choosing a color, consider the overall style of your home and whether you want the door to blend in or stand out. A bright door will make a bold statement if your home has neutral-toned siding. However, if your home has colorful details or patterns, you may want to choose a door color that coordinates with those elements.
Once you have selected a color, it is time to prep the door for painting. Begin by removing all hardware, including hinges, handles, and locks. Next, use sandpaper to rough the door’s surface so the paint will adhere better. When the door is sanded, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and allow the door to dry completely.
You may now begin painting once the door is dry. Use a good quality exterior paint and a brush or roller designed for use on doors for optimum results. Apply two coats of paint, waiting 24 hours between each coat to allow the first coat to dry before continuing fully. After the second coat has dried, reconnect the hardware and admire your new front door!
Replace All Your Light Bulbs With LED Lights
One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to replace all traditional light bulbs with LED lights. LED lights are much more energy efficient than conventional bulbs, and they last significantly longer as well. This upgrade will help you save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
To install LED lights, simply unscrew your old light bulbs and screw in the new ones! It is that easy. You can find LED bulbs at most hardware or home improvement stores. Be sure to choose the right size and type of bulb for each fixture in your home.
Install A New Mailbox That Matches Your Home’s Exterior Design
Does your mailbox clash with the style of your home? If so, it may be time for an upgrade! A new mailbox can add curb appeal to your property and make a great first impression on visitors. When choosing a mailbox, consider the overall design of your home and select a model that coordinates well.
If you live in a historic home, many beautiful antique-style mailboxes are available. For more modern homes, there are sleek and simple designs. There are also many unique mailboxes available if you want something that stands out!
Once you have selected a mailbox, follow the installation instructions or hire a professional to handle the job.
Add An Outdoor Rug To Create More Space For Relaxing Outside
If you have a patio or deck, make it more inviting with an outdoor rug! This upgrade will add comfort and style to your outdoor space. When choosing an outdoor rug, be sure to select one that is made from durable materials that can withstand the elements.
There are many different sizes, colors, and patterns to choose from, so you are sure to find an option that coordinates well with your existing furniture and décor. Outdoor rugs can be placed on patios, decks, porches, and gardens. They are a great way to create additional outdoor living space without compromising style.
Get Rid Of Clutter Around The House
One of the best ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to declutter! Getting rid of clutter around the house will make your space more tidy and organized and help you save on energy and resources. When you have less stuff, there is less to clean and organize, which means you can save time and energy.
In addition, getting rid of clutter will also help you save money. You won’t need to buy as many storage containers or cleaning supplies when there is less stuff in your home. So start going through your things and get rid of anything you don’t need or use!
Vikki Nicolai, La Crosse WI eco expert, advises donating items still in good condition to charity or selling them online or at a garage sale. For items that are damaged or no longer usable, recycle or dispose of them properly.
Clean Up After Yourself
One of the simplest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to clean up yourself! When you leave dirty dishes in the sink or clothes lying around, cleaning them up takes more energy and resources. So save yourself time and effort by putting things away when you’re done.
This rule applies to all home areas, including your bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Make it a habit to put things away after using them, and you’ll soon find that your home is much neater and more organized. Plus, it will be easier to keep clean!
Final Thoughts
Making your home more eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. You can make many simple upgrades that will save you money and help the environment. So start with one or two of these suggestions and see how much difference it makes!