Reducing your environmental impact is about three things: using less and better energy, reducing pollution, and doing things that improve the environment. Each of these things are possible to do in your own home. Not only will they have a positive impact on your day to day life, but they will also help sustain the environment for future generations.

Use Less and Better Energy
The majority of energy used in modern homes comes at least in part from fossil fuels such as oil and gas. These fuels tend to produce pollution when they are extracted and when they are burned, and they aren’t a sustainable source of energy. Using less of them, or switching to greener energy, just makes sense. You can start simply by shutting off lights and other electronics when you’re not using them. Set your thermostat as low as you can handle it in the winter and as high as you can take it in the summer. Make sure your house and water heater are well-insulated to avoid energy loss. Curtains or blinds on your windows will also help insulate against the heat and cold. When it’s time to purchase new appliances, look for the Energy Star label.

Saving energy is one step in reducing your environmental impact. Another is choosing better energy when you can. If you have a choice in energy providers, shop around for ones that offer green energy sources such as wind or solar energy. For a bigger investment that will pay itself back in time, look into solar panels for your home. In many cases, you can sell back some of the energy your solar panels produce to the power company, allowing you to make money from your energy-saving efforts.

Reduce Pollution
Sources of pollution from the home include cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals. Choosing eco-friendly options when you clean or do laundry can reduce your environmental impact. Finding environmentally safe ways to combat pests is another big step. The more you use eco-friendly options around your hose, the less your environmental impact will be.

Improve the Environment
Taking the steps mentioned above will improve the environment quite a bit, but you can go a step further by planting a tree or some native plants for decoration. Trees have the biggest impact, reducing carbon and producing oxygen. Native are well-adapted to the usual water and heat levels in your area, which can often reduce the amount of water you need to keep the plants alive.

Are you looking for ways to live green but aren’t sure where to start? Visit my green living blog, Tips For A Green Life for tips and advice on how to live in an eco-friendly way and save money at the same time. While you’re there, make sure you check out Tax Credits For Going Green.