Easy and Affordable DIY Projects for a More Sustainable Home

If you care about the planet, making eco-friendly home upgrades is a great way to live more in-line with your values. Making your home more sustainable doesn’t have to break the bank. Many simple and affordable DIY projects can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on energy bills. In this article from PlanetNeutral, we’ll explore some of the best low-cost, eco-friendly home improvement projects you can do yourself!

Increasing Your Home Value with Eco-Friendly Improvements

Not only do eco-friendly home improvements have the added benefit of reducing your environmental impact, but they can also increase the overall value of your property. As more and more buyers are looking for energy-efficient homes, making these changes can make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

If you know you plan to sell your home in the near future, pay attention to what buyers are looking for and make changes accordingly. Additionally, taking before and after photos and keeping receipts for the changes you've made can help you demonstrate the value of the improvements to potential buyers and increase the overall value of your property.

Install a Low-Flow Shower Head

Installing a low-flow shower head is one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects for a more sustainable home. A low-flow shower head uses less water than a standard shower head—reducing water consumption by 40% or more—which can help lower your water bill. The installation process is relatively straightforward and can typically be completed in just a few minutes with a few basic tools. Not only will it save you money, but conserving water will reduce your environmental impact!

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

When it comes to improving energy efficiency in your home, investing in a smart thermostat is a great move. Smart thermostats use advanced technology to learn your heating and cooling preferences and adjust the temperature in your home accordingly. This will help you avoid wasting energy and money. Many smart thermostats readily integrate with other smart home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, allowing you to control your thermostat with voice controls. While the initial investment may be a bit higher than a traditional thermostat, a smart thermostat will pay for itself over time.

Caulk Gaps Around Windows

Caulking is a process of filling gaps and cracks around your windows with a sealant, which helps prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency in your home. Drafty windows can let in cold air during the winter, making it harder to heat your home and let out cool air during the summer, making it harder to cool your home. By caulking around your windows, you can help reduce this heat loss and save energy costs. Caulking can also help to reduce noise pollution, dust, and other irritants from entering your home. Attainable Home explains that you can easily do this yourself with a caulking gun.

Compost in Your Backyard

Composting is an easy and affordable way to make your home more eco-friendly by reducing waste and creating a valuable soil amendment for your garden. By composting at home, you can reduce the amount of waste you send to landfills, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. Additionally, composting can also help to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides in your garden.

Plant a Garden

If you’re setting up a backyard composting system, why not go a step further and plant a garden? According to HappySprout, growing your own fruits and vegetables can help reduce your carbon footprint by reducing the need for transportation and packaging associated with buying produce from the store. Additionally, gardening can improve the local ecosystem by providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife!

Making your home more eco-friendly doesn't have to be a difficult or expensive process. There are many simple and affordable DIY projects that can help reduce your carbon footprint and monthly energy bills. Not only that, but these upgrades can help increase your home value as well. Get started on your eco-friendly DIY improvements today!