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Eco-Conscious Purchasing Decisions for Homeowners

These days, virtually every household is taking steps towards going green. This isn’t to say that everyone is racing to install solar panels on their roofs, (even though the government now offers federal tax rebates), but many families actively recycle and possess some sense of environmental consciousness. Anyone looking to step up their game in the eco-friendliness department would be wise to put extra thought into large purchasing decisions. Doing proper research and carefully considering the purchases you make can dramatically reduce your household’s carbon footprint and set the stage for successful conservation efforts.

Organic Mattresses

Some people believe that conservation and comfort are polar opposites. However, as evidenced by organic mattresses, this notion is far from accurate. A good organic mattress will provide you with many nights of comfort while helping you reduce your carbon footprint. So, the next time any member of your household finds themselves in need of a new mattress, consider the benefits of going organic.

Furniture Made from Reclaimed Materials 

Furniture can be found in virtually every area of most homes. From sofas to shelving to cabinetry, dependable furniture is a staple of homeownership. When shopping around for new furniture, few of us give any thought to the origins of the materials said furniture is composed of. Although we’re often encouraged to invest in sturdily-built wood and metal furnishings, where these materials came from never crosses our minds.

Anyone interested in buying first-rate furniture while doing their part for the planet should consider investing in furnishings made from reclaimed materials. In case you’re unfamiliar, the term “reclaimed materials” refers to wood and metal that come from old factories, warehouses and other abandoned structures. Repurposing these materials helps keep them out of landfills and prevents them from going to waste. Whether you’re looking to furnish a bedroom, living room or kitchen, you should be able to find a bevy of attractive options that are composed of reclaimed wood and/or metal.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

To say that modern-day households are dependent on appliances would be an understatement. Without reliable appliances, conveniences we regularly take for granted would suddenly be outside of our grasp. Safe food storage, speedy meal prep and hassle-free laundry are just a few of the essential tasks for which we rely on home appliances. However, these appliances often eat up a ton of power and account for a sizable percentage of our energy costs.

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint while nipping high power bills in the bud, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. As the name implies, these appliances are designed to consume less power without compromising overall efficiency. Unfortunately, some homeowners are hesitant to purchase energy-efficient models because of their comparatively higher price tags. While it’s true energy-efficient appliances will cost you a little more in the short term, the amount you’ll save on power costs will more than account for any additional money you spend up front. Furthermore, the more appliances you upgrade, the lower your monthly power bills will become.   

Water Filters

Since tap water contains a variety of potentially harmful elements, many people believe that bottled water is their only available alternative. While there’s no denying bottled water’s prominence, it’s far from environmentally friendly. Not only do the empty bottles create unnecessary waste, producing and transporting the water also causes quite a bit of pollution.

Fortunately, water filters offer an effective, affordable and eco-friendly alternative to bottled water. These filters can be comfortably installed on most faucets and serve to remove any harmful elements from water that’s run through them. In the interest of maximum safety, make sure to adhere to the swap-out schedule recommended by your filter’s manufacturer. 

With landfills packed to the brim and climate change becoming impossible to ignore, many households have become more environmentally conscious over the last two decades. In order to offset the increasingly apparent effects of climate change and keep wastefulness to a minimum, it behooves responsible homeowners to adopt some commonsense lifestyle changes. While this doesn’t mean upending your way of life, it does entail making a consistent effort to minimize your home’s carbon footprint. This is where smart purchasing decisions can come in handy. The next time you find yourself in the market for new appliances or furnishings, consider the options discussed above.