30 Sustainable Home Hacks

September 10, 2020 /

Disclosure: Affiliate link included. Full disclosure here.

Sustainable. We’ve heard that word a lot during the last few years. As we want to be frugal and simple people, being careful to not waste and pollute the earth fits into our overall goals. Living frugally works alongside the philosophy of sustainability.

What does Sustainable mean?

The economic benefits of leading a sustainable life can be great, especially longterm. If you take LED lights, for instance, they might cost a little more up front but will save money in the long-term. If they last much longer, then there will be less of them added to landfills. But, sustainability can apply to many other things.

In past times, our ancestors did a better job with having eco-friendly homes. They might not have had LED lights, but they were great at re-using what they had. When they grew food, they canned it in re-usable glass jars. They collected rainwater to use. Table scraps were used to feed the pets or farm animals. A torn shirt was mended and worn until it was no longer wearable.

In our day and age, we can learn much from them. The modern homesteading movement follows the template that goes way back. And, regular home owners can do many things in our homes to create less damage to the earth and save money at the same time.

I love using glass containers and bees-wax wrappers instead of plastic bags and disposable containers. It’s healthier for our bodies and for the planet to re-use natural products. I hope to keep re-using glass jars and containers for decades.

Tips for creating a more sustainable home

Here are some great ways to have a more sustainable existence in your home:

LED lightbulbs
Compost food scraps
Solar panels or solar lights around your home for security
Insulate your home well, to save on energy costs
Use rainwater collection to water plants
Use less plastic containers
Recycle everything that you can: paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, newspapers
Mend clothing
Buy energy efficient appliances
Bees wax sandwich wrappers instead of plastic bags or foil
Use natural cleaners or make your own
Hang clothes out of doors to dry
Do it yourself projects that use natural methods
When remodeling, use eco-friendly building materials to create a less toxic home
Shop local to prevent so much online-shopping packaging
Re-use paper shopping bags for gift bags, wrapping gifts, or crafts
Recycle plastic bags or create crafts, better yet, use re-usable grocery bags
Donate unused items to a thrift store so that items can be used by someone else
Up-cycle unloved items: home decor, furniture, clothing
Re-use paper clips, rubber bands, and office supplies
Use the back side of used paper, write notes on junk mail envelopes, etc.
Pay bills online to cut down on mail
Unsubscribe from junk mail when you can
Use electricity plug-in strips and turn the strip off when it’s not needed
Turn off lights in rooms you’re leaving
Keep things clean, so that heavy-duty cleaners aren’t needed
Clean labels off jars (or other things) with a little peanut butter and a rag
Disposable make-up removing wipes are handy, but it’s better and cheaper to use a bath cloth and facial cleanser.
Use re-usable coffee mugs and water bottles and take your drink from home.
Shop at local farmer’s market for fresh food
Plant a tree, that will someday provide shade or fruit
Shop used, and keep an open mind
Don’t run the faucet while you’re brushing your teeth, or washing hands (while singing happy birthday)
Plant a garden
Heavy curtains can be pulled at night or on bitterly cold days or when the sun is heating your room in the summer.
Live in a tiny home?
Instead of buying new construction, look for homes that are already built to save money on energy or can be remodeled in a method that is eco-friendly.
Energy-star windows
Air conditioners and heaters use the largest percentage of energy in the home, so adjust the thermostat up or down to save money. A programmable thermostat helps.
Buy less of everything and be content.

We all know ways that our parents taught us that can create a more sustainable home. What are some of the ways that you have learned? Is this a goal for you and your family? Please share your best tips.

@2020, copyright Lisa Ehrman

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Lisa Ehrman

Lisa has been blogging since 2013, and loves sharing resources and ideas for living a simple life. To get free printables, bonus words, and more - sign up for the newsletter.