Milk has been a dietary staple for centuries, but in recent years, many have questioned whether traditional cow milk is still the best option. As consumers become more health-conscious, new alternatives are emerging – including goat milk, which has been used worldwide for generations but is only now gaining mainstream popularity in the U.S.
Creating a sustainable home doesn’t require a total overhaul—just a few small changes can reduce waste, save energy, and lower your environmental impact.Â
Here’s how to make your home greener with practical, everyday swaps.
If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, it’s time to upgrade. LED bulbs last up to 50,000 hours and use a fraction of the energy, saving both money and resources. Unlike traditional bulbs, they don’t waste energy generating heat, making them the smartest lighting choice for an eco-friendly home.
Curtains aren’t just for décor—they help regulate temperature and reduce reliance on energy-hungry air conditioners and heaters. Insulated or room-darkening curtains block excess heat in summer and retain warmth in winter, making your home naturally comfortable.
Switching to a low-flow shower head can reduce water use by 40% or more, cutting down both water waste and your energy bill. Pair this with shorter showers for an even greater impact.
Paper towels, napkins, and disposable plates create mountains of waste. Swap them for washable cloths and reusable kitchenware to cut down on paper consumption. If you’re feeling bold, reusable toilet paper is even an option!
Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaners release harmful chemicals into the water supply. Instead, vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice work wonders for cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing—without the toxic side effects.
Clothes dryers consume massive amounts of energy—opt for air drying instead. Whether it’s a drying rack or an outdoor line, your clothes (and the planet) will thank you.
Skip wasteful dryer sheets and switch to wool dryer balls. They naturally soften clothes, reduce static, and speed up drying time, helping you save both energy and money.
Looking for additional ways to make your home more sustainable? Try these eco-friendly solutions:
Houseplants do more than add beauty—they improve indoor air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. If you have space, consider growing a vegetable garden to produce fresh, pesticide-free food and reduce your grocery trips.
While solar panels require an upfront investment, they drastically reduce long-term energy consumption and lower utility bills. Plus, many regions offer incentives and rebates for switching to solar energy.
A simple but often overlooked tip: clean the back of your refrigerator regularly. Dust buildup forces your fridge to work harder, using more energy. Keeping the coils clean helps it run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Installing a rain barrel to collect water runoff from your roof can help reduce water waste. Use the collected water to water plants, wash outdoor furniture, or even flush toilets.
When it’s time to replace appliances, look for Energy Star- certified models. These appliances use significantly less energy and water, saving money and reducing your home’s environmental footprint.
Instead of tossing food scraps into the trash, start a compost bin. It’s a great way to reduce landfill waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Many Americans believe that to feed a city, it takes miles and miles of machine-laid and chemically-grown crops. But in reality, with the right soil and a little space, you can grow enough food to feed your family in your backyard. A homestead garden is your ticket to becoming self-sufficient and less reliant on commercial grocery stores. In fact, there’s no better time than now to become self-reliant — especially with the pandemic still looming over our heads and climate change on the forefront. Here’s what you need to know to grow 100 percent of your food.   Â
Do you dream of being self-sufficient and lessening your impact on the environment? If so, then homesteading might be for you. Homesteading is sustainable living at its best. Simply put, it’s a lifestyle where you grow your own food while minimizing your carbon footprint. In turn, you’ll be more self-reliant and less dependent on outside sources. Here’s a beginner’s guide to homestead gardens.
Believe it or not, people enjoyed fresh produce for hundreds of years before refrigeration was introduced! You don’t need a fridge to keep food fresh. In fact, refrigeration could actually decrease the lifespan of some fresh produce. Plus, if you want to become self-sufficient, it is a good idea to stop relying on the potentially unstable power grid to keep your harvest fresh and edible, and if you have a large garden, you’ll likely need more space for storage regardless. Here are our favorite tips for storing fruits and veggies without refrigeration and a few methods that will keep your produce good for months on end.Â
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