Going green at home starts with eco-friendly home maintenance, which not only helps the planet but also creates a healthier living space for you. At Leave It to Alexandra, we’re passionate about sustainable living and offer compassionate, confidential, and judgment-free solutions to help you maintain your home responsibly. In this guide, we’ll share 10 eco-friendly home maintenance tips to make your home more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Use Non-Toxic Cleaners for Eco-Friendly Home Maintenance
Harsh chemical cleaners can harm the environment and your health. Switch to eco-friendly home maintenance by using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners. Brands like Seventh Generation or Ecover are great options, or you can make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These cleaners reduce indoor air pollution and are safe for your family and the planet.
Conserve Water with Smart Practices
Water conservation is a key part of eco-friendly living. Fix leaky faucets immediately to avoid waste, and install low-flow showerheads and faucets. Collect rainwater in a barrel for outdoor use, like watering plants. These small changes help you save water and reduce your environmental footprint while maintaining your home sustainably.
Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy and last longer. Turn off lights when not in use, and use motion-sensor lights in areas like hallways. Energy-efficient lighting is a simple way to make your home maintenance more eco-friendly while lowering your utility bills.
Maintain Your HVAC System for Efficiency
A well-maintained HVAC system uses less energy, which is better for the environment. Schedule regular maintenance to clean or replace filters, and seal any duct leaks. At Leave It to Alexandra, we can help you organize your home systems through our Office Organization services, ensuring everything runs efficiently and sustainably.
Check out our Office Organization services
Use Sustainable Materials for Repairs
When doing repairs, choose sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled metal. For example, use reclaimed wood for shelving or bamboo for flooring. These materials are durable and reduce the demand for new resources, making your home maintenance more eco-friendly and stylish.
Reduce Waste by Repurposing Items
Instead of throwing things away, repurpose them. Turn old jars into storage containers or use scrap wood to create a shelf. Donating unused items instead of discarding them also helps. Reducing waste is a core principle of eco-friendly home maintenance, and it keeps your home clutter-free.
Insulate Your Home to Save Energy
Proper insulation keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing energy use. Check for drafts around windows and doors, and add weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps. Insulating your attic or walls can also help. This eco-friendly tip lowers your carbon footprint and saves on heating and cooling costs.
Grow Your Own Herbs or Vegetables
Start a small indoor or outdoor garden to grow herbs or vegetables like basil, mint, or tomatoes. This reduces your reliance on store-bought produce, which often comes with plastic packaging. Gardening is a sustainable way to maintain your home, and it adds fresh, organic food to your table.
For more sustainable gardening tips, check out this guide
Use Eco-Friendly Paint for Home Updates
When repainting, choose low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, which release fewer harmful chemicals into the air. Brands like Benjamin Moore Natura or Sherwin-Williams Harmony are good options. Eco-friendly paint improves indoor air quality and makes your home maintenance greener.
Create a Recycling and Composting System
Set up a system to recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal, and start composting food scraps like vegetable peels or coffee grounds. Use labeled bins to make sorting easy. Composting reduces landfill waste and creates natural fertilizer for your garden, making it a perfect eco-friendly home maintenance habit.
