@hellolovelyliving agrees that switching to smart bulbs is a quick way to reduce energy consumption in the home

It is an unavoidable fact that we all depend on a constant supply of energy to live successfully in this world. No one is exempt from their reliance on energy, which fuels our most basic needs. From our dependence on energy to power our homes and offices to our most basic needs of growing the food that we eat, our reliance on energy consumes every facet of life. Learning how to apply new behaviors to how we interact with our world and our energy consumption is at the forefront of effective environmental change.

With an ongoing push toward reducing our reliance upon environmentally degrading fossil fuels, companies are rising to meet the needs of their consumers. From eco-friendly appliances to insulating door and window treatments, smart power strips, and other energy-saving measures enable us to save on electricity costs while enabling us to do our part within our reach—our homes.

In this article, we will discuss a few cost-saving tips to consider when cutting down on your energy usage at home.

Keep an eye peeled on energy-draining devices and turn them off if not in use

Naturally, if your home appliances are switched on unnecessarily, there will be higher electricity consumption. To combat this, turning off air conditioners, fans, lights, and other devices and appliances when not in use or before leaving a room is advisable to save power and conserve energy.

To many, the energy they are consuming on their own may seem limited, but it all adds up to the overall household energy usage at a daily, monthly, and annual rate. Learning to apply simple habits that go a long way can make huge contributions to your energy-saving goals. Maintaining healthy energy usage behaviors can save you money in areas that you would have otherwise overlooked. Remember to practice these daily habits regularly until it becomes second nature to you.

Use curtains and window blinds to reduce energy usage

Keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable and temperate level so as not to overcompensate for cooling or heating the home when it is not necessary to do so. Thermal curtains and insulating blinds make it easier for you to keep the temperature in your home consistent and manageable throughout the seasons. Simply install them in just a few steps, and you are good to go. The best part is that these work well in both summer and winter climates. 

For colder seasons, these window treatments reduce air filtration and keep cold air from entering and warm heat from escaping the room. In the summer, thermal curtains block out as much as 33% of solar radiation through thermally reflective backings. This solution is budget and eco-friendly, and with little to no maintenance, you will also effectively reduce your dependence on traditional heating (furnace) and cooling (air conditioner) costs as well.

Get your home insulation done properly

If you have ever taken a cold shower due to a downed water heater, you were unwittingly confronted with the cold hard truth that hot water is a necessity that many of us will not choose to ever live without. Being as it may, a water heater is one of those appliances that stay on 24-7, so off-setting the cost is something that we could all benefit from.

Typically, water heaters lose heat through their pipes, so insulating your hot water pipes will go a long way in improving efficiency and raising the hot water temperature by 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes. This will allow you to reduce your hot water temperature setting and allows the water to be heated at a faster rate, thereby reducing unwanted water loss caused by over-running the water when it is warming up.

In addition, insulating your electric hot water tank with insulating blankets could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs—and should pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available for around $20. The result—your water will retain heat more effectively, consequently saving energy.

If you live in a cold climate, you must upgrade the insulation by sealing cracks and windows that are continuously circulating air. This will ensure that cold air does not get in and warm air stays inside, reducing the output of your heater. The same goes in summer when you are trying to keep the cool air indoors while keeping the hot air outdoors.

Takeaways

Every small change counts toward reducing energy consumption and, most importantly, your electricity bills. The tips mentioned in this article are simple, yet so effective. All it takes is some forethought and implementation, and you will be enjoying the compounded cost savings throughout your home.

To take it a bit further, try these other energy and cost-saving practices:

• Use smart bulbs instead of LED bulbs

• Dim the lights to lessen wattage and output

• Turn off stove burners promptly

• Opt for smart plugs and schedule when they will turn on and off

• Have appliances that are not regularly in use on standby

@hellolovelyliving in central California where land is abundant and the opportunity for solar farming is a lucrative business

A solar farm is a great investment opportunity as it can generate regular income and appreciate value over the years. Moreover, it aligns with a sustainable mindset by creating clean energy from a renewable source. You can easily start a solar farm if you have land and a basic understanding of a few key concepts. But you must invest time and effort into planning and preparation before starting the project. Let us explain a few things a novice should know about setting up a solar farm.

Understand the concept

If you are a sustainability advocate, you will probably know the significance of using renewable resources to produce energy for residential and commercial use. A solar farm generates and supplies clean power to the electricity grid. It consists of a photovoltaic system that operates like a power plant. The system has ground-mounted solar panels installed across a large area of land. Besides producing clean energy, the system creates a steady income stream that lasts for a lifetime.

Know the types

Another factor you must understand is that there are two types of solar plants. In fact, it is a key piece of information to get when you want to know how to start a solar farm on your land. The utility-scale version refers to installing multiple panels to absorb energy from the sun, convert it into an electric current, and distribute the current on high-voltage power lines to homes. The second option is a community-scale solar farm, which serves as a small-scale facility for a local community comprising homes and businesses. The participants share the power as a group benefit, which reduces their energy bills and carbon footprint in the long run.

Consider the land factor

Setting up a solar farm is a great use of spare land, so you must definitely consider the idea. It enables you to do your bit for clean energy goals and healthier communities. You may even lease out the lot for the purpose if you do not want to set it up yourself because it still gets you lease income while supporting the planet. Check the land feasibility to implement one of these options sooner than later. Typically, 6 to 8 acres of land can generate 1 MW of solar energy, so ensure you have at least the minimum space for the project.

Check the timelines and costs

Planning a solar farm is a great idea, but you must know that it is a long-term commitment. The timelines for the project depend on its size and the number of people you employ for it. Although the installation takes a few months, getting the necessary environmental permits is the tricky part. It may take years to get the approvals and contracts. The cost of a 1 MW installation can be around 1 million dollars, but it promises an excellent ROI as it can power 200 households in the area.

Takeaways

Knowing the factors involved in starting a solar farm empowers you to make a smooth launch for your sustainable farm project. It prepares you with clear expectations regarding land feasibility, timelines, and cost. You want to ensure that you identify your long-term goals and choose a plan that will generate the most desirable outcome for you. You will be happy you made the choice early to invest in something that will contribute positively to creating sustainable energy for our planet. Your returns will far outweigh the costs, and you could even consider more farm projects in the future to grow your sustainable business further.

@unsplash

For optimal living and a sustainable existence for all people on earth, protecting the environment is essential. These practices first start in the home, so we can not simply rely on regulators or the government to push us toward implementing them.

By introducing energy-efficient and eco-friendly appliances into your home, you can do your part to contribute in a positive way and create change that is within your reach. These habits also reduce electricity bills and in some appliances, 10 to 20% of energy consumption.

With all of the economic, environmental, and societal changes happening worldwide, we are confronted daily with the responsibility to do what is required of us individually. We spend most of our time at home, so upgrading to eco-friendly appliances is a great place to start.

Undoubtedly, with so many options available, buying appliances for a sustainable home becomes overwhelming. So, today, we compiled a list to help you identify five appliances to focus on first in this process.

01

Refrigerator

Standard refrigerators with low and no energy star ratings are inefficient. In addition, when considering reducing our impact on the environment, inefficient appliances are simply no longer acceptable.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the refrigerant coolant fluid are what deplete the ozone layer. Therefore, it is advisable to choose advanced refrigerators that do not use toxic coolants.

Fortunately, modern and advanced refrigerators are built with efficient cooling systems and compressors that evenly distribute cold air. There is a considerable amount of options available for you to choose from. Take your time to explore the different technologies that are built in before you commit to purchasing a new refrigerator.

02

Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are among the highest energy-consuming appliances. In homes and offices, these appliances are often kept running throughout the day. This leads to high energy bills, particularly in the warmer months when the need for cooling the home is unquestionable.

Let's say a home has AC in all rooms and the residents are sitting in another room; the wifi window air conditioner can sense if there are no people in the room and will turn off. Furthermore, such small and advanced technologies allow for optimal power usage so that energy is not wasted and ensure functionality only when cooling is needed.

The best part is that you can easily manage the AC without leaving your couch. Advanced models allow you to adjust settings on your phone. Most air conditioners also have a pre-assembled kit that keeps their installation easy and manageable. 

03

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are another appliance that significantly contributes to high energy consumption and therefore must be addressed when looking for environmentally friendly appliances.

Generally, dishwashers have a huge impact on the environment because they require large amounts of electricity and water to operate. The energy consumption includes heating the water, loading the water, and circulating the detergents for dish cleaning, rinsing, and drying. 

Advanced dishwashers uphold stringent water-saving and energy-efficient standards. Energy-efficient dishwashers are designed with new technologies such as soil sensors, better water filtration, and high-efficiency jets. This leads to less water and energy consumption, which results in annual cost savings.

04

Washing Machine

Like dishwashers, washing machines can also become eco-friendly appliances. They are both similar in that they both require high water and energy consumption. To save a considerable amount of money on electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact, switch out this appliance as well for an energy and water-efficient model.

Energy-efficient washer machines have more options than standard models, increasing efficiency and offering alternatives that substantially save energy and water with each load. For example, many models now have a steam option, which substantially reduces the amount of water to clean soils as well as the energy needed to heat water.

05

Convection Oven

Convection ovens are highly effective and consume only 20 percent of energy than conventional ovens. With a conventional oven, the heat rises to the top, whereas with a convection oven, the heat is circulated with a fan that allows food to be evenly cooked. This is similar to an air fryer, which cuts down on cooking time as well and heats quicker and more efficiently. We like the Cosori Pro Smart air fryer because not only is it compact, but it has a modern design that looks nice in the kitchen.

Takeaways

Integrating eco-friendly home appliances into the home is a proactive step toward reducing energy consumption and water usage. Above all else is the fact that you will also be reducing your environmental impact and the costs associated with running appliances daily. If we all do our part, we can impact the environment around us in ways that are more monumental than we think. It all starts with adjusting our energy consumption behaviors and building responsible habits. We are all responsible for caring for the world we live in and taking active measures to create change.

Are you already playing your part? What practices are you following?

We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

It's already a well-known fact that your roof is among the most significant investments you are likely to make. Not only does your roof safeguard your home from extreme climates, but a properly preserved roofing system can also upgrade your property's curb appearance and market worth.

Many homeowners in Southaven, MS, and similar climate zones don't realize that their roofs can also be a source of energy savings. A properly insulated, ventilated, and high-quality roof can help keep your home cool during the colder seasons and warmer in the opposite ones, which ensures comfort in your home throughout the year.

But have you ever questioned yourself on how exactly it can save your investment? In this blog post, we will answer just that and also give you some tips on maximizing your savings.

01

Enhanced underlayment prevents moisture and mold invasion

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of your home that you should never overlook. It can help you save a lot of money in the long run, and it can also protect your investment from different kinds of weather damage. But did you know that roofing can also help prevent moisture and mold growth inside your home?

Proper roofing can provide an enhanced underlayment that will act as a barrier against moisture. This will help keep your home dry, and it will also prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

02

Adds substantial value to your home

The structural strength of a property is among the most important criteria in determining its original value. In these conditions, any property with a broken roof or one that is older than its expected lifespan will undoubtedly diminish its value. If you intend to sell your home or remortgage down the road, a new roofing system will significantly increase its overall value. Some sources estimate the additional value to be as much as $15,000, so it's something that you should really think about when you want to save your investment.

03

Prepares you for any weather condition

A hurricane, for instance, is an extreme tropical cyclone, having sustained winds and rain of at least 74 miles per hour. They often cause massive damage to properties, and the roofs are particularly vulnerable. Updated hurricane straps can help secure your roof and prevent it from being blown away by high winds. This will protect your property and also help you avoid costly repairs. In this way, you are definitely setting aside some funds for yourself due to this investment.

04

Save substantially in energy expenses

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, and it can have a significant impact on your energy bills. Proper insulation and ventilation can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which can lead to lower energy costs. In fact, you could save up to 30% on your energy bills each year. So, if you're looking for ways to save money on your energy bills, invest in quality roofing. It's a smart investment that will pay for itself in no time.

05

Priceless comfort in your living space

Your roofing system can have a significant impact on your comfort level. A secure insulation system and ventilation can help regulate the temperature in your home throughout all seasons, which can lead to enhanced comfort. In addition, a well-maintained roof will also protect you from outside noise, providing you with a tranquil living space. Therefore, roofing is a great option if you're looking for ways to improve your comfort level. It's an investment that will offer you many benefits and years of enjoyment.

Tips on how to maximize your roofing investment

01

Balance out installation cost and longevity

The most crucial factor in any roofing investment is the quality of the materials used. Of course, you also need to take into account the installation cost and the expected lifespan of the roof. A good rule of thumb is to balance out these two factors. For example, if you're looking for a roof that will last for many years, you might be willing to pay more for quality materials and installation. On the other hand, if you're on a tight budget, you might choose a less expensive option that will need to be replaced more frequently.

02

Pay attention to appearance and durability

The appeal is an important factor to consider when making any home improvement decision. After all, you want your home to look its best! When it comes to roofing, there are many different materials and styles to choose from. You'll want to select a roof that complements the overall look of your home while also providing durability against the elements. Some materials, such as metal, are very durable but may not be the best choice for homes with a more traditional appearance. Conversely, shingles are a popular choice because they offer a variety of colors and styles to choose from.

03

Consult a professional and find out more about how a roof can save your investment

Every smart homeowner desires to be certain that they are getting the most out of their commitment, which is particularly important when we talk about roofing. Fortunately, ensuring that you protect your investment by properly addressing your home's roofing condition is a straightforward matter. Regardless, you can look to benefit from enhancing the structural integrity of your home. Consult a professional who can help you further with narrowing down your options and calculating the money savings that you can experience with the right approach.

Takeaways

The best approach to optimizing your roofing expenditure is to visit a roofing specialist like Mighty Dog Roofing in Southaven, MS. They have some of the most experienced roofers available and can help simplify the process for you. Their simple request generator can help you connect with the highest quality roofing contractors, ensuring that you get precisely what you require from your roofing system.

Sustainability is a pretty big topic right now, and for a good reason: the effects of climate change significantly threatens our environment, which is why we must apply ways to minimize our environmental impact. Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is one of the best ways to make that happen since individual effort can make a big difference in the long run. If you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, here are a few ways that will help jump-start your journey.

Don't throw everything away

We live in a society that promotes endless consumption, and it is well-known that such behavior is extremely harmful to the environment. Therefore, learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle can be of immediate impact. The easiest way to start is to adopt certain zero-waste principles. Now, that does not mean you should keep everything you use, but finding creative ways to reuse certain items, especially single-use plastics, can be very beneficial. Also, do not worry about being perfect in the process, instead find eco-conscious practices that work best for you.

Walk more, drive less

Vehicles are responsible for a vast amount of CO2 emissions, thus being one of the top sources of global pollution. That is why it is advisable to drive less and walk more. If you still must use a vehicle, it is best to opt for cycling, ride-sharing, or even better, public transportation. You might even combine cycling and public transportation, mainly if the place you live in has a functional subway system. 

Be an eco-conscious traveler

It is certainly possible to be a mindful traveler with a few simple changes. Flying less and selecting alternative transportation options is a significant help, along with choosing green hotels and other accommodation types that care for the environment. Also, if you are a fan of seaside activities, find the best sustainable swimwear next time you decide to go to the beach. Aside from these, travel as lightly as possible and treat the environment with respect and consideration, no matter where your travels take you.

Make your home more energy-efficient

This one is crucial as it saves you a lot of energy (and money) in the long run. Insulating your home is the first step, especially if you live in an area with cold and harsh winters. Once you insulate your home, you will notice more warmth and less energy consumption during the heating season. Also, opt for more long-lasting and durable products, which means more successful energy conservation.

Thrift-shopping is for everyone

Sure, buying new clothes is one of the best ways to lift yourself out of a bad mood. But, the fast-fashion industry is also responsible for enormous waste and pollution in landfills. Thrift shopping is a perfect solution: it promotes a circular economy while reducing waste. If you are new to thrifting, you may find it confusing at first; Feel free to start slow until you get more comfortable with it. Selecting used items over new items is one of the best eco-friendly decisions that you can make. It reduces consumption and makes use of already available resources.

Takeaways

These tips will surely help you become more eco-conscious. Producing less waste, shopping second-hand, and being a sustainable traveler are all intentional practices that can help you start your eco-friendly journey. Additionally, eating less meat and dairy, using public transportation, and making your home more energy-efficient are items worth your effort as they are effective ways to reduce our environmental impact.

In celebration of Earth Day 2020, I decided to put together my personal list of tips for year-round sustainable living. These are habits that I either practice or strive to practice. I think that every small effort counts, and with the current state of our world facing COVID-19, it has never been more apparent of how much influence we each have on our earth as a whole. We all can affect change, and it starts in our homes.

Tip 1

Reuse & repurpose

It’s so easy to build a collection of mason jars and glassware simply by not throwing them out after you have used their contents. I save almost every glass jar and bottle and use them mainly as drinking glasses, but I have also used them as food storage as well. For instance, some coffee brands come in cute glass jars with plastic lids. I use these to store things like sugar, chia seeds, and tea. You can also repurpose candle jars in the same way. They usually come with pretty lids, so I tend to always buy candles with that in mind. This is also a good thing to apply to any product packaging you buy. Look for product packaging that you can reuse and repurpose, and you will have gotten more of your money’s worth.

Tip 2

Only buy what you need

This tip applies to everything that you buy. We tend to have more than we need—and that applies to everything from food to clothing. My philosophy is that if I buy only what I need, I can fully use those resources for their entire lifetime value. You will find that the overall lifetime cost of items decrease because you will use things more frequently and not waste money on the same items. This takes a lot of discipline because who doesn’t love variety? However, you will find that you are more intentional with the things you do buy and will only buy things with quality in mind versus quantity.

Tip 3

Forage & thrift

There are so many marketplaces today where you can find quality items for less. Instead of buying things brand new, consider looking for used items. Items like furniture are good items to thrift because they usually last longer, so you can find them in great condition and still get the look you are going for. I love thrifting because I can usually find anything I want. It just takes time, but I have found that the pieces that I want always pop up at the perfect time.

As far as clothing is concerned, I haven’t really explored this area that much because I just don’t have the patience for clothes shopping, but I admire when others do it. There are so many great stores like Savers where you can find brand name clothing in really good condition. There are also consignment stores that carry new/gently used items for a fraction of the cost. It’s amazing at how many options there actually are.

Tip 4

Limit buying commercial household cleaners

Household cleaners typically have a lot of chemicals and health hazards, so I tend to stick to one household cleaner that is multi-purpose and also a more natural alternative. Of course we’re all currently frantic about sanitizing everything in sight these days, but there are always natural alternatives. I typically use and keep on-hand the following natural disinfectants and cleaners: Alcohol, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, oil of oregano, lavender, and lemon essential oil. They are safer for the environment and safer for the boys and I. For my all-purpose cleaner, I use Mrs. Meyer’s, and then I add some of the other natural ingredients to the mix. I don’t like using harsh chemicals, but recently I have felt the pressure to up the ante by using Clorox bleach. I have a little bit of anxiety about using it because I vowed not to all these years, but I’m just taking that extra measure, at least for now.

Tip 5

Be conscious about consumerism

We are so pressured to buy things that it takes some real effort and discipline to say NO! It’s okay to not fall for the constant year-round holiday marketing messages. We are literally bombarded with it everywhere, and it can get so exhausting with trying to keep up with it all that I just said to the F with it—I’m not participating anymore. My motto is, I’ll buy it if and when I need it, and only if I can get it for less than MSRP (most of the time). I wait on larger purchases, and I make sure to always save on anything else. Saving money for me is a lifestyle, so I feel accomplished when I can do so while still granting my needs.

Tip 6

Eat at home

Home-cooked meals not only save money, but they save on gas, packaging, waste, and an endless need for a supply chain that goes far beyond the table. It’s not only healthier, but better for living sustainably because the whole purpose is to live within our means and to maintain a certain way of life that is better for us and the environment. If we are always eating out, we are giving in to that consumerism-mindset that controls a lot of our purchases. Now, of course ya girl loves to eat out, but I do limit it, and I actually have a greater appreciation for it when I do.

Tip 7

Be mindful of how you use/waste resources

Building an awareness of what we use and how much of it we use is important throughout our daily lives. Sometimes things can get so excessive and we can be wasteful of things that can be used more sparingly to extend its life. Instead of buying things with a one-time use, consider buying items that you can use for years. Here are a few products with that in mind:

A little can go a long way when deciding to purchase sustainable products. You’ll be investing in things that will last you years upon years and that is worth every penny. @kieramosswellness_

• Glass Straws - These are an essential that come in various other materials, but glass is my personal favorite because they’re clear and you can ensure they are clean with each use.

• Beeswax Food Wraps - Instead of plastic wrap, use these sustainable covers free of chemicals that last for up to a year. They also come in fun designs!

• Glass Food Storage with Wood Lids - Instead of purchasing plastic tupperware, consider glass and wood options that don’t leach chemicals.

• Reusable Bamboo Paper Towels - Paper towels are a thing of the past for me, as I do not purchase them. However, these are a great sustainable option.

• Bamboo Utensils - Take this wherever you go and reduce your dependance on plasticware. They’re also cuter anyway!

• Reusable Cotton Rounds/Makeup Remover Pads - Cotton rounds, cotton pads, and makeup remover wipes all add up over time, so these are an essential that will save you so much money and so much waste.

• Cotton & Bamboo Ear Swabs - We don’t really think about it, but traditional ear swabs are sometimes made with plastic. Try choosing a more biodegradable option if you must use disposable products.

• Bamboo Toothbrush - This is another product that is typically made with plastic, so switching to bamboo will ensure that once it hits the landfill, it is biodegradable.

• Mesh & Muslin Produce Bags - Plastic can accumulate quickly when packing up produce, so these will come in handy for every grocery trip and for storing food at home.

• Wool Dryer Balls - I have stopped using dryer sheets long ago, but these are a great alternative if you do wish to use them. Avoid the harmful chemicals in fabric softener and dryer sheets by using these instead.

• Walnut Scouring Pads - I really love these and find that they last very long. They actually naturally degrade with use, so I thought that was cool.

There are so many other biodegradable, reusable, and eco-friendly options to reduce our waste, but just trying your best is enough, so don’t feel pressured to go all in with every single one of these. I sure am not perfect, but I love that there are so many options available.

Tip 8

Appreciate nature

Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in this technology-driven life that we live that we can forget our dependence on the earth—and oftentimes take it for granted. We must realize that we are a part of this ecosystem, not apart from it. We can not exist apart from it, so we need to find more ways to nurture that relationship so that we can have a stronger connection with our earth again. If we do, we will not want to harm our planet and we will do whatever we can to protect it. We need to educate ourselves about the things impacting our world and build that awareness because we have become so distant from our source. I love to watch Liziqi on Youtube because she inspires me to connect with nature and reminds me that nature is life. I aspire to live a life like hers—simple and guided by my passions and reliance on the earth.

Do your best

Perfection is not a thing, so I always tell myself to do my best in every area. One small step is better than nothing, so just keep taking them. Coming to a place where you feel rewarded by your small actions will bring you joy over time, and you will chase that feeling and create more of those habits. Always think beyond today and what ripple effects your actions will cause in the future. If you can foresee the small things leading up to big things, your actions will most definitely change. You will have a sense of responsibility that only you can hold yourself to. But as a whole, we each encourage and inspire each other, so our impact goes beyond our homes and into the homes of our friends and family. So, you see, our reach can be so far if we just do our best.

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