How To Declutter in an Environmentally Friendly Way

When a new year quickly approaches, it is an excellent time to look around your home and think about how you can clean and declutter your space so you can start off on the right foot. There are likely many parts of your home that look cluttered, and as you go from room to room, you will see areas of improvement. Clearing clutter is important for staying organized, and it can also improve your mental health. 

When many of us begin to rid our homes of stuff we don’t need, we often think about throwing everything in the trash. However, all of that waste loads up our landfills and causes pollution, so it is essential that you find a more eco-friendly method. Today, we will talk a bit about decluttering and how to help the planet in the process.

How To Start Decluttering

Over the last few years, many of us have been spending more time at home, and in order to maintain our sanity, we need to declutter and organize our living spaces so that everything has its place. When our house is messy, it is not only a pain to get around, but subconsciously, we also feel like we are losing control of our lives, and that isn’t good for our family life. Clutter can also make you less productive if you work from home. 

Some people quit before they even start because they feel like there is too much to do and that the mess will never go away. However, all you need to do is take it one room at a time. As you go to each new room, look at the items stored there and target the items that you have not touched or used in the last year. The chances are good that if you haven’t used a particular item in a long time, you probably won’t use it again.

Put all of those items in separate piles for donation, trash, and recycling. 

You can make a lot of headway by looking through your closet. Again, think about what hasn’t moved in the last year. If you haven’t worn it during the last four seasons, then you probably won’t again. Do the same process for your shoes and accessories. 

Properly Disposing of Items

While we have grown accustomed to throwing items in the trash that we no longer need, it is important to be judicious about what you toss in the trash. When we load up the landfills, the garbage just tends to sit there. When it does, the garbage pollutes and leaks into the soil and our lakes and oceans, which means that our food and water sources can also be polluted. Also, when the garbage just stays in place, it also creates and emits greenhouse gasses that further contribute to climate change.

That is why you must pay close attention to what should be thrown in the trash and what you should recycle. By recycling, we get a chance to reuse those substances to make something new, and it doesn't hurt the environment. There are many things that you may find while decluttering that you didn’t realize could be recycled, including music CDs, DVDs, and ink cartridges, among other items. 

If you are not sure what you should throw away and what to recycle, then get some help. You can contact a junk removal company that will ensure that your trash is sent to the right place or to your specifications. Just be sure to research them ahead of time to verify that they are licensed and insured and that they provide the services that you need.  

Many people use this time to clear out their filing cabinets of all of the old paperwork that they no longer need. It is essential that you do not just throw the documents into the recycling bin. If you do, then criminals can find it and use the sensitive data to commit crimes like taking out fraudulent loans or setting up phishing scams. Instead, you need to shred everything so it cannot be used after the fact. Keep in mind that it is not wise to throw the shredded paper into the recycling bin because it is too small and cannot be filtered out correctly at the recycling center — and may still end up in the landfill. 

Declutter By Giving to Others

When you are clearing out your house, instead of throwing everything away, think about what you can donate. If we all bought our clothing and electronics from donation centers then we would eliminate the need for factories to spew pollution into the air while making brand-new products. By bringing your stuff to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, you allow other people to continue to use what you no longer need, and you’ll be doing a great favor for the environment.

Keep in mind that there are many different companies and organizations that take unique donations. For example, you can bring your old or worn sneakers to Soles4Souls, who will give those shoes to children in need. If you have old mattresses, then you can contact IKEA’s recycling service and they will help haul them away. You can even donate your old underwear to Knickey. When in doubt, look online for a program that can help with your donation needs.

Finally, think about how you can reduce your purchasing needs, so you have less clutter in the first place. You can shop more consciously by purchasing used items, and if you do buy something, have a plan for how you will dispose of it in the future. Also, think about what you can pass down from generation to generation, like kids’ clothes and toys, so you eliminate the need to discard them altogether.

As you can see, there are many ways that you can clean your home and declutter without hurting the planet in the process. Consider these tips, and start the new year off on the right foot.

4 Reasons That Solar Is Right for Your Home

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

Is solar right for your home? That sounds like a yes or no question, but it's a bit more complicated than that. There can be many reasons why solar and solar batteries are a good choice for your home. If more than one of them applies to your situation, then you should certainly lean in that direction.

Affordability

Solar panels used to be expensive, to the point of not being something a typical homeowner could afford. However, that's changed. They still have a rather large price tag. However, there are often rebates and tax incentives that make them a lot more affordable. You can also finance them and expect them to last a long while. Don't forget that they can eventually pay for themselves with the electricity that they generate.

Help the Environment

Using solar power at home isn't going to make a huge impact on the environment. Note that it isn't totally green. The materials used in making solar panels require things to be mined out of the earth and fossil fuels might have been used in manufacturing and transporting the goods to your home. However, once they're in place, they produce electricity for your home without generating any greenhouse gases or creating climate change problems. So while they may have an environmental cost, they will undoubtedly pay it off in the end.

Set an Example

Whether you use the professionals of Rayburn1 Roofing, Solar & Windows, or a provider in your local market, neighbors are likely to stop by and inquire about what's going on. It's a great chance to help the neighborhood see what's possible about helping out the global environment. You can set a great example for your own family and others at the same time.

Your Roof Faces Anywhere Except North

Even if your roof has a north-facing slope, any slopes in other directions can generate a fair amount of solar power. South-facing slopes are generally best all year long, but southeast- and southwest-facing slopes still do pretty well. West-facing slopes do their best in the summer, but that's when you might need power the most for AC. Even east-facing slopes can help in winter.

Solar technology is more affordable, efficient, and long-lasting than ever before. Batteries can store daytime solar energy for electricity use when you are home. As long as your local laws and HOA permit solar panels on a home you own, you should definitely consider installing them.

6 Simple DIY Ways To Make Your Home More Eco-friendly

With the effects of climate change already being felt, Americans are actively looking for ways to live more sustainably. Waste buildup, energy issues, and decreased access to clean water are becoming problems across the globe. Luckily, everyone can do their part to make a difference. 

That starts by making changes in the home. 

You might not think that one household can do much in terms of protecting the planet. However, if everyone adopted that mindset, no change would be made. You never know whom you could end up inspiring to live more sustainably by making your own eco-friendly choices and changes.

Around the home, there are plenty of simple, DIY fixes you can make to boost the eco-friendliness of your living space. Let’s cover a few of them so you can start making positive changes today.

1. Installing and Replacing Weatherstripping

When was the last time you changed the weatherstripping around your windows and doors? If you can’t remember, chances are it’s been a while. It’s time for that stripping to be replaced. 

Alternatively, maybe you’ve never installed it at all. Either way, weatherstripping should be installed/reinstalled every two or three years. It reduces air leaks through doors and will improve the energy efficiency of your home. This will subsequently reduce your heating and air conditioning bills.

Don’t forget to weatherstrip every area of your house, including the garage. Weatherstripping your garage adds an extra layer of protection from extreme light, humid or cold air, and water. 

2. Investing in a Smart Thermostat

Smart technology is taking over, and that’s a very good thing for those wanting to be more energy-efficient. If you’re not ready to completely upgrade your home with smart tech, start small by investing in a smart thermostat.

They don’t just look cool and futuristic. Smart thermostats provide many benefits, including:

• Maintaining a comfortable temperature;

• Receiving monthly energy reports;

• Taking full control of your heating schedule;

• Using less energy;

• Remote controlling of heating and cooling.

Not only can you control the heat and air when you’re not home, turning it down to save energy, but you’ll also be able to take note of how much energy you’re using or wasting each month. This way, you can make changes as needed.

3. Putting Up Thick Curtains

Installing thick curtains is a simple DIY upgrade you can do in a few hours. It’s a small, simple, effective way to save energy. Plus, you’ll experience the added benefits of light and noise reduction. 

Blackout curtains help to trap the heat in your home during cooler months while keeping light and heat out in the summer so things stay cool. They can reduce the thermal energy loss in your home by 25 percent. That’s good for the planet and your utility bills. 

4. Installing Low-flow Showerheads and Faucets

Another quick, weekend project that can help to cut back on your water waste is the installation of low-flow faucets and showerheads. These low-flow items can reduce your water use by 30 to 50 percent, and they’re not much of an investment. You can pick them up at almost any major hardware retailer for only about $10.

You don’t need to be an experienced plumber to install low-flow faucets. It’s simply a matter of changing out your old ones. You’ll be surprised by how much water you can save each month without noticing much of a difference in what you’re actually using. Again, that will be reflected in your water bill and can inspire you to make even more eco-friendly choices. 

5. Switching To LED

Most standard homes still use incandescent lighting from room to room. While this is okay, especially if you’re turning off lights when a room isn’t in use, they’re not as energy-efficient as LED bulbs.

By upgrading your lighting, you could seriously cut down on the energy consumption in your home. Some of the biggest benefits of LED lights include:

• Their long lifespan;

• Improved environmental performance;

• Low voltage;

• No heat emission.

Their long lifespan — about 50,000 hours — allows you to replace LED bulbs less often, reducing your waste production and helping landfills in the process. 

Typical LED bulbs are slightly more expensive than their incandescent counterparts. However, when you consider the lifespan and the money you’ll be saving on your electric bill, they pay for themselves quickly. 

6. Replacing Your Lawn With Native Plants

Somewhere along the line, the American dream started to include a lush, green lawn. While keeping your lawn well-watered and trimmed might look nice, it’s not the best thing you could be doing for the environment. Lawn maintenance uses a lot of water and often requires chemical treatments to keep things like weeds and pests away.

Instead, consider replacing your lawn with native plants. There are no rules when it comes to landscaping with native plants, so use them everywhere — in pots, on lattices, and even around your hedging to improve the privacy of your yard and home. 

A quick search online will let you know which plants are native to your part of the country. Some of the benefits of planting them include:

• Less water use;

• No fertilization required;

• Resistance to local weather and less likely to be damaged;

• Natural habitat restoration.

Plus, a yard full of plants of different shapes, sizes, and colors will look completely unique and beautiful. You might find that your neighbors start asking you about your landscaping since you’re “going native” and not focusing on keeping a standard lawn. 

As you can see, being more eco-friendly at home doesn’t have to be difficult. Many of these DIY upgrades can be done in a few hours or days. If you’re ready to start making positive changes at home, let these projects give you the jumpstart you need.

How To Accent Your Home And Help The Environment At The Same Time

Now that you have gotten started with the process of decorating your home, you of course want to make it look as beautiful as possible. However, if you are an eco-friendly person as well, you want to accent your home and help the environment at the same time. While this may initially sound tough, the good news is that it is very easy to decorate your home in ways that will benefit the environment. Ready to get started?

Buy Used Furniture

Rather than see more trees cut down, you can save the forests by choosing to buy used furniture for your home. Start looking around online as well as visiting some of your local thrift shops and used furniture stores. You will be surprised to see just how much beautiful used furniture is available. From dressers and tables to bed frames and more, you'll find what you need, save money, and help the environment.

Don't Use Carpeting

Though it looks nice, carpeting is actually extremely harmful to the environment. Filled with all types of pollutants and chemicals, it can actually release toxins into your home as the years go by. Along with this, once it wears out, it will get tossed into a landfill, where the toxins will enter the soil and surrounding air. Instead of carpeting, use reclaimed wood to give your floors a cozy, downhome look that you and everyone else will love.

Use Low VOC Paint

If you want to paint your home's walls, do so using only low VOC paint. VOC stands for volatile organic compounds. This paint will release toxins into the atmosphere not only immediately after it is applied, but also for decades to follow. Along with harming the atmosphere, you and your family will also be breathing in these toxins. So whenever possible, use Low VOC paint.

Choose Thermal Curtains

While you may think hanging curtains at your windows will do little for the environment, you are wrong. If you choose to use thermal curtains instead of the usual curtains, they will help you to substantially reduce your energy bill. Using less natural gas to heat your home in the winter will be your way of helping to protect the environment.

Whether you decide to incorporate only one of these ideas into your home's decorating plan or all four is up to you. Whatever you implement, know that you are helping the environment. Not just for you, but for generations to come.