As we’re into 2024, you may still be thinking of New Year's resolutions to commit to. While health and financial goals may be at the top of your list, also consider adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Now more than ever it’s important to foster eco-friendly practices at home to help pave the way for a more sustainable future. Set the tone for 2024 by committing to resolutions that not only enhance your living environment but also help create a healthier planet.

Keep reading for all the ways (big and small) you can create a more sustainable home and lifestyle this year.

Assess Your Current Practices

First, take time to reflect on your current lifestyle and home habits—consider the environmental impact of daily choices. Ask yourself, what are ways you can cut back and reduce waste? Some ideas include

Avoid single-use items and opt for reusable alternatives
Reduce water usage
Shop local and organic
Reduce paper mail and go digital instead

Also, consider your home construction and design. If you live in an older home, in what ways can it be modified to be more eco-friendly? Perhaps your appliances and HVAC systems can be upgraded to energy-efficient models. Or maybe your doors and windows need to be replaced to improve insulation.

By identifying areas for improvement, you create a foundation for positive change in the coming year.

Go with Sustainable Decor Choices

When it comes to designing your home, explore eco-friendly materials for furniture and decor, opting for sustainable alternatives that minimize environmental impact.

Before throwing out older items, consider if they can be upcycled or repurposed to breathe new life into your space while reducing waste. If not, be sure to donate or recycle them so they don’t end up in landfills.

Introduce sustainable decor throughout your home to enhance aesthetics. Invest in high-quality pieces that are made to last, and consider buying from eco-friendly brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable methods.

Ensure Your Home Is Energy-Efficient

Make strides towards a more energy-efficient home by switching to appliances with energy-efficient ratings. ENERGY STAR products meet strict EPA criteria without sacrificing quality and functionality.

Check your home for energy leaks, like the seals around windows and doors, and make sure it’s well insulated. Also, look for ways to cut back on energy consumption like using LED bulbs and smart thermostats. And don’t forget to unplug those devices when they’re not in use. Energy wasted by devices in standby mode can account for up to 10% of residential energy use. If you don’t want to worry about unplugging them try using a power strip which you can easily turn on and off.

Last but not least, consider investing in renewable energy sources to reduce stress on your local power grid. Options you can consider for your home include solar, wind, or geothermal energy.

Implement Waste Reduction Strategies

Make it a goal to reduce your household waste. According to the EPA, the average American produces 4.9 pounds of trash in a single day and the US is the number one trash producer in the world. Food, plastic, paper, and paperboard are the top materials found in landfills. Here are just a few of the things you can do to cut back on your waste production:

Swap single-use plastic, paper, and other disposable items for reusable alternatives.
Set up a composting station at home for organic waste.
Set up a recycling station and learn proper recycling methods to reduce landfill waste and pollution.
Cook more food at home to control portions and reduce food waste.

By incorporating these practices you can help conserve natural resources, save energy, reduce landfill waste, and limit pollution.

Create Green Indoor Spaces

Improve air quality in your home by incorporating indoor plants. Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors, adding a touch of nature to your home.

In addition to purifying the air, greenery is linked to enhanced well-being and increased productivity—overall contributing to a healthier and happier home.

Don’t Forget Water Conservation

While it may seem like we have an endless water supply, we don’t. Less than 1% of our planet's water is available for human use.

Implement strategies for reducing water consumption at home, such as fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances—look for the Water Sense label to know if a product is efficient. For the exterior of your home, consider drought-tolerant or native landscaping which requires minimal maintenance.

Think about where you may be able to conserve water in your daily routine, from the length of your showers to how often you run the sink. Opt for running the dishwasher, instead of hand washing dishes and only run it when it’s full.

Efficient water usage preserves water in lakes, rivers, and streams, supporting recreation, wildlife survival, and maintaining safe supply levels for human health and environmental protection.

Connect with Your Community

Share your eco-friendly initiatives with your neighbors, friends, and family. Join a local environmental group to amplify the impact of your effort. Build a sense of community around sustainable living, where shared values contribute to a more significant environmental impact.

If you’d like to revamp your home to increase sustainability from design to renovations we can help! At AHG Interiors, we know eco-friendly and sustainable design. We’ll work with you to make sure that your home is just as friendly to the planet as it is beautiful. Get in touch with us to begin your project!

Together, let's work towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future.

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