Home Sweet Sustainable Home: Strategies for Saving Money and the Planet

Adding eco-friendly elements to a home transforms it into a true sanctuary, yet many homeowners and renters feel shut out of the conversation when it centers around high-end remodels, expensive appliances or eco-luxury upgrades. Even the budget conscious have low-cost options that empower them to reclaim sustainability and slow climate change on their own terms.

“Behavioral adjustments are some of the most affordable changes people can make to green their homes. Many of these modifications can be made in a rental home, too,” says Marla Esser Cloos, a green-home coach in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Approachable practices include using programmable thermostats that save energy; shopping in bulk to cut down on waste and plastic packaging; swapping out chemical cleaners and pesticides for effective, eco-friendly alternatives; and seasonal upkeep that extends the life of household materials and appliances. Many of these measures actually save money. Teaming up with neighbors to share tools, join compost clubs or advance community solar programs turns environmental stewardship into an even more affordable and enjoyable endeavor that strengthens connections and underscores the power of collective action.

 

Energy Savers

“Small choices can have a big impact, and greening your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of the most affordable ways to make your home more sustainable involve reducing energy use and making smarter choices,” attests Annie Soulsby, a sustainability life coach in the United Kingdom.

The average home has many devices that sap energy unnecessarily, and unplugging computer equipment, game consoles, DVRs, coffeemakers, televisions and phone chargers when not in use can save up to 20 percent on the monthly electric bill. The U.S. Department of Energy also recommends using surge-protector power strips with on/off switches to easily turn off a set of appliances without having to unplug anything.

Soulsby suggests switching from fossil-fuel heating systems that burn natural gas, oil, propane or coal to renewable solutions like electric heat pumps that transfer thermal energy using eco-friendly refrigerants, or green electricity plans that allow consumers to purchase renewable electricity (wind, solar or hydro) from their power supplier. She also champions group solar programs, such as solar cooperatives that help renters, homeowners and businesses access solar energy and receive electric bill credits without installing panels on their own roof, translating to reduced monthly costs without high, upfront investment.

Cloos recommends installing or replacing weatherstripping, exterior door sweeps and draft stoppers on all exterior doors and windows. Duck and Frost King brands of shrink film window insulation kits can also provide an extra air barrier. Caulk can be used around doors, windows and other exterior gaps and interior trim joints to reduce cold drafts, increase heat retention in the wintertime and improve energy efficiency year-round.

 

Sustainable Shifts

Sustainability also means stretching the lifespan of everyday items, but when replacements are unavoidable, Cloos suggests looking for certified labels: WaterSense-certified faucets, toilets or shower heads; Energy Star-certified appliances; and GreenGuard-certified paints for exterior or interior makeovers. She also recommends simple measures like turning off lights when leaving a room to conserve energy and refraining from running the faucet while brushing teeth or washing hands to save water and lower water-heating costs.

A do-it-yourself mindset also minimizes consumerism. “Tool libraries work just like book libraries, but instead of novels, you can borrow tools, DIY equipment or sports gear,” explains Soulsby. “They solve the problem of owning rarely used items like an SDS [slotted drive system] drill for a bathroom project or a paddleboard for a weekend adventure. Borrow it, use it and return it in good condition.” Many U.S. cities maintain tool libraries through MakerSpace.com, community centers or nonprofits that can be located with a quick internet search.

For pest control without chemicals, Soulsby suggests sealing entry points, removing food and shelter sources, and keeping homes clean and dry. Pungent essential oils like citronella, peppermint and eucalyptus, as well as strong-smelling herbs such as lavender, mint, basil and rosemary, help deter pests naturally. Adding natural cedarwood chips or essential oils to wardrobes and closets can help to repel moths. Lining drawers and thresholds with cinnamon and cayenne, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, praying mantises and lacewings in the garden, can naturally control insects.

“We often place a barrier of First Saturday Lime around the outside of our home. Lime is an easy-to-use, environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides that is safe for children and pets when used as directed on the manufacturers’ package,” explains Cloos.

Seasonal initiatives like Veganuary, Plastic-Free July or No-Mow May are great starting points to incorporate changes into everyday life. “The real power comes when you then carry these habits year-round,” says Soulsby. “Swap meat for plant-based options beyond just one month; extend plastic-free choices to every purchase decision; and rethink horticulture by letting your garden flourish naturally every day.”

 

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerAndWoodSmoke.com.

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