Creative Eco-Friendly Ideas for Your Home
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2019 and has been refreshed for accuracy, clarity, and updated eco-friendly ideas.
Creative Eco-Friendly Ideas for Your Home
Today’s environmentally conscious homeowners are finding more ways than ever to live sustainably. Many families already practice the basics—programming thermostats, reducing water waste, unplugging unused electronics, and choosing reusable bags. These are great first steps, but there are plenty of unexpected—and surprisingly fun—ways to make your home greener.
The Ernest Homes team gathered some of the most creative and effective eco-friendly ideas to help you reduce waste, save energy, and live more sustainably every day.
Get Clever in the Kitchen
Your kitchen is one of your home’s biggest energy users, which makes it the perfect place to start your eco-friendly upgrades.
- Choose efficient cookware. Glass, silicone, and ceramic dishes can improve oven efficiency and require lower cooking temperatures. They also perform well in microwaves, which use about half the energy of a traditional oven.
- Use a pressure cooker. This compact tool can reduce cooking time by up to 70%, saving both energy and money.
- Optimize your refrigerator placement. Keep your fridge at least 3 inches from the wall to allow airflow, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight.
- Turn off your ice maker when not needed. Studies show that an always-on ice maker can increase a refrigerator's energy use by up to 20%.
- Rethink single-serve coffee pods. Pods create significant plastic waste. A traditional coffee maker or reusable pod option is far more sustainable.
- Support local produce & reduce waste. Buying from local farmers reduces transportation emissions. Don’t overlook “imperfect” produce—cosmetic flaws don’t affect taste and help cut down on food waste.
Shop Second-Hand
Choosing second-hand items is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to live sustainably.
- Reduce demand for new products. Buying previously owned furniture, décor, clothing, and home goods reduces manufacturing waste and keeps items out of landfills.
- Save money while going green. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and flea markets offer stylish finds—often at incredible prices.
Boost Your Bath & Laundry Efficiency
- Wash clothes in cold water. Heating water accounts for 80–90% of washing machine energy use. Cold washes clean just as effectively for most loads.
- Choose concentrated detergents or eco-friendly options. Products like soap nuts reduce packaging waste and use natural ingredients.
- Shorten your showers. Reducing a shower by just one minute can save up to 150 gallons of water per month.
- Shave after showering. Warm skin and opened pores allow for a smoother shave, and using a small cup of water to rinse your razor saves gallons each week.
The Truth About TP
It’s not the most glamorous topic—but it makes a big environmental difference.
- Try recycled toilet paper. It’s made from repurposed paper products—not used TP—and significantly reduces deforestation.
- Explore reusable cloth options. Not for everyone, but these alternatives dramatically cut down on waste for those willing to try them.
Small lifestyle changes add up. Whether you start with one room or embrace eco-friendly habits throughout your home, each step helps create a healthier planet for future generations.
Looking for more home tips, inspiration, or guidance? Contact us anytime—we’re here to help you love where you live.
