Around the world, people are increasingly choosing to live in environmentally friendly homes. Eco-friendly homes have been around for decades, but they have become more popular as people have started to care more about how they interact with the environment. In many ways, living in an eco-friendly home can be better than living in a traditional one.

Read on to learn eight ways to build your own eco-friendly home.

Go Solar

Today, the most popular eco-friendly home living trend is solar technology. Residential solar panels can be used to harness energy from the sun and turn it into electricity for your home. This offers many benefits, including lower electric bills during summer months when you are probably using air conditioning anyway.

Additionally, they help support the environment—no need for fossil fuels here. Make sure to check with local housing codes before installing solar panels on your roof. Depending on where you live, there might be restrictions that will prevent them from being added to your home since some safety concerns must be addressed first. For example, if you live in an area prone to snowfall, you will want to ensure that nothing is blocking the sun from reaching your solar panels during the winter months.

Insulate

One of the best ways to make your home more eco-friendly is by properly insulating it. This will help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter, without using as much energy. You can purchase insulation at most home improvement stores; be sure to get the right type for your climate and region. There are many types of insulation materials on the market, so take the time to research and find the one that will work best for you and your family.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

In addition to properly insulating your home, you can also save energy by installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set the temperature in your home so that it automatically rises or falls when no one is there or when you go to bed at night. There are many options for programmable thermostats available today, so take some time to research which type will work best within your budget and lifestyle.

Go Green

Another way to create an eco-friendly home is by using green products whenever possible. For example, choose organic cleaning products, buy local and seasonal produce at farmer’s markets and supermarkets, and use environmentally friendly building materials like particleboard (made from recycled paper) and cork (which can be recycled up to 12 times).

Whenever possible, choose natural cleaning chemicals over harsh ones; use biodegradable paper products, and pick up trash early in the morning when it is still cool, rather than waiting until the sun has warmed the streets and sidewalks. This way, you can prevent yourself from accidentally littering.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

Not only does this provide hot water any time you want it without wasting energy and money, but it also helps to save the environment by using less water. By heating the water at your faucet instead of in a large tank, you can provide instant hot water whenever you need it—no more waiting for gallons of cold water to warm up before having your shower. This will make living in an eco-friendly home easier since you won’t waste unnecessary resources like electricity or gas.

Additionally, installing a tankless system will help lower your monthly energy bills. You need to ensure that your house is adequately insulated so that the heat stays contained in the pipes when it is produced.

Love the Planet

Just like you want to know where your food comes from to make healthy eating choices, it’s also crucial for you to learn how your energy gets onto the grid to make informed decisions about what type of energy source will work best for you and your family. You can find out by asking your local power company or researching online.

For example, ask the following questions: How does my electricity get into my home? Is coal used as an energy source? If so, do I have any health concerns about living near a coal-fired power plant? This way, you can feel safe knowing that whatever choices you make when creating an eco-friendly home are ones you feel good about.

To create a more eco-friendly home, you have many options available. Making small changes like installing a programmable thermostat or going green with your products and lifestyle choices can make living an environmentally conscious life easier for yourself, your family, and the planet.