Go Greener at Home

The idea of making your home environmentally-friendly can be overwhelming. While many people associate going green with inconvenient and expensive lifestyle changes, there are a number of economical and easy adjustments you can make around the house to reduce landfill waste, clean the air, and preserve the natural landscape. Begin with the small things, and over time you can take bigger steps toward an energy-efficient home.

Start with Energy Efficiency

Switching to LED light bulbs is one of the easiest and most impactful changes you can make. LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. Install a programmable or smart thermostat to reduce energy consumption when you’re not home. Check your home’s insulation and seal air leaks around windows and doors — heating and cooling an inefficient home wastes significant energy and money.

Reduce Water Consumption

Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce water usage without sacrificing pressure. Fix dripping faucets immediately — a single dripping faucet can waste thousands of gallons per year. If you have a yard, consider drought-tolerant landscaping (particularly important in California) and install a drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to plant roots.

Rethink Single-Use Items

Replace paper towels with reusable cloth alternatives. Switch to a reusable water bottle and coffee mug. Use reusable bags for shopping. These small changes add up to meaningful reductions in waste over time and save money as well.

Choose Sustainable Products

When replacing appliances, look for ENERGY STAR certified models, which use significantly less energy and water than standard models. When remodeling, consider sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and low-VOC paints that improve indoor air quality.

Solar Energy

California is one of the best states in the country for solar energy. If you own your home, solar panels can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your electricity bill, and California offers significant incentives for solar installation. Homes with solar panels also tend to sell faster and for higher prices.