With the effects of climate change becoming more evident every year, it’s clear that living a greener lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s not as difficult or as expensive as you might think, either. Here, we reveal simple changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon and water footprints and help ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
Originally published February 24, 2017; Updated on February 11, 2021
Originally published February 24, 2017; Updated on February 11, 2021
Green Living
20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at Home
February 11, 2021
With the effects of climate change becoming more evident every year, it’s clear that living a greener lifestyle is more important than ever. It’s not as difficult or as expensive as you might think, either. Here, we reveal simple changes you can make at home to reduce your carbon and water footprints and help ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
Originally published February 24, 2017; Updated on February 11, 2021
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Plant Native Species
1/20Plant Native Species
1/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
Instead of filling your garden with tropical plants, opt for native species that can adapt to the local climate. Your yard will be easier to maintain and will create a friendlier habitat for wildlife. Strategically planted trees and shrubs will also help regulate your home's temperature. Not sure where to get started? Check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/native-plants-in-canada-by-province-1938068/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">native plants in Canada, broken down by province</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomePlant Native Species
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -Instead of filling your garden with tropical plants, opt for native species that can adapt to the local climate. Your yard will be easier to maintain and will create a friendlier habitat for wildlife. Strategically planted trees and shrubs will also help regulate your home's temperature. Not sure where to get started? Check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/native-plants-in-canada-by-province-1938068/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">native plants in Canada, broken down by province</a>.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Buy Local
2/20Buy Local
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
While it’s better to buy food that's not exposed to harmful chemicals, organic isn’t always the best option. Transporting organic produce great distances to sell at a farmers' market creates carbon emissions and negates the good intentions with which it was produced. Be sure to focus on locally grown produce instead (and even better if it's also organic!). To help you get started, these are the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/10-healthy-unprocessed-organic-foods-worth-buying/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">healthy foods that are worth the splurge</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeBuy Local
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -While it’s better to buy food that's not exposed to harmful chemicals, organic isn’t always the best option. Transporting organic produce great distances to sell at a farmers' market creates carbon emissions and negates the good intentions with which it was produced. Be sure to focus on locally grown produce instead (and even better if it's also organic!). To help you get started, these are the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/10-healthy-unprocessed-organic-foods-worth-buying/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">healthy foods that are worth the splurge</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Eat Less Meat
3/20Eat Less Meat
3/20Photo Credit: Unsplash
According to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/livestock-environment/en/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Food and Agricultural Organization</a> of the United Nations, livestock accounts for 14.5 per cent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. You don’t have to go full <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/vegan-comfort-food-trends-2021/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vegan</a> to reduce the environmental impact of your diet; going meat-free just one day per week will make a huge difference.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeEat Less Meat
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -According to the <a href="http://www.fao.org/livestock-environment/en/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Food and Agricultural Organization</a> of the United Nations, livestock accounts for 14.5 per cent of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. You don’t have to go full <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/vegan-comfort-food-trends-2021/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">vegan</a> to reduce the environmental impact of your diet; going meat-free just one day per week will make a huge difference.Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Get Reusable Shopping Bags
4/20Get Reusable Shopping Bags
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
More and more Canadian municipalities are now banning <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/products-transition-to-plastic-free-household-1929372/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">single-use plastic</a> shopping bags, while others are charging for them. Get into the habit of reusing plastic bags, or opt for the tote bag varieties.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeGet Reusable Shopping Bags
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -More and more Canadian municipalities are now banning <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/products-transition-to-plastic-free-household-1929372/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">single-use plastic</a> shopping bags, while others are charging for them. Get into the habit of reusing plastic bags, or opt for the tote bag varieties.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Online Refill Delivery Services
5/20Use Online Refill Delivery Services
5/20Photo Credit: Better BasicsSource: www.betterbasics.co
Eco-friendly refillery markets are popping up all over the country. Don't have one in your area? Fear not! Check out the Set It & Forget It delivery program from Vancouver-based company <a href="https://www.betterbasics.co/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Better Basics.</a> They offer a line of refill cleaning and personal care products delivered right to your front door, across North America, which makes <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/products-transition-to-plastic-free-household-1929372/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">transitioning to a plastic-free household</a> easy.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeUse Online Refill Delivery Services
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -Eco-friendly refillery markets are popping up all over the country. Don't have one in your area? Fear not! Check out the Set It & Forget It delivery program from Vancouver-based company <a href="https://www.betterbasics.co/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Better Basics.</a> They offer a line of refill cleaning and personal care products delivered right to your front door, across North America, which makes <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/products-transition-to-plastic-free-household-1929372/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">transitioning to a plastic-free household</a> easy.Photo Credit: Better BasicsSource: www.betterbasics.co
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Reuse Milk Bags
6/20Reuse Milk Bags
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
<a href="https://www.treehugger.com/ways-reuse-old-milk-bags-4857930" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Treehugger.com</a> suggests several ways in which you can reuse plastic milk bags, from freezing food in them to transforming them into grow bags for small plants. Why do we drink milk out of a bag anyway? Get the backstory <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/why-do-canadians-drink-bagged-milk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeReuse Milk Bags
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -<a href="https://www.treehugger.com/ways-reuse-old-milk-bags-4857930" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Treehugger.com</a> suggests several ways in which you can reuse plastic milk bags, from freezing food in them to transforming them into grow bags for small plants. Why do we drink milk out of a bag anyway? Get the backstory <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/why-do-canadians-drink-bagged-milk/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Match the Pot to the Burner
7/20Match the Pot to the Burner
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
When cooking, use a burner that's smaller than the size of your pot. This way, you’ll use the heat more efficiently and produce less energy. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient-1907310/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">easy ways to make your home energy efficient</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeMatch the Pot to the Burner
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -When cooking, use a burner that's smaller than the size of your pot. This way, you’ll use the heat more efficiently and produce less energy. Find more <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/easy-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient-1907310/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">easy ways to make your home energy efficient</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
8/20Get an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
<a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-products/product-information/appliances-residential-use/dishwashers/13991" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a> says that an Energy Star-certified <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/clean-dishwasher-other-dirty-things-1940420/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dishwasher</a> uses an average of 12 per cent less energy than a standard model. This means even more savings on your hydro bill, in addition to helping the planet. You can also check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/surprising-things-you-can-cannot-wash-in-your-dishwasher-1944899/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">surprising things you can (and cannot) wash in your dishwasher</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeGet an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -<a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-products/product-information/appliances-residential-use/dishwashers/13991" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Natural Resources Canada</a> says that an Energy Star-certified <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/clean-dishwasher-other-dirty-things-1940420/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">dishwasher</a> uses an average of 12 per cent less energy than a standard model. This means even more savings on your hydro bill, in addition to helping the planet. You can also check out these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/surprising-things-you-can-cannot-wash-in-your-dishwasher-1944899/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">surprising things you can (and cannot) wash in your dishwasher</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Go Digital
9/20Go Digital
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Use your laptop for more than just scrolling through social media and watching cat videos. Reduce your paper usage by going online to read the news, submit your taxes and purchase e-tickets. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/eco-friendly-beeswax-covered-food-wraps-1935669/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Eco-Friendly Beeswax-Covered Food Wraps Are So Simple to Make</a>Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeGo Digital
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -Use your laptop for more than just scrolling through social media and watching cat videos. Reduce your paper usage by going online to read the news, submit your taxes and purchase e-tickets. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/eco-friendly-beeswax-covered-food-wraps-1935669/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">These Eco-Friendly Beeswax-Covered Food Wraps Are So Simple to Make</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Opt for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
10/20Opt for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/bulbs/13918" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Natural Resources Canada</a>, Energy Star-certified light bulbs use between 70 and 90 per cent less energy on average than conventional incandescent bulbs. In addition, LED lights last 15 times longer.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeOpt for Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -According to <a href="https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/bulbs/13918" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Natural Resources Canada</a>, Energy Star-certified light bulbs use between 70 and 90 per cent less energy on average than conventional incandescent bulbs. In addition, LED lights last 15 times longer.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Weather-Strip and Caulk
11/20Weather-Strip and Caulk
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Proper weather-stripping and caulking around your windows and doors will keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the demand for air-conditioning or heating. This will cut your energy usage by as much as 25 per cent. Check out our <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/ultimate-household-maintenance-checklist-1938101/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ultimate household maintenance checklist</a> for more ideas.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeWeather-Strip and Caulk
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Proper weather-stripping and caulking around your windows and doors will keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the demand for air-conditioning or heating. This will cut your energy usage by as much as 25 per cent. Check out our <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/ultimate-household-maintenance-checklist-1938101/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ultimate household maintenance checklist</a> for more ideas.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use (or Make!) Natural Detergents
12/20Use (or Make!) Natural Detergents
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The harsh chemicals in many conventional detergents can wreak havoc on the environment, especially when they seep into lakes and rivers. Opt for a natural and biodegradable detergent instead, such as a multi-purpose variety that effectively cleans clothes, dishes and more. Or, better yet, try these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/7-natural-cleaners-you-can-make-at-home-1896485/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY all-natural cleaning products and air fresheners you can make at home</a>.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeUse (or Make!) Natural Detergents
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -The harsh chemicals in many conventional detergents can wreak havoc on the environment, especially when they seep into lakes and rivers. Opt for a natural and biodegradable detergent instead, such as a multi-purpose variety that effectively cleans clothes, dishes and more. Or, better yet, try these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/green-living/photos/7-natural-cleaners-you-can-make-at-home-1896485/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY all-natural cleaning products and air fresheners you can make at home</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Get an Energy-Efficient Laundry Machine
13/20Get an Energy-Efficient Laundry Machine
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to <a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/appliances/clothes-washer/13984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Natural Resources Canada</a>, an Energy Star-certified washing machine uses, on average, 25 per cent less energy and 40 per cent less water than a standard model. Not only will this reduce your carbon and water footprints, it will also help you save a significant amount on your hydro bill each month.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeGet an Energy-Efficient Laundry Machine
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -According to <a href="http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/appliances/clothes-washer/13984" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Natural Resources Canada</a>, an Energy Star-certified washing machine uses, on average, 25 per cent less energy and 40 per cent less water than a standard model. Not only will this reduce your carbon and water footprints, it will also help you save a significant amount on your hydro bill each month.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wash Full Loads
14/20Wash Full Loads
14/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Instead of washing a small load of laundry or dishes every day, wait a few days and then tackle one large load. After a while, you'll notice a dip on your energy bill.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeWash Full Loads
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Instead of washing a small load of laundry or dishes every day, wait a few days and then tackle one large load. After a while, you'll notice a dip on your energy bill.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Wash in Cold Water
15/20Wash in Cold Water
15/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You can save energy by using a cold-water cycle for your washing machine or dishwasher. If you prefer warm water, opt for a lukewarm setting.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeWash in Cold Water
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -You can save energy by using a cold-water cycle for your washing machine or dishwasher. If you prefer warm water, opt for a lukewarm setting.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Hang Clothes to Dry
16/20Hang Clothes to Dry
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Instead of using an energy-guzzling dryer, hang your wet laundry on the line and let nature dry it for free. The sun also acts as a disinfectant to help ward off germs. (Buy a handy indoor drying rack for the chilly winter months.)Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeHang Clothes to Dry
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Instead of using an energy-guzzling dryer, hang your wet laundry on the line and let nature dry it for free. The sun also acts as a disinfectant to help ward off germs. (Buy a handy indoor drying rack for the chilly winter months.)Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Install Savvy Bathroom Fixtures
17/20Install Savvy Bathroom Fixtures
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
An energy-efficient, low-flow shower head uses less than half the water of its conventional counterpart. Tap aerators also cut water usage in half without compromising water pressure. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/15-bathroom-design-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2021-1945350/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Bathroom Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2021</a>Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeInstall Savvy Bathroom Fixtures
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -An energy-efficient, low-flow shower head uses less than half the water of its conventional counterpart. Tap aerators also cut water usage in half without compromising water pressure. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/15-bathroom-design-trends-to-watch-out-for-in-2021-1945350/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Bathroom Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2021</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Put a Bottle of Water in the Toilet Tank
18/20Put a Bottle of Water in the Toilet Tank
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to a <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/waterislife/waterathome/how-much-are-we-using" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">McGill University study</a>, Canadians are among the world’s largest per-capita consumers of water, and 30 per cent of what they use literally goes down the toilet through flushing. One solution? Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in your toilet’s cistern. This makes the water level in the cistern rise while actually using less water every time you flush.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomePut a Bottle of Water in the Toilet Tank
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -According to a <a href="https://www.mcgill.ca/waterislife/waterathome/how-much-are-we-using" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">McGill University study</a>, Canadians are among the world’s largest per-capita consumers of water, and 30 per cent of what they use literally goes down the toilet through flushing. One solution? Fill a plastic bottle with water and place it in your toilet’s cistern. This makes the water level in the cistern rise while actually using less water every time you flush.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Turn Temps Down
19/20Turn Temps Down
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
You can reduce your energy usage by turning down the heat or air-conditioning. Remember: there’s no need to heat or cool a room when you’re not spending time in it.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeTurn Temps Down
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -You can reduce your energy usage by turning down the heat or air-conditioning. Remember: there’s no need to heat or cool a room when you’re not spending time in it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Use Batteries Wisely
20/20Use Batteries Wisely
20/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Batteries are filled with toxic metals that are an environmental hazard. When you have to use them, choose the rechargeable variety. Once their lifespan has ended, contact a recycling program such as <a href="http://www.call2recycle.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Call2Recycle</a> to find out how to dispose of them responsibly.Green Living20 Super Simple Ways to Go Green at HomeUse Batteries Wisely
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -Batteries are filled with toxic metals that are an environmental hazard. When you have to use them, choose the rechargeable variety. Once their lifespan has ended, contact a recycling program such as <a href="http://www.call2recycle.ca/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Call2Recycle</a> to find out how to dispose of them responsibly.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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