As of 2018, the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 32. Many first-time owners are ‘Millennials,’ a generation that has taken an active interest in the environment and sustainability efforts.
But no matter what age you are, buying a home for the first time is an exciting process. You might find yourself looking for a home that needs work, or a small starter house. Whatever the case, there are things you can do to upgrade your new living space into an eco-friendly home with just a few simple changes.
Let’s look at some helpful tips you can use to make eco-friendly updates that are not only good for the environment but can add resale value to your home if you ever decide to sell.
Make Maintenance a Priority
One of the easiest things you can do to stay eco-friendly when you own a home is to keep up with regular maintenance. This includes things like:
- Deep cleaning and decluttering your house
- Replacing furnace filters
- Getting your water heater regularly inspected
- Checking smoke alarms
Some things may require a professional, but things like draining your water heater or fixing a leaky faucet can be easy to do yourself and can save you time and money. By letting maintenance problems go and not staying on top of the care of your home, you run the risk of those problems getting worse. Depending on the issue, they could be causing more harm to the environment and wasting excess energy. Plus, the longer you ignore a problem, the more likely it is that it will be expensive to fix.
Let Your Garden Grow
If you want to give something back to the planet at your new home, consider creating a beautiful garden. Believe it or not, there are ways you can make your garden even more eco-friendly than simply planting a few flowers or vegetables.
For starters, use native plants that will require less frequent watering. Start composting to use it as a natural fertilizer for whatever you grow. Or, create a garden specifically for the bees! Pollinator gardens are beautiful, colorful, and you’ll get a show each time a honey bee touches down. Honey bees are necessary for a healthy environment, and they are currently facing dangerous population issues.
Look for Newer Homes
A simple way to have a more eco-friendly home is to look for newer construction. Many newer homes on the market are already greener and safer. Building materials have changed to be more sustainable, including using recycled materials. Technological advances have improved the energy use of homes, and even home designs have become more streamlined and efficient.
California also became the first state to require solar panels on any new construction, and more states are likely to follow. So, if you want an eco-friendly home without having to put in a lot of work, consider moving into a newer house.
No matter where you move, the home-buying experience should be fun and fit your individual needs and wants, including your passion and dedication to the environment. Happy house hunting!
