Top 10 Changes to make in your home today!

Starting a sustainable lifestyle can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. But making eco-friendly choices doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With climate change and resource depletion becoming urgent global issues, small changes in our homes can have a significant impact—not just for the planet, but for our health and finances too. Whether it’s reducing energy waste, minimizing plastic use, or incorporating natural elements into your space, sustainability is about progress, not perfection. We’re here to guide you with practical, budget-friendly solutions that make it easy to live more consciously—one step at a time.

To get started on your sustainable living journey, we’re breaking it down into the top ten small changes you can make in your home. These simple yet impactful adjustments will help reduce waste, save energy, and create a healthier living environment—all without requiring a major investment. Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming; by starting with small, practical steps, you can build lasting habits that make a real difference. Let’s dive into the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly today!

Switch to Engergy Efficient Lighting

Lighting accounts for about 15% of a household’s electricity use. Swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for LED lights is one of the easiest ways to cut energy consumption. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer, saving you money in the long run. While LEDs may cost around $2–$5 per bulb, their long lifespan means fewer replacements and lower bills.

Fun Idea: Use smart LED bulbs with customizable colors and dimmable settings to create cozy moods in different rooms while saving energy!

2. Reduce Water Waste

Water-efficient homes can cut usage by 30% or more with a few small changes. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets ($20–$50 each) can reduce water use without sacrificing pressure. Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons of water per year!

Easy DIY Tip: Place a bucket in the shower to catch cold water before it heats up, then use it for watering plants.

3. Choose Sustainable Cleaning Products

Most conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that pollute waterways and lower indoor air quality. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap is safer, cheaper, and just as effective.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, and a few drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle—costs under $2 and works wonders!

4. Cut Down on Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution is a major issue, and avoiding disposable plastics is easier than ever. Invest in reusable bags, glass food containers, silicone food wraps, and stainless steel water bottles instead of their disposable counterparts.

Fun Idea: Create a zero-waste shopping kit with a tote bag, glass jars for bulk items, and a collapsible cup for coffee on the go!

Cost Comparison: A stainless steel water bottle ($25) may seem pricey but can replace hundreds of plastic bottles, saving money and reducing waste.

5. Compost Your Food Scraps

Food waste makes up about 30% of what we throw away. Composting at home is an easy way to keep waste out of landfills while creating nutrient-rich soil for plants. You can use an outdoor bin ($50–$150), a worm composting system ($80), or even a DIY compost pile for free.

Where to Put It: If you have a backyard, a simple compost bin near your garden is great. Apartment dwellers can use a small countertop compost bin ($20–$40) and drop off scraps at a local composting program.

6. Buy Secondhand or Sustainable Furniture

Fast furniture contributes to deforestation and landfill waste. Instead of buying new, check out thrift stores, online marketplaces, and estate sales for quality, pre-loved pieces. If you prefer new furniture, opt for brands using recycled materials, FSC-certified wood, and non-toxic finishes.

Fun Idea: Try a DIY furniture refresh—sand and repaint an old dresser, or reupholster chairs for a fresh look without the waste!

7. Improve Home Insulation

Proper insulation can cut energy costs by up to 30%. Simple upgrades like weather stripping doors ($10), sealing window gaps ($5 tube of caulk), and using thick curtains ($30–$50 per set) can make a huge difference.

Budget Tip: A door draft stopper ($15) is an affordable way to keep warm air inside in winter and cool air in summer, reducing the need for heating and AC.

8. Grow Indoor Plants for Better Air Quality

Houseplants aren’t just beautiful—they filter toxins, add oxygen, and boost mental well-being. Some of the best air-purifying plants include snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies. They require little care and thrive indoors!

Fun Idea: Create a living wall with hanging planters or shelves filled with greenery for a stunning, air-cleaning focal point in your home!

9. Adopt a Minimalist Mindset

Living sustainably starts with buying less and choosing quality over quantity. Decluttering and donating unused items not only reduces waste but also makes your home feel lighter and more organized.

Mindful Shopping Tip: Before buying something new, ask yourself:

Do I really need this?
Can I borrow or buy secondhand?
Will it last a long time?

10. Use Smart Home Technology

Smart home devices can cut energy costs without sacrificing convenience. A smart thermostat ($100–$250) learns your habits and adjusts heating/cooling to save money. Smart plugs and motion-sensor lights help prevent energy waste.

Tech Tip: Connect devices to a single smart power strip ($25–$40) that turns off electronics when not in use, reducing phantom energy waste.

Sustainable living is a journey, and every small change adds up to a greater impact. These ten steps are just the beginning—there are countless ways to make your home more eco-friendly, from simple swaps to bigger lifestyle shifts. The key is to start where you can and build from there. Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. As you explore more ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and create a healthier living space, you’ll find that green choices often lead to greater savings, comfort, and connection with the world around you. Keep learning, stay curious, and take the next step toward a home that works in harmony with the planet.

“Rooted in change, growing a better tomorrow.”

Rooted in Living 101:

Top 10 Changes to make in your home today!

Rooted in Design: