Climate change is a reality in our day. It doesn’t matter if you are experiencing the effects of wildfires along the west coast, torrential hurricanes east, or extreme winter conditions south; fossil fuels have devastating consequences. There are ways to reduce the harm done and make our planet healthier. It starts at home with daily habits.
Reduce Waste
Many homeowners have taken small steps to reduce their waste. Reusable items can reduce waste by providing your home with them. Many families have switched to cloth towels over paper towels. This category also includes repurposed containers for food storage, reusable water bottles, and straws. We will continue to see the impact that even small changes can have on homes as they adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
Get a green thumb
A home garden can be a boon for many reasons. It can be used to grow fresh vegetables for your cooking and snacking. It can promote cleaner air and support beneficial birds, insects, and other wildlife. The shade provided by trees during the warmer seasons can be a similar benefit to planting trees. You should make sure that they don’t block any rooftop solar panels.
Clean Green
Consumers recognize the environmental impacts of everyday cleaning products. Conventional cleaners may contain non-biodegradable ingredients, which can cause toxins to enter water systems. The good news is that eco-friendly cleaning products are becoming easier to find in stores and more affordable. Many homeowners have replaced household cleaners with more natural alternatives like vinegar or baking soda. You can minimize the impact by reading the labels or doing your research.
Go Electric
Over the last few years, electrification has been growing in popularity. To make electric cars more mainstream by 2025, manufacturers are taking notice. Many retail outlets have embraced the trend and offer charging stations to EV customers. However, electric vehicles are not limited to automobiles. The popularity of battery-powered lawnmowers and herbicides is also increasing, allowing for cleaner air quality.
Reduce Energy Use
It’s a common saying that you have heard before. However, tracking how much energy is being used at any one time is essential. Many homeowners leave most of their appliances plugged in, even when unused. It is possible to reduce the strain placed on the electric grid by making a habit of only plugging in devices when they are needed. This is especially important in wildfire season when it helps to reduce rolling blackouts. This is only a tiny part of what homeowners can do to conserve energy. It is possible to make conscious choices, such as only running large appliances when needed. You can, for example, run your dishwasher and washer/dryer with full loads. You can help conserve energy by turning off the lights and keeping your home two degrees warmer or colder in summer than winter.
Solar Energy
Our favorite tip, yes, we are biased, is to opt for clean energy. Solar energy can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of a home. This renewable energy source absorbs sunlight to generate electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. Solar batteries are another resource homeowners quickly adopt when their house can’t get power from the sun. SunPower’s SunVault(TM), a smart storage solution, allows homeowners to control how and when they use their stored energy. This is a great companion for power outage resilience and greener storage options.
SunPower is known for its record in sustainable business practices. We offer more than just clean energy solutions. We foster a culture that promotes sustainability in our panel recycling program. SunPower believes that taking care of the planet is integral to everyday life. We are constantly looking for ways to live like Earth Day.