7 Ways To Make Your Home Green (And Why It Matters)

Whether you’re buying your first home, or transforming the one you’ve lived in for years, creating a space that reflects your aesthetics can also serve the planet. It can also save money, both up front and in the long term.

Creating a "green" home doesn’t mean perfection or massive renovations overnight. It’s about thoughtful choices, gradual improvements, and understanding that small actions add up. Here’s how to make your home greener, and why it’s worth it.

1. Energy Efficiency Comes First

If a home wastes energy, nothing else really matters. The first goal should be reducing how much energy you use every day.

What to consider for energy:

• Switch to LED lighting throughout the house
• Install a programmable smart thermostat
• Seal drafts around windows and doors
• Choosing ENERGY STAR–rated appliances when replacements are needed
• Solar panels

Why it matters:

Energy-efficient homes use less electricity and gas, which means fewer emissions and lower utility bills. It’s one of the fastest ways to reduce our carbon footprint while saving money long-term.

2. Choose Sustainable Materials (Even If It Takes Longer)

What a home is made of matters just as much as how it looks.

What to prioritize:

• Furniture made from solid wood, reclaimed materials, or FSC-certified sources
• Low-VOC paints and finishes to improve indoor air quality
• Natural textiles like cotton, linen, wool, and jute

Why it matters:

Many conventional materials release harmful chemicals into the air and contribute to deforestation or landfill waste. Sustainable materials last longer, age better and create a healthier environment inside our home.

3. Buy Less, Buy Better

Resist the urge to overfill your home.

How we approach it:

• Investing in fewer, high-quality pieces
• Choosing secondhand, vintage, or locally made items
• Avoiding fast furniture and disposable decor trends

Why it matters:

Overconsumption is one of the biggest environmental challenges today. Buying thoughtfully reduces waste, lowers demand for mass production, and results in a home filled with pieces that actually mean something to us.

4. Reduce Water Waste

Water conservation will save a valuable resource, as well as your wallet.

Changes to make:

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucets. Look for ones that can include filters for cleaner water.
• Fix leaks immediately (even the tiny ones)
• Run dishwashers and laundry only with full loads

Why it matters:

Clean water is a limited resource. Simple upgrades dramatically reduce water use without sacrificing comfort and they help protect local water systems.

5. Let Plants Do Some of the Work

A home will truly come alive when plants are added.

What we love about them:

• They improve indoor air quality
• They help regulate humidity
• They create a calm, grounded atmosphere

Why it matters:

Plants naturally filter toxins from the air and remind us of our connection to nature, something that’s easy to forget indoors.

6. Manage Waste More Intentionally

Going green isn’t just about what comes into our home, it’s also about what leaves it.

Our habits now:

• Recycling properly and consistently
• Composting food scraps
• Avoiding single-use plastics whenever possible

Why it matters:

Landfills contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing waste is one of the simplest ways to lessen our environmental impact on a daily basis.

7. Think Long-Term, Not Trend-Driven

Ask one question before making home decisions: Will this still make sense in 10 years?

What that looks like:

• Choosing timeless design over trends
• Prioritizing durability and repairability
• Planning upgrades with longevity in mind

Why it matters:

Sustainable homes are built for the long haul. Fewer replacements mean fewer resources used, and less waste.

Why a Green Home Matters

Making a home greener isn’t about being perfect. It’s about aligning your space with the life you want to build; one that’s conscious, intentional, and hopeful for the future.

A green home:

• Protects your health
• Reduces ones environmental footprint
• Saves money over time
• Sets a responsible foundation for the next chapter of our lives

Every thoughtful choice counts. And if enough homes take these small steps, the collective impact can be enormous.

A home is always a work in progress, but it’s a place you should be proud of.