Living Green in a Tiny Home: Tips and Tricks

If you care about the environment and want to make the world a better place, you’re already on the right track if you live in a tiny home. With a smaller space, you’ll likely use fewer utilities than a typical property. With that said, there’s always room for improvement. By reducing energy consumption, waste, and water in your yard, you can beautify your house and do amazing things for the planet. Here are some tips and tricks for a green and sustainable life in your tiny home.

Reduce Energy Consumption

While your electric bill is likely a fraction of that of a larger house, you can still improve and be sustainable on a budget. Use LED bulbs in lamps, and if possible, install canned LED lighting in the ceiling so you don’t have any hanging fixtures in the way. In addition to being more affordable and less of a strain on your utility bills, LEDs typically last longer than incandescent bulbs.

If you have a say in the installation of your windows or you’re looking to upgrade, look for eco-friendly options. The more windows you have in your home, the more natural light you’ll have during the day, and you may not have to turn the lights on until it gets dark outside. Ensure that the perimeter of the windows and doors are sealed tight so you don’t release any excess energy.

Another way to reduce your energy consumption is to think about alternative power for your tiny home’s lights and devices. A go-to is the addition of solar panels that can easily power a smaller structure. You may still need to be hooked up to the electric grid, and you’ll have the cost of the panels. Still, you’ll likely save a good amount of money on your utility costs and eliminate the need to burn so many fossil fuels to use your appliances and heat and cool the house. With that in mind, there are also other types of alternative power and renewable energy systems you can look into, such as wind turbines and geothermal energy derived from hot water reservoirs.

Find Ways To Reduce Waste

In addition to reducing utility bills, there are other methods to reduce waste in your tiny home.

One of them is to cut down on food waste. Instead of throwing away the scraps while you cook or what’s left over on your plate, choose to compost those materials. Composting has many benefits for the environment, including improving the soil quality around your home, which is better for the earth, and it can help your lawn and garden grow bolder and brighter. The organic matter you create is also great for biodiversity as it will attract birds, worms, and other wildlife that can help local plants thrive.

Next, reduce your plastic waste, which is easily done by cutting down on single-use plastics. Start by skipping the disposable bags at the grocery store and instead take reusable shopping bags. Also, avoid buying packs of bottled water and use reusable water bottles and cups. Many bulk packs of water are quite large, so you’ll help the planet while saving precious space in an already small dwelling.

There are other ways to live a greener lifestyle and reduce waste you may not have considered, such as by recycling your electronics. If you have drawers filled with old cell phones or have an old computer monitor hidden away that no longer works, consider recycling it instead of letting it end up in the landfill. The best way to ensure it’s done properly is to research a recycling center in your area specializing in electronics. While you’re cleaning out your home and finding those electronics, you can also help the planet by purchasing eco-friendly products that don’t contain the harmful chemicals of many main brand cleaners.

Eco-Friendly Outdoor Space

If you’re like many tiny home owners, you probably spend a lot of time outdoors. You may have an awning or an entire outdoor seating arrangement where you lounge, entertain guests, and enjoy life. While you’re out there, consider ways to care for your yard and the outdoors in general in the best way possible. There are many perks to eco-friendly lawn care. One of them is that quality care will result in grass that is easier to maintain.

On top of that, when you avoid lawn care products that contain dangerous chemicals, you won’t pollute the planet or your own health. Some common chemicals, like Roundup, have been found to cause cancer in some users. Instead of using chemicals for weeds, consider adding mulch around flower beds, which can keep them at bay. Adding native plants is another way to help your yard and garden thrive, and invite insects and pollinators to come and do their part to help the ecosystem.

Though you want to care for your yard, don’t forget to conserve water along the way. Try not to water your yard every day. A few times per week will likely be all you need. You can also put out barrels when it rains and get natural water for your plants. While you’re at it, you can also save money inside of your home by using a low-flow faucet, showerhead, and toilet. Another idea is to install a tankless water heater so you get hot water on demand, but you don’t waste as much water, and you save space.

Conclusion

There are many ways to live green inside and outside your tiny home. Many of these routines are easy to start and maintain for years to come. Lead by example with a sustainable lifestyle, and others may follow. You’ll all make the world a better place.

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