Go Green: 4 Ways Technology Can Help You Live Sustainably

With growing public awareness of climate changeand environmental issues in the headlines, it’s no wonder many Americans are trying to live more sustainable lifestyles. Most of us use more resources than we really need to, and we could stand to cut back without reducing our quality of life. After all, how many of us are guilty of leaving lights on when we exit a room, driving just to travel a few blocks, and cranking up the thermostat on the first day of fall?

Committing to an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, basic technology can help us achieve this goal. These devices can help you decrease your home’s energy usage and shrink your carbon footprint. Here’s what you need to know.

Turn Down the Heat

Heating and cooling our homes accounts for a substantial percentage of overall electricity usagein America. Although few people would be willing to give up their air conditioning in the middle of summer or keep their heat off during winter, most of us would like to save a few dollars on our electric bills. How can you cut costs without sacrificing your comfort? Install a smart thermostat to maintain the temperature in your home. A smart thermostat helps you save moneyand quit wasting electricity by automatically turning down the heat when you’re out of the house or sleeping. It also monitors your energy usage. You won’t even notice the temperature dropping, but you’ll definitely notice your lower electricity bill! 

Reduce Your Electricity Usage

Another way to easilysave on your electric bill without making any real changes to your routine? Eliminate “phantom power” in your home by plugging your electronic devices into smart power strips. Most of us leave appliances and cords plugged in throughout the day, even when they’re not in use. For example, your toaster and microwave might always be plugged into an outlet in your kitchen. However, as long as they’re plugged in, they’re still using electricity, even when they’re not on. With a smart power strip, you can use an app on your phone to switch off the strip from afar, so that you don’t need to manually unplug all of your appliances when you’re done using them. If you make this a habit, you might notice some serious savings! 

Save Water with a Smart Shower Head

Water conservation is an important issue. According to Ensia, an average American household uses about 300 gallons of water per day, and showering accounts for 20 percentof that overall usage. There’s nothing better than a long, hot shower after a stressful day, but those luxurious showers are increasing your water bill and using a precious resource.  

If you’d like to save water when you shower, a smart shower head is the perfect solution to your problem. Choose a model that is designed specifically to help you reduce water usage with color-changing lights that indicate the volume of water used for your shower.  

Switch to LED Light Bulbs 

Making your home more eco-friendly can be as simple as switching out your light bulbs. A breakdown from HomElectrical shows that LED light bulbs use less energyand last many years longer than incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent bulbs. They even shine brighter, making them the most effective and sustainable option while giving you the most bang for your buck. This minor change is one of the easiest ways to be a little “greener,” and once you make the switch and start saving, you won’t want to go back!

Thanks to advancements in smart home technology, it’s easier than ever to be green. Investing in basic devices like LED light bulbs or a smart thermostat can help you save the planet and save money at the same time.