I’ll be the first to admit: I used to think “going green” meant either spending a fortune on solar panels or giving up all modern comforts. I was wrong.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve made small changes in my home—not because I’m some hardcore environmentalist (though hats off to them), but because I started noticing the impact. The trash bags seemed to multiply overnight. My energy bills kept creeping up. I realized something had to give.
So here’s the thing: You don’t need to live off the grid or become a composting guru overnight. You just need to start small. Below are 10 simple, doable, not-too-weird ways to make your home greener in 2025. Some of these I’ve personally tried, others are on my list. Either way, they’re all about progress, not perfection.
1. Swap Out Single-Use Plastics (Start with One Room)
I started in the bathroom—it seemed less overwhelming than tackling the kitchen. Switched to a bamboo toothbrush, a safety razor (bit of a learning curve, I won’t lie), and reusable cotton rounds. Just that change slashed a surprising amount of waste.
If you’re not sure where to begin, pick one room and commit to reducing plastic there. You’ll be amazed how quickly it adds up.
2. Use LED Bulbs (Yes, Still Relevant)
I know, I know—this sounds old-school. But seriously, if you’re still using incandescent or even CFL bulbs, 2025 is the year to finally ditch them. LEDs have come a long way—they’re brighter, warmer, and the price has dropped significantly.
When I made the switch, my power bill dipped enough for me to notice (and celebrate with coffee… in a reusable mug, of course).
3. Get Serious About Composting
For the longest time, composting felt… complicated. Smelly. Messy. But then I discovered countertop compost bins with charcoal filters—and suddenly, it wasn’t so bad.
If your city offers curbside composting, even better. You don’t need a backyard or a green thumb. Just a bit of consistency and the willingness to embrace banana peels as part of your décor (temporarily).
4. Embrace the “Unplug” Rule
Here’s a lazy-girl tip that actually works: Unplug electronics when you’re not using them. TVs, coffee makers, phone chargers—these little energy vampires suck power even when turned off.
We created a rule at home: if you’re done with it for the day, unplug it. Bonus: fewer blinking lights in the middle of the night.
5. Bring Plants Indoors (They’re More Than Just Pretty)
Not only do houseplants make a space look alive (read: less like a student dorm), they also purify the air—some better than others.
Start with low-maintenance options like snake plants, pothos, or peace lilies. Trust me, if I can keep them alive with my track record, you probably can too.
6. Wash Clothes in Cold Water (Your Laundry Will Survive)
Switching to cold water washes was one of those changes I didn’t think twice about—until I realized my clothes lasted longer, and my energy usage dropped.
Unless you’re washing something truly filthy, cold water does the job just fine. Try it for a week. Your sweaters will thank you.
7. Choose Reusable Over Disposable (Even When It’s Inconvenient)
Here’s the honest truth: reusable items are slightly less convenient. You have to remember them. Wash them. Carry them. But they’re worth it.
I started small—reusable shopping bags, a water bottle, and beeswax wraps. Now, it’s second nature. Plus, I kind of love the smug satisfaction of saying “no thanks” to plastic bags at checkout.
8. Buy Less, But Better
This one’s more of a mindset shift. Instead of buying a cheap version of something that’ll break in six months, I’ve started saving up for the better-quality, more sustainable option.
Whether it’s furniture, clothes, or kitchenware, the idea is to buy less stuff, but stuff that lasts. Fewer regrets. Less waste. A win all around.
9. Switch to Eco-Friendly Cleaners
At some point, I got tired of cleaning the shower and feeling like I needed to wear a hazmat suit. Enter: DIY and eco-friendly cleaners.
You can find tons of non-toxic cleaning products now that actually work (I’m partial to anything with eucalyptus or citrus). Or, make your own with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Your lungs—and the planet—will thank you.
10. Audit Your Home’s Energy Use
This doesn’t mean hiring a consultant (though that’s an option). I just walked around my house one day and made a list of anything that seemed wasteful. Drafty windows? Check. Old fridge? Yep. Outdated thermostat? Guilty.
We tackled one thing at a time. Upgraded to a smart thermostat, sealed some gaps, and eventually replaced that clunky old fridge. Little by little, our home got smarter—and greener.
Final Thoughts: Progress Over Perfection
Listen, you don’t need to become a minimalist, zero-waste, carbon-neutral superhero overnight. I still use paper towels sometimes. I forgot my reusable bags. I mess up.
But each time I make a better choice—even a small one—it feels good. And that, honestly, is what keeps me going.
So if you’re looking to make your home a bit greener in 2025, just pick one or two things from this list. Then add more as you go. That’s how real change happens—one imperfect, human step at a time.
