April is a month that gives us two big opportunities to care for our planet -- Arbor Day and Earth Day.

While many people celebrate Earth Day by picking up trash or planting flowers, others are looking for Earth Day home tips that create lasting change year-round. If you're ready tp reduce your carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and create a healthier home, you're in the right place.

At RetroFoam of Michigan, we care about energy efficiency and the environment. That's why we've pulled together these 30 Earth Day tips for your home and daily life to help you make a real impact.

Quick Energy & Water Stats That Might Surprise You

• The average U.S. home used 148.6 million BTUs of energy in 2012 -- the equivalent of 165,033 sticks of dynamite or enough energy to send Marty McFly Back to the Future 121 times, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
• The average family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day, with 70 percent used indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Earth Day Tips for Home and Life

Now that we got some of the stats out of the way, let's dive into these Earth Day tips to live a greener life.

Buy Local Produce

Reduce emissions and pollution by buying fruits and vegetables from nearby farms instead of relying on cross-country shipments.

Local food supports your community and cuts down on fossil fuels used in transportation, according to Live Science.

Slay Energy Vampires

Many electronics still draw power when they're off.

Unplug devices like toasters, printers, and phone chargers when not in use or use a smart power strip to stop this constant drain.

Upgrade to Energy Star Appliances

Energy Star Certified appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers use less energy and water, lowering your utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Smart thermostats help regulate your home's temperature more efficiently.

Program it to adjust settings when you're asleep or away, saving you money on heating and cooling.

Consolidate Light Fixtures

Switching from multiple lower-wattage bulbs to a single high-efficiency bulb can reduce your electricity use.

Just ensure your fixture can safely handle the wattage.

Switch to CFLs or LEDs

Replace traditional bulbs with compact fluorescents or LEDs, which last longer and consume significantly less power.

They may cost more upfront but save money over time.

Leave Shoes at the Door

Shoes track in dirt, toxins, and allergens.

Leaving them at the door improves indoor air quality and reduces cleaning needs.

Fix Leaky Faucets and Toilets

Even minor leaks waste gallons of water each day.

Fixing them promptly saves water and reduces your water bill.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Be mindful of consumption.

Reuse items when possible and recycle appropriately to minimize landfill waste and conserve resources.

Opt for Clean Energy

Installing solar panels or switching to a green energy provider helps reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and cuts your carbon emissions.

Choose Greener Transportation

Carpooling, using public transport, or biking cuts down the number of vehicles on the road, reducing overall air pollution.

Ride a Bike

A zero-emission mode of transportation, biking promotes fitness and eliminates fuel consumption altogether.

Drive a Low Carbon Vehicle

Hybrid and electric cars emit fewer pollutants.

Charging them with renewable energy sources maximizes their benefits.

Stop Speeding

Face acceleration and high speeds waste gas and increase emissions.

Driving responsibly conserves fuel and extends your vehicle's lifespan.

Unplug Power Tools

Unused power tools still draw energy.

Unplugging them, especially if they have older batteries, helps cut unnecessary electricity use.

Use Low-VOC Products

Volatile organic compounds in paints and cleaners pollute indoor air.

Choose low- or no-VOC options for a healthier home.

Reduce Household Water Use

Install low-flow fixtures, water-efficient appliances, and wash clothes in cold water to save water and energy, according to This Old House.

Go Meatless Once a Week

Reducing meat consumption helps lower the greenhouse gases associated with livestock production, as well as conserving land and water, according to Food Print.

Choose Cloth Over Paper

Old clothing makes great reusable rags.

It reduces the need for paper towels, which require trees and water to produce.

Borrow or Buy Secondhand

From books to furniture, consider renting, borrowing, or thrifting instead of buying new.

It saves resources and gives items a second life.

Ditch Paper Catalogs

Unsubscribe from paper catalogs to save trees and reduce your mailbox clutter.

Shopping online is faster and more environmentally friendly.

Opt Into Online Billing

Digital statements reduce paper use and the carbon emissions from printing and delivering bills.

Bring Your Own Bags

Reusable canvas bags cut down on the billions of plastic bags discarded each year, many of which end up in landfills or oceans.

Reuse Paint Thinner

Let used thinner settle overnight so solids sink.

Pour off the clean solvent for future use and dispose of the sludge properly.

Mix Old Paint

Combine leftover white latex or oil-based paints to create a batch for use in utility spaces, reducing waste and saving money.

Start a Compost Bin

Composting food scraps reduces landfill waste and methane emissions while creating rich soil for gardens.

Try a Worm Bin Indoors

Great for apartments or homes without yards, worm bins allow you to compost in small spaces using fruit and veggie scraps.

Collect Rainwater

Rain barrels collect water naturally and reduce the need to use treated municipal water for plants and landscaping.

Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows

Drafts force your HVAC system to work harder.

Sealing gaps keeps indoor temps steady and lowers energy costs.

Insulate with Eco-Friendly Foam

Spray and injection foam insulation improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

Earth Day Advice That Lasts All Year

These Earth Day tips for your home aren't just for April -- they're small lifestyle changes that can lead to big environmental benefits year-round.

Whether you start with just one change or go all-in, you're making a difference.

Looking for more green upgrades for your home? Check out our Learning Center for more ways to make your home more energy efficient.

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