As we all begin to see the harmful effects polluting our environment has caused over the years, we learn that we need to make a change together. When we all do our small part to reduce our carbon footprint, we can help make the planet a better place.

Living a sustainable lifestyle requires a great deal of dedication and awareness. When you have this mindset, it's incredible how the simple lifestyle changes you make can have a greater impact. Examining how you currently live and finding solutions to reduce your energy consumption and waste production is a helpful place to start. Once you have identified key areas that you can improve upon, it's time to make the change.

With the use of available resources and technology, specifically smart home technology, you may find surprising ways that these products can help simplify this process. Let's take a few ways to use smart home technology to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Understanding Smart Home Technology

It's essential that you first understand smart home technology; specifically, before purchasing any device or system. Smart home technology incorporates a range of products that can be used to help homeowners simplify their everyday lives and often use advanced technology to automate and replicate basic human tasks. With a simple setup and connection to a home's internet system, they can be up and running quickly.

Since the introduction of smart home devices, their popularity and use have increased significantly. It's estimated that 69% of homes already own at least one smart device. As new technology continues to emerge, we'll be introduced to new ways of incorporating these systems into our everyday lives.

Affording Smart Home Technology

While smart home systems vary significantly in capabilities and pricing, there are many affordable devices and financing options available to you. Whether you choose to start with one simple device or make a full smart house overhaul, you'll be able to pick ones that are right for you, your home, and your budget. For smaller projects or purchasing your first device, consider setting money aside each week into a savings account that you can then access when you're ready to buy. For larger expenditures, see if you qualify for any discounts or loans. You could also opt for more creative financing options. For example, you could borrow against your home's equity or see any monthly expenses you can eliminate.

Another factor to consider is the potential savings you will accumulate on your energy bills over the year by incorporating smart home technology in your home. Over time these savings could be significant enough to cover some or all of your initial investment.

Choosing The Right Devices for Sustainability

Now that you understand what smart home technology is and the costs, you may be wondering which devices will be worth the investment in a more sustainable lifestyle. Thankfully, various options are available, many of which are accessible at local stores or through the internet.

Smart Thermostats

Let's start with smart thermostats. Though relatively simple to use, these devices can yield one of the greatest benefits for your wallet and the environment. Smart thermostats help control the heating and cooling that your home needs. They work similarly to a regular thermostat but offer greater control and remote access. With the integration of a mobile application, you can turn the heat or air conditioning off when you are not home, and some even allow you to see how much energy you have been using. It is also great if you have family members who forget to adjust it when leaving or if you want to ramp up the temperature while you're on your way home.

Smart Lighting

If you are looking for a way to make a low-cost impact today, the simple change from regular incandescent light bulbs to smart and efficient LED bulbs can help you reduce your energy consumption. LED light bulbs are better for the planet as they use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, thus reducing your waste production over time. With smart lights, such as those from Control4, you can go one step further. Using a mobile device to control the lighting in your home ensures you'll never again forget to turn the lights off when leaving a room. And, with a single tap, you can even turn off every light in the house at once.

Smart Plugs

Often used in conjunction with smart lights, smart plugs can make a great addition to your home's smart setup. Smart plugs can be set to a schedule or can use a voice command to "switch on" or "switch off" anything plugged into them. With these plugs set to a timer, you can watch TV while falling asleep, run a coffee maker in the morning, or shut the hair straightener off without worrying about wasting electricity or fire risks. Not only do devices like this simplify your life, but they also keep you in line with your sustainable lifestyle goals.

Smart Appliances

When purchasing a new appliance for your home, whether it's a new fridge or a new dishwasher, consider opting for an eco-friendly option. Many appliances are now being integrated with smart capabilities that can help your appliances run more efficiently. They also have many useful features like keeping an inventory stock, alerting you when a door is open and connect with mobile devices. When purchasing a smart appliance, be sure to look for certified options with an official energy efficiency label.