This section shows people how to make their homes more carbon neutral. Included are websites, articles, tools, videos and podcasts addressing energy creation, storage and usage. Includes information on products and tools to help people consume less power and/or become energy independent (“off grid”). Three are highlighted to get you started. Additional resources follow, organized by resource type.
Use a calculator to estimate what one’s current carbon footprint is. This can provide a basis to start from and an idea of what personal actions will make the most impact.
Free guide explains how saving water prevents greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution while saving money. From Eartheasy, a family-owned company focused on sustainable living.
Guides and blog posts about a range of topics, including what to consider before purchasing home solar panels, ”Beginners Guides” to carbon offsetting, homesteading and green building materials, and how to get started with solar water heating.
Sustainability Nook’s guide to home carbon footprint reduction, plus other blog posts for those looking to make changes. Site also explores whether particular products are recyclable and how to find the best biodegradable packaging options.
Several articles and a newsletter with detailed steps for building carbon neutral houses from this non-profit, educational organization. Zero Energy Project helps home buyers, builders, designers, and real estate professionals “take meaningful steps towards radically reducing carbon emissions and energy bills by building zero net energy homes and near zero energy homes.”
From Terrapass, a tool to estimate a household’s current carbon footprint. This can provide solid numbers to start a carbon-reduction effort and an idea of what actions will make the most impact for your household.
DIY home energy assessment guidelines so you can get a feel for your starting point. You can hire a professional to do an energy audit, but if you want to do it yourself you can learn how here.
Tool provided by bewaterwise.com (San Diego, CA) provides a customized watering schedule for optimum irrigation based on landscape and plant type, systems used and zip code.
Features entrepreneurs and experts working in energy access and off-grid solar in emerging markets, explaining how distributed energy is changing lives around the world.
How to Save a Planet is a podcast that asks the big questions: “What do we need to do to solve the climate crisis, and how do we get it done?” Journalist Alex Blumberg and “a crew of climate nerds” offer smart, inspiring stories about “the mess we're in and how we can get ourselves out of it.”
Hosts Malin Leth and Evelina Lundqvist explore the latest zero waste and circular economy developments, examining business models, innovations and trends.
Weekly podcast by Resources for the Future. Leading experts speak about climate change, electricity, ecosystems, and more, making the latest research accessible to everyone.
”Is there a right way to do your laundry? Of course there is.” Malcolm Gladwell takes a long, entertaining look at the science of cleaning clothes. "If someone chooses cold water instead of hot, it’s a 90% reduction in energy use.”
From Canada, the EcoHome Network video highlights a pilot project combining Net Zero Energy homes with electric vehicles for a zero-energy balance over one year for these outstanding high-performance houses.
YouTube series sharing DIY-friendly projects on a variety of topics including homesteading, renewable energy, water pumping, hydronics, gasification & air conditioning.
Company built on sustainable business practices creates affordable, durable products that harness surrounding energy to cook, charge, and light daily life for off-grid households and campsites.
Iowa, USA-based, firm offers helpful information and products for wind and solar power generation, as well as combined (hybrid) kits for homeowners who want to live off-the-grid.
With over ten years of energy industry experience, Bluetti sells reliable, smart lithium portable solar generators, power stations and solar panel products for overlanders, explorers and off-grid life.
Guangzhou-headquartered Chinese firm designs and sells photovoltaic modules, inverters, MPPT controllers, lithium battery packs and solar street lamps in 40 countries.
New York City-based firm invented and sells longer-life, faster-charging, degradation-free, more environmentally-friendly alternatives to chemical batteries. They also have a line of standalone hardware/software servers for microgrid power generation and distribution.
UK company partners with renewable technology manufacturers to bring low carbon devices to homes and businesses across the country. Product line includes heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Company sells inverters, solar panels and systems, water systems and survival gear. Includes a featured projects page and a blog offering ideas such as how to prevent waste in everyday life, prepare for a power outage and keep pets safe in an emergency.
Company offers web and video information and product details, plus personal solar and off-grid power consultations to help thousands prepare and become self-sufficient.
