In today’s world, creating a sustainable home isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle shift that benefits both your wallet and the environment. Whether you’re renovating, updating, or just looking for small changes with big impact, incorporating eco-conscious practices into your home is easier than ever.
For Floridians especially, where we get plenty of sunshine, seasonal rains, and humidity, going green can make your home more efficient and comfortable all year long. Let’s explore practical, do-it-yourself upgrades to help you live more sustainably — with plenty of ideas you can get started on today using tools and products available right here at Crowder Bros. ACE Hardware.
1. Light the Way: Energy-Efficient Lighting Solutions
Lighting makes up a significant chunk of a home’s energy use. But switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest, easiest upgrades you can make.
LED Bulbs
Ditch those old incandescent bulbs. LED lights use up to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer. They’re also cooler to the touch, which matters in warm Florida homes where heat adds up quickly.
Crowder Tip: Check out the wide variety of Feit Electric and Sylvania LED options in-store — from soft whites to daylight tones, and even motion-sensor styles.
Smart Lighting
Install smart bulbs or smart switches and pair them with an app to control lights remotely or on a schedule. No more accidentally leaving the lights on while you’re at the beach!
2. Save Every Drop: Water Conservation Projects
Water bills can spike fast in Florida — especially during dry seasons. Try these water-saving upgrades around your home and garden.
Install Low-Flow Fixtures
Swap out your current showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilets for WaterSense-certified models. These cut water usage without sacrificing performance.
Find it at Crowder: Look for Delta, Moen, and TOTO water-saving products at our locations.
DIY Rainwater Collection
Florida’s sudden showers? Perfect for harvesting water. A rain barrel placed under a gutter downspout can supply water for your lawn or garden — no hose required.
Bonus: Some Florida counties offer rebates or free rain barrels — worth checking out!
Stop the Drip
Even a slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. Pick up a leak detection dye tablet or just check your meter — if it’s moving while everything’s off, you may have a hidden leak.
3. Eco-Friendly Landscaping for Florida Yards
Create a backyard paradise that’s beautiful, easy to maintain, and great for the planet.
Choose Native Plants
Florida-native plants like firebush, coontie, and muhly grass require less water, fertilizer, and pest control — meaning lower costs and less maintenance.
Go Xeriscape
Xeriscaping is landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. Use mulch, decorative stones, and drought-resistant plants to design a vibrant, sustainable yard.
Compost Like a Pro
Composting reduces landfill waste while creating nutrient-rich material for your plants. Start small with a kitchen compost bin and graduate to a tumbler-style outdoor composter.
Crowder Bonus: We carry Envirocycle, FCMP, and other top-rated composters for beginners and serious gardeners alike.
4. Insulate and Seal Your Home the Smart Way
Keeping your home cool in Florida heat without overworking your A/C is a sustainability must.
Weatherstripping for Doors and Windows
Install weatherstripping or door sweeps to block air leaks. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and instantly improves your home’s energy efficiency.
Eco-Friendly Insulation
If you’re upgrading insulation, choose recycled denim, cellulose, or cotton batt insulation. These options are safer to handle and offer excellent thermal protection.
Caulk the Cracks
Use a low-VOC caulk to seal any gaps around windows, pipes, and baseboards. Even tiny cracks let cool air escape and let warm, humid air in — costing you in cooling bills.
5. Renewable Energy for Sunshine State Homes
Let the Florida sun work for you! With sunshine year-round, it’s one of the best places to go solar.
Solar Panels
Installing solar panels is a bigger investment, but long-term savings are real. Check for local incentives, federal tax credits, and even utility company rebates.
Solar Garden Lights
Not ready for full-home solar? Start small with solar-powered landscape lights or fountain pumps — they’re easy to install and perfect for lighting pathways and patios.
In-store picks: Find SolarGlow, Sunforce, and other trusted brands at Crowder Bros.
6. Build and Renovate with Sustainable Materials
Planning a new project? Be intentional about what materials you use — it matters more than you think.
Reclaimed Wood Projects
Use reclaimed wood for shelving, accent walls, or outdoor furniture. It adds character and keeps valuable material out of landfills.
Bamboo and Cork Flooring
Both are fast-growing, renewable resources that make stylish, durable, and earth-friendly flooring options.
Low-VOC Paints
Standard paints can release harmful fumes into your home. Look for low-VOC or zero-VOC paints like Benjamin Moore Natura or Valspar Simplicity — available at ACE.
7. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Old appliances are often energy hogs. When it’s time to replace, choose ENERGY STAR® certified models — they meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA.
Smart Thermostats
Control your heating and cooling with precision — even from your phone. Devices like the Google Nest or ecobee SmartThermostat can reduce your energy bills while keeping your home comfy.
Routine Maintenance = Efficiency
Clean refrigerator coils, replace air filters monthly, and flush your water heater once a year. A well-maintained system works more efficiently and lasts longer.
8. Bonus Tips: Everyday Green Habits
Sometimes it’s the little habits that make a big impact over time:
- Switch to reusable shopping bags.
- Use rechargeable batteries.
- Wash clothes in cold water and line-dry when possible.
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
All these small changes add up — and most can be started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it expensive to go green at home?
Not necessarily. Many eco-friendly upgrades — like LED bulbs or weatherstripping — cost just a few dollars and offer long-term savings on energy and water bills.
Q: Are there local rebates for sustainable upgrades?
Yes! Florida utility companies often offer rebates for installing smart thermostats, solar systems, rain barrels, and more. Check with your local provider for current offers.
Q: Do I need a contractor for any of these projects?
Most of the projects listed here are DIY-friendly and perfect for weekend warriors. But for things like insulation upgrades or solar panel installation, it’s best to consult a pro.
Wrap-Up: Ready to Go Green?
You don’t have to overhaul your entire house overnight. Start with one project — maybe swapping out light bulbs, sealing a few windows, or planting some native shrubs. Each small step adds up to a healthier home, a lower energy bill, and a lighter footprint on the planet.
At Crowder Bros. Hardware, we’re here to help you every step of the way with the tools, supplies, and friendly advice you need to build smarter, live cleaner, and feel good about your home.
📍 St. Pete Beach Location: 320 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
📞 Call Us: (727) 308-4000
📍 Spring Hill Location: 12480 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34609
📞 Call Us: (352) 686-4743
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