You—yes, you—have the potential to turn your home into a sustainable powerhouse. The benefits of going sustainable aren’t just in the knowledge that you’re doing the right thing for your home and the planet (although those are prime reasons to do so!), but you may also end up with more affordable electricity and, potentially, the knowledge that you’re using the best renewable energy available.

If you’re overwhelmed with the options available to do that, start small. Pick a room or an aspect of your home (furnace and air conditioning, for example) to begin updating. Get one done, move to another. One option too large-scale or expensive for right now? Try another, smaller tactic. Before you know it, you’ll be making a difference not just in your home, but in your community. Here’s what to consider.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. No, it’s not a new concept—but there’s always more all of us can do in this category. Reduce the waste you generate; reuse products as often as possible; and recycle what can be recycled (this doesn’t include wishcycling—be sure you know what is and isn’t recyclable in your area).

Evaluate your energy usage. Electricity consumption is not only expensive, in its usual form, it’s not environmentally friendly or sustainable. Look at your appliances: How old are they? Are they energy-efficient? If not, is replacing them with newer, energy-saving models possible? This includes your furnace and air conditioner units, if you have them. Many states offer great rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances that might save you money on electricity in the long run. Another idea if replacing expensive furnaces or air conditioners isn’t in the budget is to install a programmable thermostat in your home. Once installed, you can keep your home warmer or cooler when people are sleeping or away at work without having to think about it, and the device can save up to 10% on heating and cooling bills. It’s also a great tool if you want to try and build a tolerance to keep your home warmer in the summer or cooler in the winter to save on energy costs.

The benefits of solar energy. This can be a big or small one, depending on your circumstances. Solar energy is one of the best renewable energy sources out there, providing a reliable source of affordable electricity. But for people who can’t install panels on their roofs for various reasons (including being renters), there’s another option: Community solar. This is a simple, no- investment-needed option to bring solar power into your home and make it more sustainable. What’s more, unlike fossil fuels, solar energy is sustainable and environmentally responsible.

Rethink laundry methods. Did you know that machine-washable items can be washed in cold water, which reduces energy consumption? Even if the labeling calls for warm or hot water, try cold; you could be surprised at the outcome. Where feasible, consider air-drying clothes to keep the dryer from hogging resources.

The oldies but goodies. Generations of parents have nagged about these things, but there’s a reason we still hear them: They work. Turn off lights that aren’t being used (modern-day addition: install motion-sensor lights that will automatically turn off when no one’s in the room). Take a shower instead of a bath, and keep that shower as short as possible.

Newer small fixes. Change your old incandescent lightbulbs into more energy-friendly versions, such as LEDs. Consider gadgets such as air fryers, slow cookers, or toaster ovens to roast or bake small amounts of food rather than heating up the full oven. Smart plugs are designed to automatically turn off and on to a set schedule, as well as monitor energy consumption. Plug your small appliance into the smart plug, put the plug in a wall outlet, and you’re monitoring and saving.

Ready to create more affordable electricity for your planet and home? Click here to learn about the community solar options in your area.