You don't have to work in construction management to be able to make some changes to your home that will make it greener and more sustainable for the years to come. In fact, there are many changes that you can make that don't require much how-to at all, just a willingness to change how you do things and the way you use your home. Here are 70 different ways you can modify your house by yourself to make it more sustainable and to reduce your carbon footprint.

Big Changes

If you've got the bucks and the time, these big, and often expensive, options can be a great way to create a sustainable home.

1. Consider solar panels. Solar panels can be a significant investment, but it may be one that will pay off in a few years' time with reductions in utility bills. If you live in a sunny place, it may be well worth considering.
2. Look into geothermal heat. Installing this kind of system can be a major undertaking financially, but you will be gaining peace of mind that you're getting your energy from a natural source rather than one that causes extra pollution.
3. Build a solar water heater. This project need not be expensive, but it will take a little know-how to build. Once you're done, however, you'll save loads on water heating energy costs.
4. Downsize your water heater. If your current water heater is bigger than you really need, consider exchanging it for a smaller, more economical model. And of course, recycle the old one.
5. Metal roofing. Metal roofing is the most durable kind of roofing you can buy, and it doesn't have to be the ugly, corrugated kind that comes to mind when you hear metal roof. Today there are many stylish options for metal roofs that can be green and good looking.
6. Invest in insulation. There are few things as essential to greening your home like providing it with good insulation. If what you have now isn't cutting it, you may want to invest in some more to keep your home the temperature you want.
7. Consider a biomass boiler. These kinds of boilers use special fuel to run, which can be better for the environment. Of course, a major drawback is that they require a hefty up-front investment.
8. Install double glazed windows. Are your old windows drafty even when they're not open? It may be time to switch to double glazed windows. These windows have a layer of air in the middle that helps insulate your home in warm or cool weather.
9. Try out a green roof. While not all roofs are suitable for this, some might be, especially if you live in the city. You'll be helping the environment and reaping the benefits of a green roof at the same time.
10. Try wind power. Installing a wind turbine can be a great way to produce your own energy. Of course, you'll want to do some testing first to see if it's worth the investment.
11. Lighten up your roof. Putting a white roof on your house just might help fight global warming. The lighter color reflects light, rather than absorbing it, leading to lower energy costs.

Small Changes

These changes won't require major changes in your life, but they will help create a more sustainable home.

12. Change your light bulbs. Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs can save you big bucks over the course of a year in energy costs.
13. Recycle everything you can. This not only goes for small items like cans and bottles, but larger items like furniture and electronics.
14. Install ceiling fans. These small additions to your home can help improve air flow and ensure that your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
15. Keep up with repairs. Leaky faucets, drafty windows and inefficient appliances are just a few things around the house that could be costing you when you don't repair them. Don't let repairs linger as they aren't doing you any favors.
16. Get a garbage disposal. If you don't have the time or the room to compost, using a garbage disposal can be greener than putting organic matter into the garbage. As a bonus, you won't have refuse stinking up your house either.
17. Weather strips. Inexpensive weather strips can help protect your home from lost heating and cooling, saving you money and making your home a little greener.
18. Learn basic handy skills. If you've never been too handy around the house, it's never too late to learn. Keeping up with repairs and maintaining your house inside and out is essential to giving it a long life.
19. Dispose of items properly. Many household items can be toxic if they're not disposed of properly. Do your research to make sure you're not harming the earth with your home improvements.
20. Get rid of what you don't need. Extra stuff means extra room to store it and extra resources to care for it. Give away or sell items you no longer need.
21. Make your own cleaning supplies. They'll be greener and cheaper in the long run, and your house will be just as clean.
22. Go cloth. Instead of tossing out dozens of paper towels and napkins, switch to towels and cloth napkins instead.

Saving Energy

Try out these ideas to help you save energy around your home.

23. Use a power monitor. Want to find out what's sucking up the power in your home? Invest in a power monitor and run checks.
24. Buy your energy from a renewable source. There are options in many places where you can purchase energy credits from larger renewable sources. Look around in your community.
25. Put appliances and electronics on power strips so you can turn them off. Some appliances and electronics suck up just as much energy when they're off as when they're in use. Save energy by plugging them into a power strip and turning the whole thing off when you're not using it.
26. Try slow cooker cooking. Using a slow cooker can create delicious meals and, in some cases, it can use much less energy than an electric stove to do so.
27. Wash clothes with cold. Most clothes do fine when washed in cold water, and you won't have to pay for the heat to create all the hot water.
28. Insulate your water heater. Don't let your hot water go lukewarm. Purchase a hot water heater insulator to keep it hot.
29. Clean that fridge. Dirty coils on your fridge could be making it inefficient and costing you more. Clean it off regularly to prevent this.
30. Buy a programmable thermostat. Why have the heat or air up when you're not at home? Use a programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings.
31. Use motion sensor lights in areas like closets. If you find that you often forget to turn the light off when you slip into your closet or storage area, use a motion sensor light instead. It'll turn on when you're using it and turn off when you leave.
32. Lower your water heater temp. Do you really need scalding hot water to shower or wash with? Lowering the temp on your water heater is a small change that could save you big.
33. Get a solar powered attic fan. Your attic is the perfect place to install a solar powered device. Consider one to have one less item adding to your monthly bill.

Saving Water

Use these tips to reduce the amount of water you're using every day.

34. Save rainwater. Getting a rain barrel can allow you to save rainwater which you can then use to water your plants, yard, and whatever else you'd like to use it for.
35. Switch to low-flow. Changing out your shower and toilets to low-flow options can help you to use a fraction of the water.
36. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation. These are much more efficient ways to water your outdoor plants.
37. Install dual-flush toilets. These kinds of toilets use the type of waste in the toilet to determine how much water to use–making them much more efficient.
38. Use faucet aerators. Aerators allow you to use less water by mixing air into the water stream. You'll still get the same pressure, just with less water to do so.
39. Use the dishwasher. It might be counterintuitive, but using the dishwasher when it's full actually uses less water than manually washing the same amount of dishes.

Design and Decor

Don't just green your home, but the items you have inside your home as well with these helpful tips.

40. Get some heavy-duty drapes. Heavy drapes will help you block out not only nosy neighbors but sunlight and wind that can cost you in lost energy.
41. Go natural. There are loads of options for natural fiber carpets these days that are kinder to the earth and that look great at the same time.
42. Buy quality. High quality items might cost you more up front, but they will last longer and cause less waste in the long run.
43. Use eco-friendly paint. You can find numerous places that carry environmentally friendly brands of paint these days and it comes in just about every color you could want.
44. Design for the future. If you're planning a redesign of your home, make sure you account for age, new family members and other life changes. That way you won't find yourself needing to do another remodel a few years down the road.
45. Get an earth friendly fireplace. What does your fireplace burn? How about ethanol? There are loads of stylish fireplace options out there that use more renewable resources.
46. Get creative. You likely have old items around your home that with a little TLC and imagination could be turned into something great.
47. Go classic. Classic designs might not be the most hip, but they will last you the longest over time.
48. Make use of natural light. You won't need a load of lamps if you make good use of the natural light in your home.
49. Investigate reclaimed materials. From tables to flooring, there are tons of reclaimed materials out there you could use to spruce up your interior design sustainably.
50. Find eco-friendly decor. Check into companies that are making organic and green furniture. You just might find something you like and you can feel good about having it in your home to boot.

Outdoors

Make your outdoor space even greener with these tips.

51. In warm weather, use a clothesline. Why bother with your energy-sucking dryer when you can use the wind for free?
52. Install awnings over your windows. These can help you control the sunlight that enters your home, allowing you to better save on energy costs.
53. Consider less grass. Grass can take a lot of maintenance and water, especially in hot climates. If you want to save, try scaling back your lawn and investing in rock gardens and planters.
54. Use native plants. Native plants are going to need much less care than those that are brought in from other areas. Plus, there's no chance they'll do harm to the natural environment if they spread beyond your yard.
55. Plant trees. Trees not only look nice, but they can also shade your home and protect it from the elements, meaning less energy costs for you.
56. Bring in the birds. Birds can be a great way to control pests without having to use harmful chemicals. Better yet, bird feeders and seeds are relatively inexpensive.
57. Start composting. Waste from indoors and out can be used to fertilize and protect your plants outdoors. You can buy composting bins commercially or make your own.

Green Shopping

When buying things for your home, keep these tips in mind.

58. Look at energy ratings. Don't buy appliances or electronics without doing a little research into their energy ratings. A little up-front research could save you money down the line.
59. Choose sustainably created materials. No matter what you're buying for your home, from wood to couches, do your best to buy materials that are sustainable.
60. Buy secondhand. There's no need to always buy new when you can get items that are just as nice used as well. It's cheaper and better for the environment to reuse.
61. Do your research. Look into companies and services before you buy so you know how their green products stack up to others out there.
62. Work with companies that have green standards. If you are going to have work done on your home or even if you just want to make a big purchase, look into the companies you'll be doing business with before buying.
63. Check out eco ratings. This site will help you determine the true greenness of just about any product you'll buy for your home.
64. Learn about tax credits. Did you know that there could be tax credits waiting for you if you make green home improvements? Check online or with your accountant to see if you qualify.

Green Materials

These tips will help you find the best green materials out there.

65. Try to buy local materials. They'll have used less energy to end up at your local hardware store than those that come from far away.
66. Make sure wood is harvested from sustainable sources. You don't want your new deck to be made of wood that came from a virgin rainforest, so make sure what you're buying is sustainably harvested.
67. Consider bamboo. Bamboo is an excellent source of flooring, cabinetry, furniture and more for the home. Even better, it's sustainable and attractive.
68. Recycled glass. Glass is an incredibly versatile and recyclable material and there are loads of ways to use it sustainably in your home.
69. Wheat and strawboard. These building materials are made from sustainably harvested materials.
70. Choose materials that can be recycled or reused. Styles change, and you'll be doing the earth a favor by choosing materials that can be reused rather than those that just have to be thrown away once they've run their course.