Home & Garden &#8211; Green Coast

What are the benefits of vertical farming at home?

All in all, there are a plethora of benefits to establishing your own vertical farm at home.

Improves crop production

One of the most important vertical farming objectives is to get maximum production by using minimum land. These farms can grow plants in almost every condition, so there is no need to wait for a specific season to grow your crops.

Less land is required

You can grow a sufficient amount of crops by utilizing less land.

Conventional farming at home often requires more land, resources, and time, greatly increasing the cost of growing crops.

Whether indoor or outdoor vertical farm requires much less space

Environmentally-friendly

Vertical farming utilizes less resources when compared to traditional farming – most vertical setups require a minimum amount of water, space, and fertilizers to grow your crops.

Hence, vertical farms present a more sustainable option, and help to combat various sustainability-related issues by conserving natural resources.

Immediate availability of agricultural products

Unlike conventional farming, vertical farming allows users to grow almost any crop in an urban area. In places where it is difficult to acquire certain produce, vertical farming can provide a fresh supply of foods.

Higher-quality produce

Growing lettuces or herbs in a vertical system allows for higher-quality produce than can be offered by conventional farming methods. There are no harmful pesticides required for plants to thrive in vertical farms, and controlling the growing environment ensures that produce has the right crispness, texture, and nutrient density.

Vertical farming at home may be for you

Ultimately, vertical farming at home is an innovative and sustainable method of growing plants, produce, and herbs for your entire household to enjoy.

If you’re looking to provide healthy food or plants for your home, consider a manual or automatic vertical farm setup to yield more results with minimum resources than required for contemporary agricultural practices.

Green Coast is a renewable energy and green living community focused on helping others live a better, more sustainable life.

AeroGarden Farm Review: What’s the Best Indoor Farming Kit?

Lisa Marlin — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:26:00 +0000

A big part of sustainable, eco-friendly living is eating fresh, local, and seasonal produce. The best way to do this is to grow your own food. However, few of us have the space, time, or resources to maintain a full-scale veggie garden, so an indoor, hydroponic system like AeroGarden could be the perfect solution.

OUR TOP PICKS:

The best AeroGarden products for indoor harvests

AeroGarden is one of the best-known brands offering ready-built hydroponic gardens that you can virtually unbox, plug in, and start growing your own herbs and vegetables without sunlight or soil, all year round. Thanks to their huge popularity, the brand now offers a wide range of products in various sizes and with different features.

We’ve picked out five of the best AeroGarden farm products to meet the needs of different indoor gardeners. Let’s take a look at each in detail, and discuss their features, pros, and cons.

1. AeroGarden Harvest 360

AeroGarden’s Harvest range features good, mid-size models that offer plenty of bounty without taking up too much space. Like all Harvest models, the Harvest 360 can accommodate six seed pods and up to 12-inch grow height, and we particularly like this model’s nine-inch round diameter that makes it easy to fit in different spaces.

It has a built-in control panel that prompts you when you need to add water and plant food for optimal growth and automatically controls the full-spectrum 20-watt LED lights. The AeroGarden Harvest 360 has a simple, push-button interface that makes it easy to control the system’s functions.

There’s also a handy water level indicator: a blinking red light will let you know when you need to top up the hydroponics.

The AeroGarden farm kit includes not only the hydroponics system but also enough liquid plant food for one season and six seed pods so you’ll have all you need to start growing. The domed seed pods are very easy to use: you simply place them as are in the AeroGarden: no mess, no fuss!

This model gets overwhelmingly positive reviews, but some online reviewers complain that the instruction manual is very basic and lacks a lot of information. So you’ll probably need to search online to troubleshoot issues and maximize your harvest.

Others also mention that the lights are super bright so may keep you awake if visible from your bedroom.

What we like:

Compact: This round AeroGarden farm is just nine inches in diameter so fits easily in most spaces, making it a good option for apartment living, or for people who don’t have much countertop space.
Versatile: Despite the small size, it has space for six different seed pods, allowing you to grow a range of different plants at the same time
User-friendly: The simple interface is easy to use, letting you control everything at a touch of a button.

What we don’t like:

Poor instruction manual: The limited manual doesn’t tell you too much about how to deal with problems and have a successful harvest.

Overall, the AeroGarden Harvest 360 is an excellent, all-purpose indoor garden that will suit most people’s needs. Compact and easy to accommodate on a kitchen countertop or windowsill, this user-friendly system will let you grow up to six different types of plants with minimal effort.

2. AeroGarden Harvest Elite

Like the Harvest 360, the Harvest Elite has space for six plants, up to 12 inches tall, with the same 20-watt LED lights as other Harvest models. It also comes with six seed pods and plant food.

The key difference is that the elite version has a digital display control panel with illuminated, heat-sensitive buttons that dim when the grow light is off.

This AeroGarden farm model offers advanced settings not found in the Harvest or Harvest 360 models, including a vacation mode function to look after your plants while you’re away. You can also customize the light schedule and choose when the lights turn on and off to support a wider variety of plant species.

The Harvest Elite has a rectangular base measuring 6.25 x 10.5 inches, and there’s also a slim version that is 15 inches long but only five inches wide, so you can place it on a countertop without losing too much work space.

On the downside, the AeroGarden Harvest Elite does not have any battery backup. This means that if there’s even a brief power outtage, you will need to reset the clock in order to get the light back on the right schedule.

What we like:

Advanced controls: Features like vacation mode and a customizable light schedule gives you more control over your indoor farm.
Different sizes: You can choose between the standard and slim versions to make the best use of your space. The slim version would be good for use on a windowsill, for example.
Easy-to-read display: The control panel is illuminated for easy reading, and the lights dim automatically when the grow light goes off.

What we don’t like:

No battery backup: You’ll need to reset the clock every time the power goes out, as there is no battery backup, and the clock resets whenever the power is turned off. This could be an inconvenience.

The Harvest Elite is another solid, mid-sized Aerogarden, that offers more advanced features than the Harvest range.

Some online users note that it can be worthwhile getting an external water tank, otherwise you may need to refill the water every couple of days. The tank is not included in the kit, but can be purchased separately.

3. AeroGarden Bounty Basic

If you’re looking for an AeroGarden farm that’s a little larger, with many of the same features as the Harvest Elite, AeroGarden’s Bounty range accommodates nine different types of plants.

The base of the AeroGarden Black Bounty is only a little larger at 16 x six inches. However, notably, you can grow plants up to 24 inches tall, allowing you to grow a wider variety of plants such as tomatoes, and to greater maturity.

The Bounty comes with 30-watt LED lights and an extendable lamp arm to adjust the light distance depending on the type of plants you’re growing and how tall they are. The kit comes with an attachable trellis to support taller plants, though it’s worth noting that the Bounty is much heavier than the Harvest models, so this may affect where you can place it.

This kit also includes a nine-pod heirloom salad seed kit, with pre-seeded grow pods including Black Seeded Simpson, Deer Tongue, Parris Island, Marvel or 4 Season, Rouge D’Iver, and Red Sail.

The Bounty has full controls and a touch screen to control the lights, which can be dimmed up to 30%, along with special features including vacation mode. As well as getting automatic water and plant food reminders, the screen also displays over 140 handy tips, making your indoor farm virtually foolproof.

This model also has WIFI connectivity, allowing you to control your garden remotely through an app. However, some online reviewers reported issues with the WIFI function and were unable to log into the app.

What we like:

Allows for generous growing height: With up to 24 inches of growing height, you’ll be able to cultivate a wide range of herbs and veggies to maturity – you’re not limited to smaller plants – you can even grow things like tomatoes.
Small footprint to save countertop space: The Bounty allows you to grow up to nine different plants, without taking up too much surface space.
Advanced features like on-screen tips and wifi connectivity: With a range of special features, you can customize the system for different plants, with plenty of support to help you along the way.

What we don’t like:

WIFI function can be problematic: While the majority of users reported no issues whatsoever, there were some who had issues with the app and couldn’t get the WIFI functionality working, so this is something to be aware of.

If you’re prepared to invest a little more in your AeroGarden, the Bounty Basic allows you to grow up to nine different plants up to 24 inches in a relatively small kit. With an adjustable lamp arm, detachable trellis, and a range of features, you’ll be able to grow anything from herbs and salad greens to tomatoes.

4. AeroGarden Sprout

The AeroGarden Sprout is an excellent option if you want to try indoor farming on a super small scale, or if you have very limited space to work with. You can grow up to three plants to a maximum of 10 inches high in this compact indoor garden that measures just five by 11 inches, making it perfect for small apartments, offices, and studios.

This model has a new design that is sleek and modern, with updated features including a super silent pump and a user-friendly soft-touch button that allows you to easily control the lights or start a new growth cycle.

A good introduction to hydroponics for beginners, the Sprout has energy-efficient 10-watt LED lights and comes with three herb seed kits: Genovese basil, curly parsley, and dill. Also included is a three-ounce plant nutrient bottle, which will see you through an entire growing season.

On the other hand, some users say the lights on this small model are too low, which can burn the plants.

What we like:

Very compact: This tiny indoor AeroGarden farm takes up very little space, making it suitable for small countertops, windowsills, or even for sitting on a desk.
Beginner-friendly: The kit is easy to use and has everything you need to get started, so it’s a good option to get you started with hydroponics if you have no experience.
Quiet: The new pump is super silent, so won’t distract you in a small apartment or office. This means it’s super non-intrusive, so you could even place this kit on your desk at work, without it causing any issues or annoyances.

What we don’t like:

Lamp arm is on the low side: With only 10 inches of growing height, you may find your plants get burnt when they grow too tall, so you’ll have to pay attention to what’s growing and how high!

If you’re looking for a compact, affordable indoor hydroponic setup to grow a few herbs or lettuce, the AeroGarden Sprout is a good option. However, if you want to cultivate more than three types of plants, or grow larger veggies or flowers, you’ll need a more extensive model.

5. AeroGarden Farm 24XL

At the other end of the scale is the impressive AeroGarden Farm 24XL. This very large indoor hydroponic system can fit up to 24 different herbs, vegetables, or flowers, with an adjustable grow height of up to 36 inches.

It also features two powerful 60-watt LED grow lights that are fully customizable, and an automatic timer to control when lights turn on and off for the exact right grow time. The digital display prompts you to add water and plant food while allowing you to monitor and control your crops.

The kit comes with plant food and two salad bar seed pod kits, with nine lettuce pods, three herb pods, and 12 tomato pods.

You can also stack the Farm 24XL with other AeroGardens to make a vertical garden and maximize the yields of your indoor farms.

On the downside, some online reviewers complain that this model is pretty difficult to assemble. They report that the holes don’t line up well so you may have to make fiddly adjustments to make everything fit together.

What we like:

Very large: Far bigger than any of the other models on this list, you can grow up to 24 different plants up to 36 inches high with this AeroGarden farm. This is great for people who want to experience more variety in the things they grow (and eat).
Can accommodate different types of plants: The 24XL is versatile. With an adjustable lamp arm and customizable grow lights, the farm can accommodate a range of plants and growing conditions.
Stackable: You can combine the Farm 24XL with other models to make an extensive vertical garden.

What we don’t like:

Can be hard to assemble: The extensive kit isn’t very user-friendly when it comes to putting it together.

If you have enough space and want to create a substantial indoor farm, the AeroGarden Farm 24XL will let you grow a bumper crop of 24 herbs, veggies, or flowers. Even though it’s the largest of the AeroGarden models on our list, it’s still a compact solution for growing fresh produce indoors easily.

What is AeroGarden?

The AeroGarden brand offers a range of high-tech, hydroponic systems that allow you to grow almost anything, year-round, without dirt or sunlight. Their kits have built-in LED lights that produce the ideal combination of blue and red light to maximize plant growth and crop yields.

The high-quality systems are designed to provide an optimal growing environment. The LEDs are arranged in the perfect pattern to help the plants to absorb more light and the kits contain everything you need to start hydroponic gardening even if you have zero experience. They feature ‘plug-and-go’ seed pods that can be ready to harvest within a couple of weeks.

AeroGarden farm advantages

AeroGarden farm products allow you to grow healthy plants by using a small amount of light, water, and nutrients, with minimal effort and virtually no mess. Let’s take a look at the benefits of using these indoor farms.

They’re ideal for beginners

One of the key advantages of AeroGarden indoor farms is that they’re incredibly easy to use, and can help you to cultivate a range of different kinds of plants even if you don’t have experience with hydroponics or even gardening in general. You could buy all the components and set up your own hydroponics system, but this would involve a lot of effort, not to mention the expertise to do things properly.

Instead, AeroGarden products come with everything you need to get started, and will also prompt you when you need to top up the water or add more plant food. Some models even have automated controls that virtually take care of everything for you.

Everything is closely controlled

Successful indoor farming involves carefully balancing a range of delicate factors, from the amount of light and number of light hours to the water levels and nutrients given. AeroGardens are precision-designed to provide the ideal growing environment, from monitoring water levels to turning the lights on and off automatically for the perfect amount of light for growth.

Source: AeroGarden
Source: AeroGarden

You can also customize many AeroGarden farm models depending on what you’re growing and how mature the plants are, by dimming the lights, adjusting the lamp arm height, or changing the lighting schedule. This way, you can grow virtually any crop in a controlled, indoor environment regardless of the season, and won’t be affected by the climate, unseasonable weather, or pests.

You’ll enjoy regular harvests

In a normal farm or garden, you’re limited in when and how often you can plant your crops because of the weather, seasons, and the need to let the earth rest between harvests. This isn’t the case with a hydroponic system: you can plant crops anytime, many will be ready within weeks, and after harvesting, you can immediately start growing more!

AeroGarden seed pods can be refilled, so you can enjoy harvest after harvest throughout the year.

They’re highly-efficient

Not only is growing plants in an AeroGarden farm incredibly easy, but it’s also a highly efficient way to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers with minimal use of energy and resources. These systems are engineered to use a minimal amount of electricity, water, and nutrients to produce an excellent harvest.

This makes them much more efficient than inferior hydroponic systems or outdoor farming.

Source: AeroGarden

AeroGarden farm drawbacks

Although AeroGarden farm products are high-quality, efficient, and user-friendly, they also have their disadvantages. We’ll look at both the positives and the drawbacks that can be associated with these systems.

The best models are expensive

AeroGarden products can be pretty pricey. Although there are some affordable models, like the AeroGarden Sprout, the cheapest options tend to be pretty small and fairly limited in terms of features.

If you want to be able to grow a larger number of plants or make use of the more advanced features and customization options, you’ll need to invest in one of their more expensive products.

You’ll need to buy seed pods refills

All AeroGarden kits come with enough seed pods for one harvest. However, once you’ve harvested your crops, you’ll need to refill them in order to grow more.

These pods can be refilled with new grow sponges, which you can buy on Amazon, so it requires an ongoing investment.

AeroGarden Seed Starting System

Check Latest Price on VivaTerra

Ongoing maintenance is required with an AeroGarden farm

Although many of the processes are automated in an AeroGarden system, it does require some degree of ongoing maintenance to keep things working properly. You’ll need to clean the reservoir, change the water and clear the roots after every harvest.

The better care you take of your AeroGarden, the longer it will keep working well. In particular, it’s important to protect the fragile pump from root debris.

Final thoughts

An AeroGarden farm offers a range of user-friendly, efficient, and high-quality indoor farms to suit a range of households. If you have very limited space or want to try out hydroponic gardening with something simple, you can start with the very compact AeroGarden Sprout.

The AeroGarden Harvest 360 and AeroGarden Harvest Elite are solid, mid-sized options, with the latter offering more advanced features. For a slightly larger, more versatile indoor garden, go for the AeroGarden Bounty Basic, or if you want to build a truly impressive hydroponic farm, consider the AeroGarden Farm 24XL.

If you’ve enjoyed this AeroGarden review, take a look at our post on how to compost in an apartment for more on sustainable, indoor living.

The Best Sustainable Furniture Brands for Eco-Friendly Living

Lisa Marlin — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:18:00 +0000

The average piece of furniture generates nearly 47kg of carbon dioxide, from production to distribution. Thankfully, there are now a range of sustainable furniture brands that make beautiful, high-quality, and eco-friendly tables, sofas, and other pieces for an elegant home.

What is sustainable furniture?

In short, sustainable furniture consists of pieces that will brighten up your home without costing the planet. Some people still think of this kind of furniture as being dowdy, low-quality, or offering limited options.

However, this is simply not the case. There’s now a wide range of stunning and well-made pieces that are made from sustainable materials using environmentally-friendly practices.

Sustainable furniture can be modern, beautiful and functional.

Furthermore, one of the principles of sustainability is to avoid disposable products that need to be replaced often, so you can be confident that these items are built to last.

Sustainable furniture is created using renewable, long-lasting, materials that have the lowest possible negative impact on the environment. There’s also a strong emphasis on sustainability in how the pieces are made and distributed.

Overall, the goal is to create a product that is useful and meets consumers’ needs, without harming the planet, from sourcing the raw materials to delivering the final product to the customer.

Why should you buy sustainable furniture?

Of course, the major reason to invest in sustainable furniture is to do your bit to protect the environment. As society becomes more eco-conscious, more people are realizing the impact that everything we buy can have on the environment. This isn’t just small things like plastic straws, but also the appliances and furniture in our homes, and the buildings we live in.

Mainstream furniture can be made from a range of environmentally-destructive and even toxic materials, from wood that is not responsibly sourced to chemical glues, stains, and dyes.

Mass-market furniture pieces may contain toxic materials.

Using wood to make furniture can cause deforestation, either because old-growth forests are used as a raw material, or they’re cleared in order to plant quick-growing monocultures like pine and eucalyptus. Deforestation, in turn, destroys habitats, makes planets and animals vulnerable to extinction, and contributes to climate change as well as water shortages.

Chemicals used in production can generate water and air pollution during manufacture, and leach into the soil or waterways when thrown away at the end of the item’s life, further damaging the ecosystems. Aside from environmental concerns, these chemicals can off-gas into your home, threatening your and your family’s health.

In particular, plywood is typically packed with formaldehyde, which has been found to cause a range of short-term health effects, such as a burning sensation in the eyes, coughing, and wheezing, and has been linked to cancer risk.

Furthermore, cheap modern furniture is not built to last, and in most cases needs to be replaced within a few years. Most furniture is difficult to recycle – though it is possible in some cases, learn how here – meaning that it will likely end up in landfill, contributing to the world’s growing waste problem.

What to look for when buying sustainable furniture

It can be hard to know if a piece is truly sustainable. Here are some features and attributes to look for to make sure the furniture you’re looking to buy really is eco-friendly.

What materials is the piece made from?

The first thing to consider is what raw materials were used to make the piece of furniture. Materials like plywood, solid wood, petroleum-based foam, as well as fabrics like polyester are all eco red flags.

Sustainable alternatives include sustainably-sourced and reclaimed wood, recycled aluminum, organic latex, and organic wool.

Plywood furniture is not as sustainable, as you may think.

How is the piece of sustainable furniture made?

Eco-friendly furniture is not just about using sustainable materials, but also how it is made. Sustainable manufacturing practices can include using green energy, avoiding toxic chemicals, and avoiding pollution.

Transportation and carbon footprint

Once the piece of furniture is made, the sustainable practices don’t stop there. It’s also important to consider how it is distributed, and how many greenhouse gases are emitted in order to bring it to your door.

One of the best ways to keep this carbon footprint as low as possible is to buy local, and choose pieces that are manufactured as close to your home as possible. You can also look for brands that use green modes of transportation as well as energy-efficient practices throughout their supply chain.

Certifications

Certifications are an excellent way to be sure that the product you’re buying is really sustainable. There are a few labels that will indicate the brand uses eco-friendly materials and practices, such as:

What are the best sustainable furniture brands?

Here are our favorite sustainable furniture brands, offering a range of pieces to give any space a fresh look, while looking after the planet.

1. Viva Terra

VivaTerra has been a pioneer in green manufacturing since long before it became a global issue – and they make gorgeous sustainable furniture. The brand skilfully uses recycled glass, reclaimed wood, salvaged metal, and vintage fabrics to handcraft elegant pieces of furniture.

Source: Viva Terra

This brand strives to preserve the authentic beauty of nature, emphasizing FSC-certified woods and natural fibers finished with chemical-free oils, waxes, and dyes. Their extensive range includes not only indoor and outdoor furniture, but also home décor, candles, and balms.

Top pick: Their Mango Wood Meditation Chair is made from sustainably-sourced wood and is designed with ergonomics in mind to encourage proper back alignment and help you concentrate for long periods of time.

2. Vermont Woods

Vermont Woods partners with talented artisans to provide quality handcrafted, innovative pieces of sustainable furniture that are manufactured responsibly too. This brand offers multiple design collections in collaboration with contemporary and traditional designers, encompassing bookcases, dining tables, and beds.

Source: Vermont Woods

Based in Vermont, all of their pieces are made from locally-sourced timber and they take special care of this resource by reusing the wood chips to heat their facility and donating sawdust to local farmers. The brand also supports local reforestation projects.

Top pick: Vermont Woods’ Quilted Vermont Rocking Chair features a stunning wood mosaic pattern and is available in sustainable Walnut, Cherry, Oak, and Birdseye Maple woods.

Check Latest Price on Vermont Woods

3. Tidy Books

Tidy Brooks is renowned not only for its clean, practical designs, but also its commitment to conservation and sustainability. The brand offers a range of scratch-resistant and modular designs for environmental enthusiasts.

Source: Tidy Books

It specializes in designing ergonomic and stylish bookcases and storage pieces for kids made from sustainable wood and built to last.

Top pick: Their award-winning Original Kids’ Bookshelf is made of sustainable, FSC-certified wood with a water lacquer finish, and is designed to encourage independent reading and empower children.

Check Latest Price on Tidy Brooks

4. Eco Balanza

Based in Seattle, this brand is known for its sustainable, hand-crafted couches made from safe, toxic-free materials. Eco Balanza uses responsibly-sourced materials to manufacture all its pieces and aims to minimize carbon emissions in all of its operations.

Source: Eco Balanza

The brand offers classic furniture made with traditional techniques using FSC-certified hardwoods and other natural materials, such as organic latex instead of petroleum-based foam.

Top pick: The Cleo is a new, modern spin on the traditional sofa, with an inviting, chic design made to the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Check Latest Price on Eco Balanza

5. Joy Bird

Based in San Diego, Joybird is all about eco-friendly furniture with a mid-century aesthetic. Their pieces are custom manufactured in a Mexican workshop using ethical work practices, which are strictly monitored by the brand.

Source: Joy Bird

They offer a range of furniture, from living and bedroom pieces to storage and home décor items, and offer customization options. For every piece that Joybird sells, it plants more trees than were used to manufacture that particular item.

Top pick: Joybird’s classic Bell Accent Chair is the perfect blend of retro styling and luxurious comfort all presented in a supremely stylish piece.

Check Latest Price on Joy Bird

6. Avocado

You’ve probably heard of Avocado’s comfortable, eco-friendly mattresses, but you may not be aware that the certified B-Corp also offers premium, reclaimed furniture. Their pieces are made by expert craftspeople in California, from 100% reclaimed wood with no chemicals or retardants.

Source: Avocado

All of Avocado’s items are also made using renewable energy and the company is climate-neutral certified. The brand is also committed to giving back to the community.

Top pick: Simple and modern, Avocado’s Coffee Tables’ unique design makes them a statement piece that is also highly practical.

Check Latest Price on Avocado

7. DaVinci

DaVinci prides itself in offering top-quality baby furniture sustainably made from ethically sourced materials. With a range of unique designs, they’re a top pick for parents looking to design a dream nursery that is both creative and environmentally- friendly.

Source: DaVinci

This brand offers a large collection of GreenGuard Gold-certified products, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.

Top pick: Their Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is made from 100% sustainable New Zealand pine and adapts as your child grows, converting from an infant crib to a toddler bed, daybed, and finally a full-sized bed.

Check Latest Price on West Elm

8. West Elm

West Elm is a large brand that is a one-stop solution offering furniture and accessories for virtually every space. Their extensive eco collection is sustainably-sourced and FSC-certified.

Source: West Elm

The brand is also a member of Fair Trade USA, providing fair wages and health conditions to factory workers, as well as invests heavily in the communities it works with.

Top pick: Their Mid-Century Dining Table is made from sustainably-sourced wood in a Fair Trade Certified facility, and can be expanded from 39 to 55 inches.

9. Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois with more than 100 stores across the USA, Canada, and internationally. A one-stop shop for everything you need to decorate your home, they offer a range of FSC-certified furniture that is sustainable and eco-friendly.

Source: Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel’s space-friendly furniture is both cozy and elegant, made from materials such as responsibly-sourced wood and sustainable bamboo.

Top pick: Their Gather Sofa is simple and elegant, with a benchmade frame of FSC-certified hardwood and Greenguard Gold Certified, so guaranteed toxin and chemical-free.

Check Latest Price on Crate & Barrel

10. Burrow

From seating and tables to office furniture, Burrow is particularly known for their stain-resistant sofas that are perfect for families with pets, kids, or anyone who doesn’t want to have to worry about spills. Their pieces are not only comfortable and highly practical, but they’re also responsibly sourced and made.

Source: Burrow

All of the brand’s pieces are made in the USA and shipped using environmentally-friendly packaging.

Top pick: Burrow’s Block Nomad Sofa has a unique modular design that makes it super easy to move, with loads of handy features like a built-in USB charger.

Check Latest Price on Burrow

11. Sabai

This Brooklyn-based brand offers a small range of high-quality, sustainable loveseats, chairs, sofas, and ottomans. They will gladly customize their designs based on your needs and preferences.

Source: Sabai

Sabai makes great use of FSC-certified wood and other sustainable materials like recycled fabrics, water-based glues, and Certi-PUR-US-certified cushions. They also deliver all of their remarkable designs in eco-friendly packaging.

Top pick: The Essential Loveseat is super comfortable, and boasts a sleek design in your choice of plush recycled velvet or upcycled polyester.

Check Latest Price on Sabai

12. Resource Furniture

For more than 20 years, Resource Furniture has delivered multi-functional designs that are not only stylish and luxurious but also sustainable. Their wide range includes dining tables, sofas, chair, cabinets, and coffee tables, made from recycled materials.

Source: Resource Furniture

Most pieces are certified under the Toxic Substances Certification Act (TSCA), and all are built to last for decades.

Top pick: Their Brooklyn Table is not only stylish but highly versatile: it can be transformed from a compact coffee table to a dining table.

Check Latest Price on Resource Furniture

13. Emeco

This brand emphasizes transparency and honesty in everything it does. Emeco has invested in an energy-efficient factory that makes use of renewable power, LED lighting, and welding machines designed to conserve water.

Source: Emeco

They emphasize recycled materials, and even manufactured a 100% recyclable and recycled chair in collaboration with Coca-Cola using 100 post-consumer recycled bottles. All the products are then carefully shipped in 100% recyclable packaging materials.

Top pick: The brand’s flagship product is the durable 1006 Navy Chair, made by hand in Pennsylvania from recycled aluminum.

Check Latest Price on Emeco

13. Floyd Home

Floyd make unique and colorful sustainable furniture designed in Michigan and manufactured across the US. The brand focuses on affordability and longevity, striving to offer its customers excellent value for money. Their pieces make use of natural materials such as sustainably-sourced Walnut wood from Pennsylvania and Michigan, and natural New Zealand wool.

Source: Floyd Home

Top pick: The versatile Floyd Rug is made from responsibly-sourced New Zealand wool and Indian cotton, making it breathable and durable, so ideal as a floor rug, throw, or picnic rug.

Check Latest Price on Floyd Home

14. Maiden Home

Maiden Home brands its sustainable furniture products as “design-driven luxury for modern homes”. This company was created with the vision to make high-end furniture more accessible and affordable, without compromising on quality or uniqueness of design. All their pieces are custom-made to fit the customer’s exact criteria, with each artist taking on the client’s vision to hand-make each item sustainably in the USA.

Source: Maiden Home

Top pick: The Leroy Chair is a stunning statement piece inspired by modern Danish design and made from cozy, low-maintenance Merino wool.

Check Latest Price on Maiden Home

15. Etsy

Etsy is a great place to find sustainable furniture. The online marketplace has a range of sustainable policies including offsetting its carbon emissions.

Source: Etsy / ArttZone

If you take a look at their sustainable furniture category and you’ll find a range of pieces made from recycled and reclaimed materials.

Top pick: This Console Table by ArttZone is handmade from reclaimed wood, and can be made to custom measurements.

Check Latest Price on Etsy

Final thoughts on sustainable furniture

Sustainable furniture is the future of the furniture industry, with many interior designers promoting green materials and practices. Brands are focusing more on effectively using materials to create ethically made furniture from sustainably sourced materials.

With exciting brands like the ones listed above, you don’t need to choose between an environmentally-friendly home and stunning décor.

For more advice and ideas for eco-friendly home décor, take a look at our posts on the best non-toxic rugs and solar rope lights.

Best Energy Efficient Space Heater for 2025

Lisa Marlin — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 08:51:00 +0000

Heating and cooling accounts for more than half of all the energy consumed by US homes, according to the US Energy Information Administration. However, with an energy-efficient space heater, you can stay warm with the minimum amount of electricity.

Our top picks

Top pick – Dyson HP02 Heater + Fan + Air Purifier
Runner-up – Vornado VMH500 Whole Room Metal Heater
Best budget – Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater
Best infrared – Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
Best oil heater – De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater
Best panel heater – De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater
Best wall plugin – Minetom Wall Outlet Electric Space Heater
Best wall-mounted – EconoHome Wall-Mount Space Heater Panel
Best portable – Brightown Portable Electric Space Heater
Best oscillating- Dreo Portable Oscillating Space Heater

The top energy efficient space heaters on the market

If you’re looking to buy a new space heater, you’ll find a dizzying array of options available, in various types and using different technologies. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best products around, covering as many different types of energy-efficient space heaters as possible.

1. Our top pick: Dyson HP02 Heater + Fan + Air Purifier

Dyson is known for producing high-quality, reliable products, and this heater and air purifier is no exception. Along with being a powerful and effective heater with temperature control, this unit also has a cooling fan and air purifying functions.

You can control the Dyson HP02 remotely using your smartphone, and monitor air quality in real-time using the Dyson link app. You can also monitor the temperature of the room remotely. This is very handy if your kids are sleeping and you don’t want to wake them up.

Furthermore, because the heater automatically reverts to the low setting once it reaches the pre-set ambient temperature, it uses as little energy as possible.

Also, the Dyson HP02 heater and purifier is ideal for families, as its bladeless design is safe for kids and pets, as well as being easy to clean.

It’s highly versatile too! Not only can you choose between heat or fan, but also various modes including auto mode, sleep time, and night-time mode. Although some online users complained that the unit can be pretty noisy in auto mode, the night-time mode offers the quietest settings, with no lights – which is great for helping kids (and adults) sleep.

The unit has a Quietmark accreditation as certified asthma and allergy friendly, with a HEPA filter that removes 99.97% of allergens and pollutants, including small pollen, dust, mold spores, bacteria, and pet dander as small as 0.3 microns. This offers relief to people with asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues, as well as creating a safe, healthy indoor environment in areas with pollution or wildfire smoke.

Some reviewers noted that because there’s no fan in heat mode, the Dyson HP02 doesn’t circulate air, but many also said that the unit can efficiently heat a medium-sized room. You can also choose between focused heat and a wide-spread option, depending on whether you want to heat a small area or a whole room.

What we like:

Automatic temperature control: Simply set your preferred temperature, and the unit will revert to the low setting once the ambient temperature reaches this temperature.
Remote monitoring: Use the app to monitor the room temperature and air purity from anywhere.
Versatile: Not just a heater, you can also use the Dyson HP02 as a cooling fan and powerful air purifier
Safe to use around kids and pets: No spinning fan blades and no exposed heating elements means the Dyson HP02 is ideal for homes with small children and pets

What we don’t like:

Noisy: The unit can be loud in auto mode, so it might not be great for light sleepers who want to leave it running.

Compact and versatile, this high-quality heater, fan, and air purifier is perfect for families, people with pets, allergies, or asthma, or anyone who wants to efficiently heat a medium-sized room. With automatic temperature control and remote monitoring, you’ll enjoy a clean, healthy, and warm indoor environment while using minimal energy.

2. Runner-up: Vornado VMH500 Whole Room Metal Heater

Our second pick is the Vornado VMH500, thanks to its unique Vortex Action heating system that will effectively heat an entire room with minimal energy usage. The heater’s intelligent thermostat allows you to keep room temperatures consistent without using too much electricity.

The fan-powered Vornado is designed so that the housing stays cool to the touch and it automatically shuts off if it tips over, overheats or if airflow is blocked. While many space heaters have tip-over switches, very few have an air-flow sensor, a valuable extra safety feature.

All these features help to minimize the risk of fire, and avoid burns if you or your kids accidentally touch the front housing. The sturdy metal frame and cord storage area also help to keep things tidy and safe.

The heater also has an easy-to-read front-facing digital display and simple button controls, making it simple and convenient to use. On the downside, some users report that the remote control doesn’t work very well, so you may need to get up to change the settings.

Additionally, the powerful fan is pretty loud according to some online reviewers, though others say they have no issues sleeping with the heater on the lowest setting.

What we like:

Vortex Action heating system: This unique technology will circulate the air, quickly and efficiently heating a medium-sized room.
Safety features: The Vornado shuts off automatically if it detects excess heat, is tipped over, or if airflow is blocked, minimizing fire risks.
User-friendly – With push-button controls and front-mounted display, this heater is simple and intuitive to use.

What we don’t like:

Loud: Thanks to the powerful fan, this heater can be quite loud on higher settings.

Using advanced technology to effectively heat spaces with minimal energy use, the Vornado VMH500 is an efficient, user-friendly, and powerful heater. With a full five-year warranty, you can be confident that this heater is built to last, and you’ll be able to repair or exchange the unit if you do have any problems.

3. Best budget: Amazon Basics Portable Eco-Smart Space Heater

The Vornado and Dyson products above are excellent choices, but they also both come with a pretty substantial price tag. If you’re on a budget, this space heater from Amazon Basics is an excellent alternative.

Although it doesn’t have as many features as more expensive heaters, this compact, energy-efficient heater does a decent job at heating small to medium-sized rooms. It incorporates a dual heating, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) system, and quartz tube, making it energy efficient.

You can also use the eco mode to make it even more energy-efficient, and tailor the settings to your needs by choosing the 750W or 1500W settings and adjusting the electronic setting. At the same time, the heater is relatively-powerful: it can heat a room up to 1000 square feet with 9-foot ceilings.

It comes with an LCD display, will automatically shut off if it overheats, and is aesthetically pleasing with stylish faux wood paneling.

The unit does have some problems with the control panel, particularly in that the display is hard to see from a distance, making it problematic to use the remote control. Some online reviewers also report quality and performance issues, such as the buttons not working properly, or the heater switching modes by itself.

However, like all Amazon Basics products, it’s covered by the company’s one-year limited warranty, meaning it’s covered for material or manufacturing defects for 12 months. So if you do experience any problems, you shouldn’t have any issues getting the product replaced.

What we like:

Affordable: This heater comes at a lower price than many competitors.
Dual heating system: It boasts a quartz tube, PTC heating systems and eco mode options, making this heater energy efficient.
Wooden paneling: The attractive look for this product will look fabulous with classic or retro décor.

What we don’t like:

Problematic display – The front-panel controls are pretty small enough and hard to read from a distance.
Quality control issues: Some online reviewers report quality issues and manufacturing faults.

Inexpensive and energy-efficient, this heater from Amazon Basics is a solid choice if you’re on a budget, with a relatively-powerful heating system and an elegant wood veneer. Given the price tag, it’s not surprising that it’s not the most solidly-built product and quality may be inconsistent, but it is covered by Amazon’s one-year warranty.

4. Best infrared: Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater

The Heat Storm HS-1500 uses an infrared heating system with patented heat exchanger technology. This system works with the humidity in the room to provide gentle heat without reducing oxygen or making the atmosphere dry.

The system also produces heat while keeping the whole unit cool to the touch, even the front grill, meaning avoiding accidental burns, especially with small hands or pets, and reducing the risk of fire.

The heater will generate up to 5200 BTUs of heat, which will not supply a large space, but is ideal for a smaller room or home office. You can choose between two power modes: 1,500 watt and 750 watt, allowing you to save energy when full power is not necessary.

It has an easy-to-read LED panel that shows the ambient temperature, allowing you to easily control the temperature and only use as much energy as you need. Perhaps best of all, this lightweight and compact heater comes with both a wall-mounting bracket and removable feet, so you can choose to install it on the floor or on a wall, allowing you to save space while better targeting the spaces you want to heat.

While WIFI connectivity is available, it doesn’t come included, so you’ll need to pay extra for this feature. This means you won’t be able to control it from another room or outside your home.

What we like:

Wall-mountable: The heater is compact, lightweight, and comes with a wall-mounting bracket, so is ideal for installing on a wall or on the floor.
Temperature controllable: You can easily control the ambient temperature thanks to the large LED display, allowing you to maintain the perfect temperature while controlling your energy usage.
Won’t dry out your space: Thanks to the infrared, heat exchanger technology, this heat will warm your room without reducing humidity or (more importantly) oxygen levels.

What we don’t like:

WIFI comes extra: There is a version of the Heat Storm that can be controlled via Wifi, but it’s an added cost and doesn’t come included. It would have been nice to see the WiFi included as part of the standard unit.

Compact, portable, and offering multiple installation options, the Heat Storm’s patented heat exchanger technology makes it effective and energy efficient. This heater also comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

5. Best oil heater: De’Longhi Oil-Filled Radiator Space Heater

Oil heaters are one of the most energy-efficient types of space heaters, as the oil retains heat and will stay warm even after the unit is turned off. This De’Longhi oil-filled space heater has a permanently-sealed oil reservoir you’ll never need to refill.

The heater’s patented, high-quality steel exterior has a unique thermal slot design with 25% more radiant surface area that maximizes heat flow while maintaining a low surface temperature. This will heat your room more efficiently, while avoiding overheating the surface of the heater which could cause burns or fires.

It features front analog controls to adjust the thermostat and heat settings, and to set a 24-hour programmable timer. Along with an automatic shutdown function if it overheats, the heater has an anti-freeze setting that automatically turns the unit on when the temperature drops below 44℉.

Like all oil heaters, this product takes a while to heat up, and doesn’t offer as powerful, focused warmth as some others on this list, so isn’t the best choice if you want to be able to quickly heat up your space.

All of these features allow you to heat your space with minimal power usage, and you can also make use of its eco mode for even better energy efficiency.

What we like:

Residual heat: The oil reservoir will retain warmth and continue to radiate heat even after it’s been switched off, meaning it works longer using less power.
Maximum radiant heat: The innovative thermal slot design emits 25% more heat than other oil heaters without the surface becoming dangerously hot.
Programmable timer: The 24-hour programmable timer makes it ideal for pre-heating your room and minimizing energy usage.

What we don’t like:

Takes a while to heat up: While very efficient, this oil heater takes longer to heat up than other types of heaters so won’t deliver instant warmth, so people who want to heat their space rapidly might want to opt for one of the other models on this list

Affordable and well-made, the De’Longhi’s unique thermal slot design is very energy-efficient. Although oil heaters take some time to warm up, you can address this by using this model’s programmable timer to pre-heat your space.

6. Best panel heater: De’Longhi Convection Panel Heater

Another quality product from De’Longhi, this heater has a convection panel design with exclusive HI-FI technology and a double fan system for efficient heat distribution. The product is just three inches wide and can be used as free-standing or wall-mounted, so you can use it in small spaces without it getting in the way.

Despite the discreet size, it puts out 5120 BTUs of heating power, enough to comfortably heat a space up to 300 square feet. It also offers an energy-efficient eco mode that automatically adjusts the heat and power settings to maintain a consistent temperature without wasting power.

Along with digital controls and an LED display to adjust the thermostat, timer, and multiple heat settings, this De’Longhi heater has a number of built-in safety settings, including a thermal cutoff and tip-over sensor for fire safety, and anti-freeze setting to help prevent freezing pipes. However, as the display is located on the side, this makes it tricky to view when you mount the heater on a wall.

What we like:

Versatile: You can choose between mounting the heater on a wall or as freestanding on the floor. The wall mounting option is great for people who lack floor space, while the freestanding option is fine for those who don’t want to get out their tools
Slimline: At just three inches wide, this panel heater won’t get in the way.
Stylish design: Slim with a matt black finish, this heater is elegant and unobtrusive.

What we don’t like:

Difficult to see the display: The LED display is difficult to see when wall mounted as it’s on the side of the unit.

This powerful slimline panel heater boasts a great range of features and safety precautions, while offering an eco function for better energy efficiency.

7. Best wall plugin: Minetom Wall Outlet Electric Space Heater

This small Minetom heater is a truly portable unit that can be used to heat a small space, plugged directly into an outlet. At just 4.3 x 2.8 x 6.5 inches and sitting against the wall, it’s suitable for even the smallest spaces and can easily be packed in a backpack or carry-on baggage.

The plug rotates up to 180 degrees so you can avoid obstacles and install it anywhere, and produces enough heat to warm a space up to 100 square feet, while using just 350 watts. It also has a digital thermostat, LED display showing the ambient temperature, and 12-hour timer, allowing you to get the perfect temperature while using as little energy as possible.

Safety features include overheat protection and an outer surface that stays cool to the touch when running. It’s also super quiet, producing less than 45 decibels of sound.

What we like:

Tiny: This pocket-sized heater is perfect for taking with you on vacation or sitting discretely on the wall of a small space.
Programmable timer: The12-hour timer let’s you pre-warm your space without excessive energy use.
Very quiet: With an ultra-quiet fan, you’ll be able to work or sleep in peace.

What we don’t like:

Not very powerful: Neither the heating element or fan powerful enough for anything larger than a small room.

This wall outlet heater is extremely compact, and highly portable, making it ideal for travel. Though it isn’t suitable for even a medium-sized room, it can comfortably heat up to 100 square feet.

8. Best wall-mounted: EconoHome Wall-Mount Space Heater Panel

This wall-mounted panel heater is very energy-efficient, using just 0.6 KW/HR, less than a third of the energy of conventional space heaters. Despite the low power use and it’s small size – measuring just 24 x 36 inches – this product can heat rooms up to 200 square feet.

The slim, wall-mounted design is less than half an inch thick, and so will sit discreetly on the wall and stay out of the way, and you can even paint the exterior of the panel to match your décor! It also comes with a reflector panel to place behind the unit to radiate heat more efficiently throughout the space.

However, there’s no option to install it as a free-standing unit on the floor, so you’ll need to have adequate wall space to accommodate it. In another negative, several online reviewers mention that the panel’s surface gets very hot, so it could be a hazard, particularly for children and pets.

The unit is made of robust calcium silicate material to prevent cracking and is triple-insulated with an overheat protection for safety.

What we like:

Discreet design and suitable for painting: Super slimline, wall-mountable, and suitable to be painted, this heater will blend into any room.
Very efficient: This wall-mounted heater will heat a room up to 200 square feet while consuming just 0.6 KW/HR of energy.

What we don’t like:

Gets very hot to touch: The front of the panel gets very hot when operating, so has a risk of burns.

If you want the most slimline space heater possible, then the EconoHome is your best choice. It also comes with the benefits of being so efficient that you can save up to 50 percent on your heating bills.

9. Best portable: Brightown Portable Electric Space Heater

This heater from Brightown measures 8 x 6 x 10 inches – making it portable and lightweight with a handle, so it’s easy to move between rooms or take with you on a trip. The small size also means you can place it on a table or counter top if you want and it won’t take up too make space in your room.

Its PTC ceramic heating technology and high-speed fan means it can heat up to 200 square feet in just a few minutes, letting you warm up your space as quickly as possible. The heater is designed to efficiently heat small spaces, instead of your whole house, allowing you to be more energy-efficient and save on your power bills.

The unit has two heat settings – 750 watts and 1500 watts – plus a fan only for cool air, and you can set the temperature anywhere between 0 and 158F.

You won’t have to worry about safety with this Brightown electric space heater: it’s made from flame retardant materials, with an automatic overheat protection system that shuts the heater off automatically if it approaches overheating. It also has a tip-over switch at bottom, so the heater automatically shuts off if it tilts or if you trip over it, to avoid fire hazards and keep your family safe and is ETL-certified and safety tested.

This quiet heater produces less than 45 decibels of sound in normal operating mode so you can read, work, or even sleep while it’s on.

What we like:

Compact and lightweight: The small size means it’s highly portable, won’t take up too much space, and can sit on a counter top.
Small but mighty: Thanks to the PTC ceramic heating technology and high-speed fan, this heater will effectively heat a small to medium-sized room.
Very safe: Its automatic overheat protection system, tip-over switch, and fire retardant materials help to avoid fires and keep your family safe.

What we don’t like:

Not suitable for large spaces: This heater is not the right choice if you want to heat a larger room.

This portable, space saving heater comes with plenty of power, so is perfect for an office, bedroom, or small to medium-sized room. It’s also packed with safety features so you’ll be able to leave it on overnight with peace of mind.

10. Best oscillating: Dreo Portable Oscillating Space Heater

This heater from Dreo oscillates up to 70 degrees, circulating the air and allowing you to efficiently heat a wider area. It also uses advanced PTC ceramic technology for powerful heating and targeted warmth.

You can set the temperature between 41 and 95 F, and it has three different heat modes (eco, 1000W, 1500W) as well as fan only mode, to allow you to meet your needs with as little energy use as possible. We also like the heater’s small size: standing at just over 10 inches tall not including its hidden easy-carry handle, it’s portable and space-saving.

The nine-blade fan comes with a DC motor that is super quiet at just 40dB, so it won’t disturb your work or sleep. It also features a detachable filter, making it easy to clean, so you don’t need to make too much effort to prevent it from blowing dust around.

With a sensitive tip-over switch and alarm, automatic shut off sensor at 122F, the heater is designed to avoid fire hazards. It also has reinforced prongs, is made from V0 flame retardant materials, and is cold to touch, so is safe for children and pets.

The heater has an energy-efficient eco mode that will help you lower your power bills and your carbon emissions. Features like an LED display/control panel, thermostat and turn off timer which you can set to between one and 12 hours also help you to control your power use.

What we like:

Energy-saving features: The eco mode option, precision thermostat, and turn off timer helps to make this heater energy efficient.
Portable: This small heater has an easy-carry handle that can be tucked away, making it easy to move around or transport.
Inbuilt safety features: The heater has a range of safety features to avoid fires and burns.

What we don’t like:

Thermostat inaccurate: Some online reviewers say the thermostat is off by a couple of degrees, so you may need to experiment with the settings.

Compact, safe, and energy-efficient, this heater’s oscillating fan will allow you to keep your office, bedroom, or RV nice and toasty with minimal power use. The brand also offers a money-back guarantee, so if you’re not happy with the results you can return it.

How to pick the best space heater for your needs

Now that we’ve run through some of the best space heaters out there, we’ll take a deeper dive into what sets the different heating technologies apart and what functions you should look for.

Different types of space heaters

As you might have seen from the reviews above, there are different types of heating technology. Before you can pick between them, you’ll need to know how they work.

Infrared heaters

Infrared heaters emit directed infrared radiation. When that radiation makes contact with an object, it causes it to grow warm. This means infrared heaters are best used to provide direction or spot heating, by aiming them at a specific object.

These kinds of heaters are often used in work settings or garages, rather than in homes. While the heat does quickly diminish once the heater is turned off, infrared heaters are more energy-efficient as they emit 100 percent of the heat they produce, with little to no heat lost in the transfer.

Oil-filled heaters

Oil-filled heaters look like traditional water-filled radiators and use much the same system to produce heat. The internal oil reservoir is heated in an oxygen-free container, so it won’t ignite. The heated oil then radiates heat through the metal, heating the room.

Once the oil is hot, it stays hot for an extended period. This means oil-filled heaters don’t need to be permanently on in order to produce heat. Oil-filled heaters with a thermostat only use power to initially heat the oil and then shut off until the oil falls below a certain temperature, making them very efficient.

The downside of oil-filled heaters is that they don’t project heat very well, making them better suited for smaller rooms.

Ceramic heaters

Source: Flickr / Tony Webster

Ceramic heaters work by passing a current through a ceramic heating element, which is durable enough to reach a very high temperature. The heat radiated by the ceramic element is then distributed around the room by a fan.

The vast majority of space heaters are ceramic heaters because they are simple to use, heat up fast, and are energy-efficient.

Convection heaters

Source: Flickr / HS You

Convection heaters operate by drawing air through the unit from underneath. The air then passes over a heating element and rises out through the top of the unit back into the room as warmed air.

Compared to radiated heat, as you might get from a ceramic or oil-filled radiator, convection heaters distribute heat more evenly and don’t suck as much moisture out of the air. However, they are often slower to heat a room than other types of heaters.

How to use your space heater safely and efficiently

While many space heaters are very energy-efficient, and therefore environmentally friendly, there are some extra steps you can take to get the best out of them:

Turn down central heating before use

If you’re using your space heater to spot heat in a certain area, turn down your central heating system before use. Not only will having two heating systems running in the same room be inefficient, but it will also be hard to get a consistent temperature.

Heat only one room at a time, when a boost is needed

One of the most efficient ways to use a space heater is to deploy it in a room you expect to stay in for a long period of time and then turn off your central heating. This could be a garage, man-cave, rec room, or home office.

Heating one room is always going to be more efficient than heating your entire house. With radiant heaters, especially oil-filled heaters, the heater doesn’t always need to be on in order to produce heat, making it even more efficient.

Use your space heater at a low temperature

The vast majority of space heaters will have a low-temperature setting, something around the 750-watt mark. In a smaller space, this setting is more than enough to quickly provide heat. Keeping your space heater at this lower setting optimizes how much energy you are using.

Choose a model with safety and efficiency features

As with any heating system, you’ll want to prioritize units with advanced safety features. These include tip-over sensors that shut the unit off when it falls over and thermal cutouts that shut it off if it overheats.

Many models will also have features that improve their energy-efficiency. These include eco-modes, intelligent thermostats, and active temperature controls. These systems reduce the amount of heat and energy wasted by the unity to make it more efficient and therefore more environmentally friendly.

Some WiFi-connected devices also allow you to monitor you heater’s energy consumption and heat output. This data lets you optimize when you use your heater to the best effect.

FAQ

To make sure you’ve got all the information you need, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions about space heaters, and their efficiency.

What is the most efficient type of space heater?

Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. How efficient a heater is varies between models and depends on the circumstances in which it’s being used. Electric heaters are all considered to be 100% efficient because they turn all the electricity they draw into heat.

Additional features such as eco-modes can make a heater more energy-efficient. Oil-filled radiators have the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour on our list, but that’s only one part of the equation.

Ultimately, all heaters will be more efficient if used efficiently by taking into account the tips we’ve outlined above.

Want to learn more about home heating solutions? Check our post on the 4 most efficient ways to heat a home.

Are space heaters safe?

Any heating system comes with an element of risk. However, space heaters are far less risky than any kind of open flame. The risk created by having a space heater can be mitigated by using it responsibly:

Place your heater at least three feet away from flammable objects such as curtains, furniture, or bedding.
Don’t set your heater up on top of furniture or cover it with anything.
Be mindful of high-traffic areas and always lay your power cable so it can’t be tripped over or easily knocked loose.
As with all electrical appliances, don’t let your space heater come in contact with water, and never touch an electric heater if you’re wet.
Don’t leave your space heater unattended for long periods or leave it on if you fall asleep.
Always unplug a space heater when you’ve finished using it.

Where should I put my space heater?

Space heaters work best when heating a small space. Most of the heaters on our list are designed to heat areas between 100 and 200 square feet. You’ll get the best use out of your space heater if you don’t try and use it to heat a huge space.

In terms of exact placement, make sure your heater is at least three feet away from flammable objects and isn’t pointed directly at anything you don’t want to fade over time.

Radiant heaters can be placed anywhere in a room.
Convection heaters need more air circulation to work properly.
Infrared heaters need to be pointed directly at whatever you want to stay warm, including yourself.

Is it OK to leave a space heater on all night?

As a rule, no. You shouldn’t leave any form of heater on without supervision. However, if a space heater is your only source of heat in truly cold weather then you can mitigate the risk somewhat by buying a model with a thermal cutoff, tilt sensor, and a programmable timer.

The thermal cutoff and tilt sensor will keep you safer while the programmable timer means you can set your heater to come on at intervals, rather than running continuously.

Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?

A 1500 watt space heater uses around $100 of electricity per month if it’s running 8-hours a day. making them quite an energy-intensive solution to run continuously. However, it should be noted that space heaters aren’t designed to be permanent heating systems.

They work best used in short bursts to heat smaller spaces instead of heating a whole house using central heating. Under these circumstances, using a space heater is the more economical solution.

The best energy efficient space heater

A space heater is an excellent and energy-efficient way to warm a space that either doesn’t have heating, or instead of heating an entire house to keep one room warm.

We’re particularly fond of the Dyson HP02 Heater because of its range of features, incredible energy efficiency, and great build quality. However, we’ve listed multiple other options that might better suit your personal circumstances.

If you’ve got a heater you love and think should have made this list, or any tips on how to use a space heater as efficiently as possible, we’d love you to let us know in the comments below!

The Best Natural Laundry Detergent for Cleaner, Safer Clothes

Lisa Marlin — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:52:49 +0000

As consumers, we’re becoming increasingly conscious about the toxic chemicals that we may be exposed to, from our food to our makeup and even the clothes that we wear. It’s also important to consider the detergent we use to wash our clothes, and look for the best natural laundry detergent options.

Why should you switch to natural laundry detergent?

You may be aware that many products found in the home, from the food we eat to our beauty products and our clothes, can contain a range of toxic and harmful chemicals these days. Perhaps you’ve already switched to organic vegetables and other foods, and are buying clothes from organic fibers, at least for your children.

But have you thought about your laundry detergent? What we use to wash our clothing and bedding can leave behind a range of chemicals and substances, many of which could be harmful to our health.

Not to mention that harsh laundry detergent loaded with chemicals can gradually damage fabric and dull vibrant colors over time.

These days, conventional detergents contain a staggering array of chemicals and artificial fragrances that can cause allergies and aggravate skin sensitivities.

They also contain synthetic dyes, phosphates, surfactants, and naptha, a chemical cleaning agent derived from petroleum that is known to damage the mucous membranes in the lungs. In turn, this can cause asthma, inflammation, and even cancer.

Conventional detergents not only involve a range of risks to human health, they’re also terrible for the environment.

Phosphates are commonly found in laundry detergents, and these chemicals can pose a huge threat to aquatic life. When phosphates build up in waterways, such as with run off from washing machines over time, this can lead to eutrophication, a build up of inorganic nutrients in the water, leading to excessive growth of plants and algae.

Eutrophication is devastating to marine ecosystems, as this oversupply of plants and algae eventually decompose, producing large amounts of CO2 and making the water more acidic. This can make the environment uninhabitable for underwater plants and animals.

An algae mat on a eutrophied lake in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Source: Wikimedia / Smaack

Conventional laundry detergents are also made with unsustainable manufacturing processes that generate large amounts of greenhouse emissions and other forms of pollution, as well as inefficient water use. Furthermore, these products typically come in single-use plastic packaging, contributing to the earth’s waste woes.

On the other hand, the best natural laundry detergent options are free from toxic chemicals, so are safer for you and the natural environment. Furthermore, these products are better for your clothes and your machine, and will likely lengthen the life of both!

The best natural laundry detergent brands to consider

Thankfully, there are plenty of eco-friendly laundry detergents available that are made from natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for people of ages, including babies. Most of these products are also biodegradable and often come in refillable or recyclable packaging.

1. Mrs. Meyer’s Liquid Laundry Detergent

This plant-based laundry detergent is made without phosphates, chlorine, dyes, or any other toxic chemicals. It will keep your clothes bright and vibrant thanks to its third-party tested formula made from botanical ingredients and natural essential oils.

One bottle of this tough, concentrated detergent can easily wash 64 loads of laundry while being gentle on clothes.

It’s available in its original lavender or clean floral fragrances, so is one of – if not the best natural laundry detergent option for anyone looking for detergent with a pleasant smell. All fragrances are subtle, but will effectively remove odors from clothes and leave a lovely, warm scent.

This laundry detergent is certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny.

2. Earth Hero Non-Toxic Laundry Bundle

Earth Hero’s Non-Toxic Laundry Bundle features all the essentials you need for washing: a Cora microfiber laundry ball, organic New Zealand wool dryer balls, a laundry stain stick, soap nuts, and a handy mesh laundry bag, making it the best natural laundry detergent in terms of its package offering, in our opinion.

This pack is ideal for beginners who are just starting their eco-journey: all the products are made from natural ingredients and come in plastic-free packaging and are shipped in recyclable materials. The laundry stain stick is made with a vegetable soap base, and will quickly and easily remove stains without toxic chemicals.

The dryer balls and soap nuts are compostable, and the Cora ball can be easily recycled through Earth Hero or the manufacturer. The soap nuts and laundry bag are certified organic, and the stain stick is Leaping Bunny cruelty-free, MADE SAFE, and B Corp Certified.

3. ECOS Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent

ECOS Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent is a powerful detergent made from coconut and lavender essential oils. We think it’s the best natural laundry detergent option for vegans and eco-conscious shoppers, as it is made from plant-derived ingredients and is therefore 100% vegan.

This laundry detergent’s clean formula is free from optical brighteners, phosphates, dyes, parabens, and any other toxic chemicals. It is dermatologist-tested as hypoallergenic and pH-balanced and certified as US EPA Safer Choice.

Some users complained about the package size and felt the quantity of detergent didn’t justify the price.

However, the vast majority of online reviewers raved about the hypoallergenic detergent’s ability to shift tough stains and protect colors. This detergent also has fabric softening properties, so you won’t need to buy a separate softener.

4. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain Remover

Biokleen was founded in 1989 and since then it has been offering concentrated, all-natural, non-toxic detergents that preserve the color and integrity of delicate fabrics.

This brand was initially launched to provide natural products to commercial cleaning services. However, it quickly gained popularity, and they now have a strong following among individuals and families as the best natural laundry detergent for concentrated cleaning.

This stain remover is equally effective in removing stubborn stains from clothes or carpet, with a high degree of efficiency while protecting the colors of your garments. It’s made with plant-based ingredients that are better for the environment while being suitable for people with allergies and sensitive skin.

This laundry detergent stands out because of its bioactive formula, a unique blend of live enzyme cultures to break down and absorb organic material. This allows the cleaner to shift stubborn stains without the chemicals.

5. Meliora Eco Laundry Powder

Meliora Natural Powder Laundry Detergent aims to make washing your clothes easier, with a highly concentrated formula to remove stubborn stains. This detergent has all-natural ingredients that will soften the fabric and leave your clothes looking and smelling fantastic.

This cruelty-free detergent doesn’t contain any animal by-products, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, dyes, or optical brighteners. The detergent is compatible with both standard and high-efficiency washing machines. It comes in a range of scents such as lavender and lemon, as well as an unscented version.

Meliora’s laundry powder comes in recyclable and reusable stainless steel canisters and is MADE SAFE Certified, guaranteeing that it is free from toxic ingredients.

The company also donates 2% of its total sales to a range of environmental nonprofits working to protect the environment, so we think it’s one of if not the best natural laundry detergent option for eco-conscious shoppers.

6. Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent

This powerful, plant-based laundry detergent prevents piling and helps fabric retain its color and texture, rejuvenating your garments with every wash. Its triple enzyme formula easily eliminates stubborn stains while preserving the integrity of the fabric’s fibers which will help you to extend the life of your clothes.

This product doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals, and is scented with 100% essential oils and botanical extracts for fresh, natural fragrances. You can choose between lavender, citrus, seaside, and geranium blossom and vanilla.

There is also a baby laundry detergent version which is designed to shift the tricky baby stains while being certified by the EPA under the Safer Choice program.

Seventh Generation’s liquid detergent is also highly concentrated, avoiding the need to replace it too often. In fact, you’ll be able to wash more than 50 medium-sized loads in a high efficiency or standard machine with one bottle.

This company is a Certified B Corporation, and their products are Leaping Bunny-certified as cruelty free, and USDA-certified as based on natural ingredients.

7. Tru Earth Baby Laundry Detergent Strips

Tru Earth offers sustainable cleaning products that are free from parabens, phosphates, added dyes, and chlorine bleach. Their manufacturing processes, raw materials, and ingredients are all sustainable, cruelty-free, and vegan.

These laundry detergent strips are designed to avoid wasteful single-use plastic containers. Instead, the ultra-concentrate laundry powder is packed into a strip that is pre-measured to be the perfect amount for a single wash.

The strips are readily biodegradable and come in plastic-free packaging. They’re also certified hypoallergenic by independent dermatologists so suitable for sensitive skin, and fragrance-free so perfect for washing baby garments, bedding, and diapers.

Along with slashing waste, the convenient strips also eliminate mess and make washing clothes as quick and easy as possible – simply toss a strip in your machine!

Check Latest Price on Pardo Naturals

8. Pardo Naturals Natural Laundry Detergent

This powder laundry detergent from Pardo Naturals’ is designed for sensitive skin: it contains just three simple ingredients: baking soda, Castile soap, and washing soda. It’s also highly concentrated, so you’ll only use a fraction of the amount of powder as a regular detergent.

Not only is the formula hypoallergenic, it’s also fully biodegradable and it comes in recyclable packaging. You can choose between eight ounce and 32 ounce pack sizes and a variety of natural scents, including lavender and citrus, or you can opt for unscented powder.

This detergent not only removes dirt and stubborn stains, but it’s also effective with hard water. The product even doubles up as a descaler for bathroom tiles, faucets, and kitchen appliances like coffee machines.

Instead of using fabric softener with this laundry detergent, Pardo Naturals suggests using half a cup of white vinegar. This will boost the catalytic action of the detergent and make your clothes softer.

If you love Pardo’s detergent, you can pair it with their wool dryer balls for even cleaner, fresher clothes.

9. Bestowed Essentials Natural Laundry Stain Stick

Laundry Stain Sticks are a great, zero-waste alternative to liquid stain removers, and this natural product is a much better option than a chemical-packed spot stick. This all-natural laundry stick is handmade in the USA using non-toxic ingredients, and is free from bleach, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes.

Bestowed Essential’s concentrated formula fights dirt and all kinds of stains using the power of coconut oil, sodium hydroxide, and baking soda. This vegan, cruelty-free laundry stick is handmade in the USA in a facility powered by renewable solar energy.

They only use plastic-free packaging that is compostable or recyclable. The brand also collaborates with Ocean Blue Project to collect and recycle one pound of beach trash for every order.

The best natural laundry detergent brands clean just as effectively as their mainstream rivals

If you’re worried about the toxic chemicals that may be found in your clothes and bedding, potentially threatening the health of you and your family, don’t overlook the laundry detergent you use.

Too many mainstream laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers contain surfactants and nasty chemicals that may cause skin irritations, other health issues, and essentially ruin the fabric from inside out.

The best natural laundry detergents use non-toxic and plant-based ingredients that will not only deliver an excellent clean, they’ll also be better for your health and the environment too.

If you’re interested in learning more about natural products that can make your life better while protecting the environment, take a look at our guides to the best organic face masks, eco-friendly bubble bath, and organic cotton comforters.

The Best Microgreen Growing Kits to Grow Your Own at Home

Lisa Marlin — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 16:06:21 +0000

With more and more people growing their own unique and tasty ingredients at home, we’ve rounded up the best microgreen growing kits on the market today.

We chose the Window Garden Microgreens Grow Kit as our top pick for the best microgreen growing kits overall because it’s versatile, affordable, and has a stunning design, but all the products on this list are fantastic for any micro gardener.

Window Garden Microgreens Grow Kit

Pros:

Fiber soil medium
Sleek, clear sprouting tray design

Cons:

Ongoing watering is needed

Best microgreen growing kits reviewed

In choosing our top picks for the best microgreen growing kits, we considered aesthetics, durability, and how easy the kits are to use. We looked for kits that came with everything you need to get started (including seeds), with a balance between hydroponic and soil-based setups.

1. Top pick: Window Garden Microgreens Grow Kit

One of the best microgreen growing kits on the market today, this starter set comes with a sprouting tray, fiber soil, a sprayer, and radish microgreen seeds. The BPA-free acrylic tray measures 15 by six inches, so is long enough to give you a decent harvest and narrow enough to sit on a window sill on the side of your countertop.

We also like the sleek, clear design that shows the roots so you can watch your microgreens grow!

To use the kit, you’ll need to hydrate the compressed soil with the included sprayer, spread it across the tray and then add the seeds. You’ll then need to keep the soil moist while you watch your microgreens grow.

What we like:

Fiber soil – This medium is more efficient and versatile than hydroponic set ups.
Clear design – Allows you to watch the roots of your sprouts growing, turning it into a fascinating science experiment!

What we don’t like:

Ongoing watering needed – Unlike some other microgreens kits, you will need to keep the soil moist.

Although slightly more work than some other kits, this set up is still relatively easy to maintain, thanks to the included spray bottle. Along with being perfect for microgreens, you can also use the planting tray to grow succulents or a living table centrepiece.

2. HAMAMA Home Microgreens Growing Kit

One of the best microgreen growing kits for beginners – this set from HAMAMA includes everything you need to grow your own delicious and nutritious microgreens: a 12 by seven-inch microgreens tray, seeds, and three seed quilts.

The seed quilts make growing microgreens super simple, with no need for repeat watering, a humidity dome, or special lighting. All you need to do is add water to the growing tray, plant a seed quilt and come back in seven days to harvest your microgreens. The kit is completely self-watering, meaning you’ll only need to water it once per harvest.

What we like:

Super simple – This kit has a user-friendly “plug & play” system that makes it easy to grow your own microgreens with no fuss.
Self-watering – All you need to do is water the kit once and wait for your harvest.

What we don’t like:

Expensive – Some online users say it’s not the best value for money, especially if you keep buying the replacement seed quilts.

The kit is accompanied by clear, illustrated instructions that make it a breeze to use.

However, if things don’t turn out as you’d hoped, it’s backed up with a guarantee! HAMAMA will either help you to get things back on track, send you a replacement, or give you a full refund.

3. Chef’n Microgreens Micro Greens Grower

This kit includes an acrylic tray and enough coir growing medium and seeds for one harvest. The tray comes with a lid: pop the lid on for the first three days to help with germination, and then remove it as your microgreens grow.

The compact tray is easy to fit on your countertop or windowsill and easy to clean between harvests. The manufacturer will also give you a discount code to reorder more seeds from Seattle Seed Company helping to make your future harvests more affordable – so it’s one of the best microgreen kits for people who want to develop a habit of growing and regrowing their own greens.

What we like:

Compact – The sleek design is ideal for a windowsill or countertop.
Discount on seeds – With a discount code for future seed purchases, growing your own microgreens will be even more affordable!

What we don’t like:

Some customer service issues – Some reviewers mention issues with customer service and problems with the kits they received.

Some online users reported receiving incomplete kits or the wrong components, but the reviews are very positive overall.

4. Mother MicroFarm Microgreen Gardening Kit

With this kit from Mother Microfarm, you can grow seeds on a paper towel, hemp or soil, depending on your preferences!

The simple, open planter tray has an in-built, full-spectrum LED light designed to bring out the optimum flavor and colors in your microgreens. Built with a durable, aluminum frame and is compact but big enough for a decent harvest.

We also like that this kit comes with two planter trays: the second can be used to cover the tray for the first few days while you germinate the seeds. Once germinated, you can use the second tray for a new harvest.

What we like:

Versatile – You can use the kit with a paper towel, hemp, or soil.
In-built light – The full-spectrum LED light will help you to grow tasty and colorful microgreens.

What we don’t like:

Time (and labor) intensive – If you use the paper towel method, you’ll need to keep it moist and replace it regularly.

If you decide to use this kit with a paper towel, you’ll need to replace the towel periodically and keep it moist, making it a bit more time-intensive than some other kits. You can also download the free app for growing schedules, info about nutrition, and loads of recipes and inspiration.

5. Garden’s Alive Seed Sprouter Kit

This microgreen seed sprouter has a space-saving two-level seed tray, giving you twice the harvest for the same footprint! The set includes not only two transparent, stackable seed trays, but also a vented lid for ventilation and a base to catch the water.

The base and trays measure 5.5 x 5.5 inches each, making it one of the most compact kits on this list. You can stack up to four additional trays, allowing you to grow various types of seeds at the same time.

The hydroponic setup is designed to give your microgreens the ideal level of humidity for fast germination, with no soil required.

What we like:

Two levels – This space-efficient design also has an option to stack even more trays.
Vented lid – For optimum humidity levels to encourage your seeds to germinate.

What we don’t like:

No seeds included – This kit doesn’t come with any seeds.

Unlike most other kits on this list, seeds are not included, so you’ll need to buy these separately. However, there are plenty of options to buy microgreen seed packs online.

6. Ingarden Superfood Microgreens Growing Kit

One of the best microgreen growing kits for people who love gadgets! This high-tech microgreen growing kit comes equipped with both grow lights and an autonomous watering system.

The full-spectrum light system is designed to give your microgreens optimum growing conditions while being energy-efficient. With the hydroponic watering system, you only need to refill the planter tray with tap water once a week and the in-built technology does the rest!

What we like:

Grow lights – Energy-efficient lighting system that promotes optimum growth.
Autonomous watering system – You’ll only need to replenish with tap water once a week.

What we don’t like:

Expensive – This kit is a bit more pricey than other kits.

The kit also comes with a one-month’s supply of USDA-approved organic superfood seeds. All seeds are plants with long-term health benefits such as strengthening your immune system, healthy skin and hair, energy levels, gut health and digestion.

7. Mountain Valley Seed Co. Self Watering Microgreens Growing Kit

This hydroponic and self-watering kit comes with two BPA-free and reusable self-watering trays, hydroponic micro mat confetti, six different types of microgreens seeds, and mist sprayer. You’ll also get two bonus microgreen recipes.

The seeds are all non-GMO vegetable and herb seeds: broccoli, Rambo radish, Red Tatsoi, China Rose radish, spicy salad mix, and basic salad mix.

What we like:

Variety of seeds – The kit comes with no less than six different types of non-GMO seeds.
Two trays included – Allowing you to have two crops on the go at the same time.

What we don’t like:

No instructions – Some users complain that the kit doesn’t come with instructions, so you may have to do your own research.

We also like that this kit is made in the USA – not only will you support local industry when buying this product, but shorter shipping distances translate into less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Microgreen Pros Organic Microgreens Growing Kit

This kit comes with a stylish wooden planter box that will look great on your countertop or windowsill. Along with the planter, you’ll get a fitted waterproof liner, fiber soil, and seeds for two types of microgreens: black oil sunflower and mixed microgreens including broccoli, hale, kohlrabi, arugula, and red acre cabbage.

The planter and liners can be reused many times over, and Microgreen Pros sell handy refill kits with the exact quantity of seeds and soil needed. They offer refill kits with a range of seeds such as wheatgrass, pea, radish, and sunflower.

What we like:

Good for sunflower seeds – This kit is an excellent choice if you want to grow tasty and crunchy sunflower microgreens.
Easy refills – You can order convenient refill kits to make harvest after harvest as easy as the first.

What we don’t like:

Needs a bit more maintenance – Like all soil-based microgreens kits, this setup involves a bit more work than a self-watering system.

The kit is a good choice if you specifically want to grow sunflower microgreens, as this crop can only be grown in soil.

What exactly are microgreens?

Microgreens are the baby sprouts of vegetables and other plants that are harvested when they are a few inches tall or so. Not only does this mean you can grow them on your kitchen counter or windowsill, but they pack a big punch nutritionally.

The vitamins and minerals are so concentrated in these small sprouts that they have up to 60 times the nutrients of their full-grown counterparts. They also offer different tastes and textures that open up new cooking possibilities.

Brussels sprouts microgreens

The term “microgreen” doesn’t refer to any particular plant or type of plant, but can be virtually any type of vegetable, herb, or edible plant. Instead, they are defined by how they are grown and harvested.

You harvest microgreens as sprouts rather than letting them grow to the mature plant, and this quick harvesting time means that microgreens can be planted very close together, as very little root space is needed.

What are good microgreens to grow?

Here are some of the most popular microgreens you can grow at home:

Radish – Fast growing with bright-red stems that are not only tasty, but will add vibrant color to your dishes. Can harvest in seven days.

Beetroot – Ready for harvest in 10 days, these red-stemmed leaves add vibrant color and an earthy but mild flavor that is great for salads or fish.

Alfalfa – With dark green leaves that have a subtle flavor and mild crunch, alfalfa is best grown hydroponically and can be harvested after around 10 days.

Cilantro – Fresh aroma, subtle taste, and frilly leaves. Monogerm cilantro is easy to germinate and will be ready to harvest in two weeks.

Mustard – Mild but mustardy taste, and use the frilly varieties add some visual interest to your stir-fries.

Spinach – Mild taste that pairs well with more spicy microgreens, can be harvested in seven days.

Fennel – Same aniseed flavor as the adult plants but easier to cook with. Pairs well with fish, pasta, or risotto.

Basil – Flavorful and sweet garnish that will take your salads to the next level. There are purple varieties that add extra color too!

Broccoli – Looks and tastes very different from the mature vegetable, with a spicy flavor that is great for salads. Takes seven days to harvest.

Sunflower – These microgreens have a rich, nutty taste rather like raw sunflower seeds, and a crunchy texture. However, they don’t do well in a hydroponic setup, so you’ll need to grow the seeds in soil.

What are the benefits of growing microgreens?

Growing microgreens is a quick and easy way to grow nutritious plants in a limited space. You can grow nutrient-packed sprouts on your kitchen countertop even if you live in a small apartment!

They’re also incredibly fast-growing. Depending on the plant you choose, microgreens can be harvested just one to two weeks after planting.

Microgreens can be used to garnish a variety of dishes.

Microgreens are beloved by chefs and foodies, thanks to their unique flavors. They’re a great way to add interest to your dishes through their unique textures and vibrant colors.

Add to this their high nutritional content and the fact you’ll be able to grow your own food, microgreens are an excellent way to tip your toe in the water of food cultivation, and may encourage you to set up your own veggie patch or similar.

How do I grow microgreens at home?

You can set up your own microgreens system, but there’s no doubt that having a kit is the easiest way to get started with your own mini farm at home.

There are many options when it comes to designs and features, so here’s what to look for when buying a microgreens kit.

Size and dimensions

For a decent-sized container that will give you plenty of space to grow your microgreens, you should look for a kit that is around 16 inches by eight inches. You also need to consider where you’re planning to put it and how much space you have.

If you’re really short on space, look for two-layered kits like the Garden’s Alive Seed Sprouter Kit.

Some kits are designed for growing in bulk or for a continual supply, with multiple growing trays and grow mats, like the Mountain Valley Seed Co. Self Watering Microgreens Growing Kit. However, you’ll need to balance this benefit with the amount of space you have.

How it works

Most microgreens growing kits work using either soil or hydroponics. There are also some kits with other growing methods, such as a jar with a mesh top.

Generally, soil is more mess and hassle, but some people argue that you get a better yield of microgreens when using this method. On the other hand, self-watering hydroponic systems are extremely low maintenance.

Fertilizer requirements

Ideally, when you buy a microgreens starter kit, everything you need to grow your own crops should be included in the kit.

Some kits come with plant food, while others don’t need fertilizer at all. However, the important thing to check is that you don’t need to buy anything else.

Self-watering or not

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance kit that requires minimal watering, self-watering kits are your best bet. Typically, these setups only need to be watered once a week or once per harvest, like the HAMAMA Home Microgreens Growing Kit.

Other features

Some kits come with lights which are handy if you don’t have somewhere with adequate sunlight to put your microgreens. If this is the case, look for a kit with LED lights, or you can also buy a grow light separately.

HitLights LED Grow Lights

However, this is not necessary if you can put your planter tray somewhere that gets four to six hours of sun a day. You can also put them on your patio or balcony every day, though this is also more work!

Seeds included

Most microgreens starter kits come with seeds, though not all do. The majority of kits come with one or two different types of seeds, though the Mountain Valley Seed Co. Self Watering Microgreens Growing Kit comes with no less than six different types!

It’s also important to consider what you’ll do when you use all of the initial seeds included with the kit. Check whether the manufacturer sells seed refills, though you can also buy microgreen seeds or seed mixes online.

Sustainable Sprout Microgreens Seeds Kit

Final thoughts

Our top pick for the best microgreen growing kit is the Window Garden Microgreens Grow Kit. This kit gives you everything you need to grow a range of different microgreens, wrapped up in a sleek, clear design.

Our other favorites include the space-saving Garden’s Alive Seed Sprouter Kit, high-tech Ingarden Superfood Microgreens Growing Kit, and incredibly low-maintenance HAMAMA Home Microgreens Growing Kit.

If you’re interested in sustainable lifestyle habits, take a look at our guide to the best palm oil-free produ c ts and how to recycle K-cups.

6 Tips for Building an Energy Efficient Home on a Budget

Lisa Marlin — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 14:54:53 +0000

There are plenty of ways to not only build an energy efficient home on a budget without breaking the bank, but many of these tactics will also help you to save money over the long term. Read on to explore the possibilities in this in-depth guide to building an energy efficient home on a budget – as well as top tips for cutting costs in your current home!

Tips for building an energy efficient home on a budget

The advantage of building your home from the ground up is that it gives you the opportunity to get things right from the start! Follow these tips to make your new home as energy-efficient as possible while saving your pennies now and into the future.

1. Consider solar or wind energy

Setting up your own renewable sources of energy for your home is a great way to reduce or eliminate the energy you take from the power grid. It’s now relatively easy (and affordable) to create your own.

Building your own solar or wind-powered system does involve an initial investment, however, this is actually a cheaper option than relying on the power grid over the long term. Both solar panels and wind turbines will more than pay for themselves over the long term in what you’ll save on your power bills.

In fact, solar energy was named the cheapest form of electricity ever created by the International Energy Agency in their 2020 Outlook. Not to mention that you’ll be helping to save the planet too!

You can save on installation costs by building your own DIY solar system to power your home. Furthermore, solar panels and other associated materials are cheaper than ever: thanks to advances in solar technology, photovoltaic (PV) panels reduced in price by 90% from 2010 to 2019, and are expected to get even cheaper this decade.

If you’re seriously considering building an energy efficient home on a budget, or you’re looking to cut costs and be more green with your energy – check out our guide. You can learn more about solar and wind energy to decide which is the best solution for your home with our comparison of solar and wind energy.

2. Consider geothermal heating and cooling

Geothermal heating and cooling is another type of renewable energy that you can use to make your house more energy efficient while saving some cash. Residential geothermal HVAC systems tap into the sun’s radiant energy that is absorbed by and stored in the ground around your home.

In this way, geothermal energy is another form of solar power, conveniently stored for you nearby until you need it! Domestic geothermal systems have a network of pipes laid below the frost line – typically four to six feet underground – where temperatures stay consistently at around 50℉ year-round.

These pipes are filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze, or refrigerant, which circulates between your house and the ground around it. The liquid absorbs the heat from the earth and carries it instead to heat your home. In some cases, this heat is also used to generate domestic hot water.

In summer, the system can work in the opposite way to disperse heat by carrying it from your home and releasing it into the cooler temperatures underground.

Source: EIA
Source: U.S. Department of Energy

These systems can either be closed loop, meaning the same liquid travels around a continuous loop, or open loop, where heat moves from supply groundwater or well water in a once-through path that is then discharged.

Like solar and wind systems, the initial investment you make in a residential geothermal system will repay itself many times over in the long run. The system should pay for itself within 2-7 years, and after that, you’ll essentially enjoy free heating and cooling, with efficiencies of up to 600%!

3. Build with recycled & renewable materials

Traditional building materials take large amounts of energy to produce. For example, one square meter of concrete needs 2775 MJ of energy to create, which mostly comes from burning oil.

Reusing and recycling existing materials, such as salvaged tiles, bricks, and masonry reclaimed from demolished buildings, has little to no carbon footprint. There is a range of other recycled building materials which are much more energy-efficient to produce than regular materials, as well as helping to reduce global waste.

Examples of recycled building materials include:

Reclaimed wood from old felled logs, train tracks, utility poles, shipyards, or bridges
Kitchen countertops made from recycled glass
Roof shingles made from old car tires or recycled asphalt
Steel rebar formed from scrap metal

Locally-sourced materials are also inherently more energy-efficient, as they required much less energy transport to your building site. Look for materials produced in your local area, whether it is wood, bricks, ceramics, or stone, and try to incorporate them into your design.

Additionally, local construction materials are often more affordable than expensive imported materials, so that’s an added bonus for you!

4. Invest in decent insulation

Insulation also plays an important role in making buildings more energy efficient. Good insulation will protect your house against fluctuations in temperatures, keeping a significant amount of the heat or cold inside and stopping it from dispersing outside.

Insulation will also make your home quieter by insulating it from outside noise.

Sheep’s wool eco friendly insulation from Havelock Wool

Like other items on this list, decent insulation will involve a higher upfront investment, but energy savings make it more cost-effective in the long run. If you want to have an energy-efficient home, you need sufficient, good-quality insulation in your ceilings, walls, and floors.

Many conventional forms of insulation are not sustainable because they’re made from fossil fuel-derived plastics such as fiberglass and polystyrene.

However, there are a number of eco-friendly options, including:

Sheep’s wool insulation is a 100% all-natural, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable form of insulation. Not only is wool a high-effective insulator, it also stores humidity and releases it back into the air when ambient humidity drops, helping to regulate humidity levels in your home. It even acts as an air filter, absorbing several harmful chemicals that can be found indoors!

Cork, a natural material that literally grows on trees, and can be sustainably harvested and manufactured in a carbon-negative process. It is also an equal or better insulator than most fossil fuel-derived types of insulation, long-lasting, and very fire-resistant.

Hemp is a sustainable material with a range of uses, including insulation. This hardy plant is fast-growing, requiring little water and no pesticides for cultivation. Unfortunately, most hemp insulation available today contains polyester – up to 40% in some brands – meaning that it is not biodegradable or truly sustainable. However, hemp has great potential for eco-friendly insulation, just watch out for the polyester content.

Cellulose insulation is typically made with around 80% post-consumer newspaper, making it a mostly recycled product. It is an effective insulator that is combined with non-toxic borate – a natural repellent to insects and rodents. Blown-in cellulose is also available, which can be retrofitted to existing homes without needing to remove the walls.

These types of eco-friendly insulation will allow you to slash the amount of energy you need to heat and cool your home while being kind to the environment (great for building an energy efficient home on a budget, but also for cutting energy costs in your current home).

These kinds of insulation are also free from toxins, unlike conventional forms, which commonly contain chemicals like isocyanate, formaldehyde, and hexabromocyclododecane, which have been linked to hormonal disruption and could be harmful to your family’s health.

Summary table of the eco-friendly insulation commercially available in 2021

It’s important to note that not all types of eco-friendly insulation are suitable for all climates and conditions, so make sure to do a bit of research before making a final decision.

5. Consider a prefab home or an Earthship

Prefab (prefabricated) homes are an easy way to build an energy-efficient home on a budget. The best eco-friendly prefab homes incorporate eco-insulation which will help to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter, minimizing the amount of energy you use for heating and cooling.

Prefab home from Bensonwood
Source: Bensonwood

Additionally, the building process for prefab homes is more efficient: they are partially pre-built on a large scale in a factory, allowing for the most efficient use of energy and materials. Because all components are transported and delivered at the same time, they also use less energy for transport of materials.

All this makes them more energy-efficient to construct and transport, and so the building process is more energy-efficient, as well as being an affordable option.

If you want a truly eco-friendly building, you could consider an Earthship home. These are very specific types of houses that incorporate sustainability into every aspect of design and construction, including a number of strategies that make them extremely energy efficient.

Along with solar energy systems, Earthship homes also make use of passive solar. For example, these houses can have windows that are situated in the ideal position to use the sun’s energy to generate heat in winter.

An Earthship home with large windows that allow maximum sunlight into the house.
Source: Wikimedia / Twolking

Earthships also make use of the earth’s natural thermal energy for heating and cooling, making them very energy efficient. They have thick, dense walls built from high-mass materials.

This not only keeps internal temperatures stable but additionally, these high-mass materials absorb heat in warm weather and radiate it back into the house on cold days. Finally, Earthships use a range of innovative and sustainable insulation solutions, such as old tires pounded with dirt, to minimize the energy needed for heating and cooling.

Though the cost of building an Earthship can vary, these structures are highly customizable, giving you a lot of control over the budget and helping you to keep costs down.

6. Consider your home’s dimensions, orientation and positioning

The design of your house can make a big difference to how energy efficient it is. Planning for the most energy-efficient size, orientation, and positioning can have a big impact without breaking your budget.

Build upwards

The first thing you can do to improve energy efficiency is to build upwards. Multi-storey homes have less surface area per volume compared to single-storey builds with the same square footage.

The lower surface area means less opportunity for hot or cold air to escape, meaning they need less energy for heating and cooling. Building upwards also shortens the length of plumbing and duct runs, making these systems more efficient, while reducing the footprint of the home and therefore two of the largest costs involved in building: the roof and the foundation.

Position your home well

Equally, positioning and orientation can make a big difference to the energy efficiency of your home. Orientating the longest side of your home to face south will give you maximum sunlight in winter, reducing the amount of energy you need to spend on heating.

At the same time, taking the slope of your plot into consideration can greatly reduce the costs of building. Laying a foundation on a slope is much more expensive than on level ground, so pick a level spot if possible, otherwise use a vertical design that is built into the slope.

It’s also important to think about the roofline – you should have an overhang that is the right length to shield your windows from the summer sun, while catching the winter sun which sits at a lower angle.

Keep it simple

Choosing simplicity over complexity will also help you to make your build as affordable as possible. A simple layout with minimalist rooflines is far cheaper, easier, and quicker to build than complex designs and features.

Extra design touches may be ornamental, but if they don’t have any function they’re frankly a waste of money. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style: a good simple design can be not only practical but also visually stunning!

Building an energy efficient home on a budget is definitely possible

From using the right kind of insulation to orientating your house in the best direction, there are plenty of tactics to help you with building an energy efficient home on a budget. Adopting solar or wind power and geothermal heating can also allow you to slash the amount of energy you use to heat or cool your home.

You could even reconsider the type of construction itself, and go for a super energy-efficient prefab or Earthship home!

If you want to learn more about eco-friendly building practices, check out our guides to sustainable house design and recycled building materials.

The Best Solar Pool Covers For 2025

John McCloy — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 19:15:13 +0000

As winter starts to turn into spring and the sun starts to show its face again, it’s not uncommon for our eyes to start straying to the pool that’s been languishing under a cover for the past few months.

The more daring among us will already know that nothing sharpens your desire for a heated pool than jumping into an unheated pool early in the year, or just in a colder climate.

But before you write off your pool entirely until midsummer, we have good news for you! You can add a little warmth to that water, and extend the working life of your pool, with just the power of the sun.

Want to know how? Well, read on!

The issue with solar pool rings

On the surface of it, solar pool rings seem like the best way to harness the power of solar energy to heat your pool. In a perfect world, these easy-to-use colored vinyl rings can just be floated on the surface of your pool and will trap the heat from the sun in the water below.

Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, they just don’t work.

The average Olympic swimming pool holds around 2.5 million liters of water. Now admittedly, most of us don’t have an Olympic swimming pool in the backyard, but even 25% of that is close to 600,000 liters of water.

The amount of energy needed to raise that amount of water by even a degree is far beyond the ability of a series of vinyl rings that cost less than $50.

With that in mind, you might be surprised to see us including solar sun rings in our reviews below. We’ve chosen to include them for two reasons.

Firstly, they are a solar heating option and we want to present the broadest possible range of options, and secondly, there are some smaller edge cases in which they can work, like smaller children’s pools.

However, while we might have included them for the sake of completeness. We certainly don’t recommend them.

The best solar heating options for your pool

There aren’t many solar heating options for your pool. But, the three best ones are:

1. Solar Sun Solar Pool Rings

So, as we’ve already mentioned solar rings aren’t a fantastic option. But, they are a low-cost option and they do work in smaller pools. You can buy them for around $60.

For our money, the Solar Sun Rings are probably the best on the market. Constructed from two layers of U.V. resistant vinyl, they trap the heat from the sun and transmit it into the water.

What makes the Solar Sun Rings stand out from their competitors is its durable U.V. resistant vinyl construction and its unique magnetic closure system. This system ensures that the rings are securely closed and that they won’t come loose when stored away and won’t immediately fly off your pool if the wind picks up.

What we like:

Good value – The Solar Sun Rings are good value. They are one of the least expensive pool heating options on the market and they do work in smaller pools.
Durable – They are made from durable U.V. resistant vinyl and have a unique magnetic closure system.

What we don’t like:

Not super effective – These are inexpensive passive solar heating rings. So don’t expect them to be anywhere near as effective as using a pool heater.

Overall, the Solar Sun Rings are the best option when it comes to solar rings, they’re inexpensive and durable, just don’t expect miracles from them.

2. Sun2Solar Blue Rectangle Solar Cover

Blanket-style solar covers work by trapping the sun’s heat and then transferring it to the pool water.

These solar covers are made of a thick, durable material that is designed to last for years. They also have a blue top surface which helps to increase the amount of heat that is trapped.

They also reduce evaporation, which cuts down on the amount of water you have to pump into your pool, and they keep the pool cleaner by trapping dirt and debris.

The only downside to blanket-style solar covers is that they can be a bit of a pain to put on and take off.

The Sun2Solar cover is a film of thousands of tiny air-filled bubbles that work together to create an insulating layer.

This cover is lightweight so is easy to install and remove and won’t sag in the center. Plus, the Sun2Solar cover comes in a variety of sizes to fit any type of pool.

If you’re looking for an easy way to heat your pool and keep it clean, a solar blanket cover like the Sun2Solar is the way to go.

What we like:

Easier to install – Lightweight and reasonably easy to install/remove.
Multi-size – Comes in a variety of sizes.

What we don’t like:

A little clunky – Can be a bit of a pain to put on and take off, which doesn’t make it that much different from other models and it’s easier to use because of its lighter weight.

More effective and more utilitarian than solar circles, the Sun2Solar solar cover is a great way to heat your pool by a small amount and keep it clean.

3. Noair Heat Squares

Threading the gap between a solar circle and the full solar cover is the Noair Heat Squares. These are basically smaller square covers that join together to make a larger one, and they work in a similar way to the solar rings.

While this might seem a little redundant, it does have a few interesting benefits. Firstly, one of the dangers of a pool cover is that you can get trapped in it and drown. These squares make it much harder to do so.

Secondly, they’re easier to move around and fit into smaller spaces than the circles are. And finally, they’re great if you have an oddly shaped pool that isn’t a square or a rectangle, as you can tile these squares into just about any shape.

Made from durable heavy-duty vinyl, they also have the exclusive No-Lift-Lip to keep the squares from blowing away in windy areas

What we like:

Durable – The squares are very durable and heavy-duty.
Won’t fly away – They have the exclusive No-Lift-Lip to keep them from blowing away in windy areas.
Good for asymmetrical pools – The squares are easy to move around and fit into smaller spaces.

What we don’t like:

Difficult to store – The squares do not fold up easily and don’t have the magnetic closure system of the Solar Sun Rings.

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly way to heat your pool by a small amount and keep it clean, the Noair Heat Squares are a good choice, especially if you have an oddly shaped pool.