Your family and our world can benefit greatly when you “go green” as the resources saved can be used in better and more efficient ways. Whether its reducing water, electricity, trash or more, making your home green doesn’t take much time, effort or money, but can make a huge positive impact! Here are seven ways that you can make your house more “green”:
1) Go tankless. If your standard water heater is still going strong, turn it down a few degrees to 105 and insulate it with a water heater wrap. But when you get ready to replace it, opt for a tankless one. It heats water only when you need it and lasts nearly twice that of standard water heaters. Though pricey, many states still offer rebates and incentives when you purchase one.
2) Slow down the water flow. Install low-flow shower heads as, according to the EPA, showering accounts for almost a fifth of indoor water usage. Low-flow shower heads restrict water flow but if you can’t give up your standard shower head, try one that automatically turns off after the water warms up so you aren’t wasting water before you get into the shower.
3) Start a compost pile. You can use composted food scraps to make fertilizer for your home garden and flowerbeds. Outside composting bins can cost upwards of $100 or you can find plenty of DIY options online. A tight-fitting lid is a must so that pests can’t get in, but when done correctly, there should rarely be a smell.
4) Be battery smart. Standard batteries end up in landfills where they can begin to decompose and contaminate soil and water. Purchase rechargeable ones when you can (the options and availability are getting better and better) and be sure to recycle and dispose of them properly if you need to use traditional ones.
5) Cut the paper usage. Unsubscribe to junk mail lists so the endless amounts that arrive each day don’t end up in your trash. Cut down your paper towel usage by using microfiber cloths instead. Companies like Norwex offer environmentally-friendly options that will also save you money in the long-run.
6) Let there be new light. Change out your light bulbs to LED or CFL lights, which use 75% less energy than standard light bulbs and last 10 to 25 times longer. Plus, incandescent light bulbs emit heat as they light, meaning your air conditioning ends up working harder too. Over the years, LEDs and CFLs have become more attractive, both in physical appearance and in the light they emit, so no matter what you need you should be able to find a “green” light bulb that meets your needs.
7) Cool down on a schedule. So much money and energy is wasted each day by air-conditioning cooling a house that no one is using. Instead, many of today’s smart thermostats, like the Nest, learn your preferences and automatically create a schedule for your home on ideal settings so that you are comfortable in your home while saving the maximum amount of time and energy.
Is your home a green home?