Easy ways to “Green Up” Your Home
Want to be part of the conservation efforts and sustainability efforts in the world? Here are some quick tips:
Start with appliances that are not in use. These can utilize up to 70% of your energy bill. They continue to use electricity even when not in use. The best way to combat that is to use power strips as much as possible and then you can unplug a bunch of things at one time. They can use these for cell phones, lap tops, coffee makers, toasters, etc.
The obvious; switch out those old light bulbs for the new compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL’S) which are about 4 times more efficient that the traditional Incan -descent bulbs. They also can last up to 10 times longer.
Check out those dual flush toilets. These toilets have two buttons, each dispersing two separate amounts of water. These can save up to 65% of water used daily by a traditional toilet. These toilets can cost anywhere from $160-$400.
Caulking windows and insulating can be huge energy savers as well. Make sure the caulking material you use is conducive to the material your are applying it to. Talk with home experts regarding proper insulation type and installation. Payback on these two items alone can sometimes be seen in the first two years of installation.
Keep your furnace filters clean and use a programmable thermostat. Have your furnace serviced at regular intervals; maybe a new one is in order.
Consider Bamboo as alternative for flooring. It’s environmentally friendly due to the fast rate at which it replenishes itself. It takes about 5 years or so to mature compare to 35-100 years for hardwoods. Again, make sure the glue you use is not formaldehyde- based.
Reduce your plastic usage. They have a huge environmental impact from the minute they are made to when they are tossed or recycled at best. Help combat global warming. Get your own grocery bags or if you are only getting one or two items at the grocery store ask NOT to get it in a bag.
Save those trees. Use less paper and be conscious of the paper you do use. Remove yourself from junk mail lists or recycle that mail you toss. You can contact optoutprescreen.com or call 888-567-8688 to opt out of insurance or credit cards offers.
Another resource for recycling would be your city’s website for local information. A resource for junk mail is Direct Marketing Assoc. Mail Preference Service. P.O.Box 643, Carmel NY 10512. Write to them and sign up to opt out of most junk mail lists. It’s a start. It might take a little of your time but consider that we are tossing approx. 4.5 million tons of this away each year.
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