"Going green" means living in a way that's environmentally friendly.
It uses less water, less electricity, and less fuel, conserving natural
resources while protecting the environment. It also saves money on
utility bills, which is something all homeowners can appreciate. From
simple to elaborate, here are a few ways to green your house and
property.
Focus On the Light
Replacing your most-used light bulbs with CFLs will lower your
electric bill while producing less heat and lasting longer than your
incandescent bulbs.
While you're at it, consider adding dimmer switches, motion sensors,
and timers for when you're away from home in the evening. Also, keep
your light bulbs clean: Dirt and grease coats the bulbs and not only
reduces the available light, but causes the bulb to burn out sooner.
Mix Your Own Cleaners
Many commercial cleaning products contain bleach and other harsh
chemicals. Switch to natural products and solutions you mix up yourself.
Clean up hard water deposits with vinegar, for instance, or use it to
wash your windows. White vinegar mixed with hydrogen peroxide also
sanitizes countertops (killing 99 percent of E. coli).
Go Low-Flow
Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators (the tip that screws on to
the nozzle) cost little and can save about half the water without
sacrificing water pressure. Low-flow toilets are another option. Look
for a water-saving toilet displaying the WaterSense label.
Alternatively, fill a 2-liter bottle with water and drop it in the
toilet tank to displace some of the water. This will force the toilet to
use less water per flush.
If you're in the market for a new water heater, consider choosing a
tankless water heater. It allows you to use the same amount of water,
but it heats the water only when it's needed, so you save a lot of
energy. Wrapping a conventional (tank-based) water heater with a special
insulation and insulating all the hot-water pipes also conserves
energy.
Spread the Greenery
To really green your house and property, visit your local plant and
tree nursery. Outdoors, shade trees not only cut your cooling costs (up
to 25 percent), but in the winter, trees and shrubs also break the wind
and affect your heating costs. Inside, plants not only make a home feel
more comfortable, they also help purify the air and produce oxygen.
Reduce VOCs
Indoors and out, you're surrounded by volatile organic compounds.
VOCs are any carbon-containing substance that "off-gasses" (meaning it
becomes a vapor, or evaporates) at room temperature. VOCs pose a
significant health hazard. Paints, varnishes, cigarette smoke,
pesticides, gasoline and other fuels, various glues and adhesives,
cosmetic products, automotive exhaust, even cleaning products are but a
few of the items that contain VOCs. When painting, look for low VOC
paints, particularly those featuring the Green Seal.
Look for the Energy Star Logo
Getting rid of old appliances and upgrading to new, energy-efficient
models can save you a significant amount of money. The EPA suggests
replacing any appliance older than 10 years. Select models displaying
the Energy Star logo to ensure energy efficiency.
Plant a Garden
Gardening can be a soothing activity, but this project also ensures
you have healthy food. Home-grown food costs drastically less, enhances
the outdoor environment, and reduces the environmental impact of
commercially-bought food. Even if you have a small property, you can use
containers and hanging devices to maximize your growing space.
Reduce Your Need for Paper
Register for paperless billing with utility and finance companies,
and stop getting as much unsolicited mail as possible. The Federal Trade
Commission offers a guide on how to "just say no" to junk mail.
Use Reclaimed Wood
Have a DIY project needing wood? "Used" wood is environmentally
friendly and creates a beautiful look. Salvaged lumber can be used
anywhere regular wood is used. You can even get creative and build a
fence with wood pallets, for instance.
Move the Air
Insulating and sealing your home is critical. Another simple project
to lower your heating and cooling costs is installing ceiling fans. In
the winter, set the rotation to push warm air downward; in the summer,
switch the blade rotation to draw warm air up instead. Moving air makes
it feel cooler in the summer as well, allowing you to keep the
thermostat a little higher.
As you green your home and lifestyle, be on the lookout for
additional incentives. You may be eligible for tax benefits for some
energy-saving projects. Going green doesn't have to be expensive, and
it's always rewarding.
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