Can you imagine a world where every home is powered by the sun, trash is turned into fertilizer (which is used to grow produce), and every raindrop waters the yard? Believe it or not, this can be done today. Going green is easier than ever before, and the impact that it makes on the environment (not to mention your wallet) is nothing to laugh at.
Here are a few things you can do to make your home more green:
Enroll in Online Statements
Most utility providers, financial institutions, and cable companies offer the option to receive online statements as opposed to printed statements. By logging onto the company’s site and changing your preferences, you’ll not only reduce paper consumption but also unclog your mailbox (which, I’m guessing, is full of junk mail). By opting out of unsolicited commercial mail, credit card offers and insurance offers, you’ll further reduce your paper footprint and stress levels- check out the Federal Trade Commission’s tips on getting off of those lists.
Avoid VOC Products
If you’re a fan of the ‘fresh paint’ or ‘new carpet’ smells, this tip might not be for you- those smells are from the evaporation of chemicals from the material, which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds may affect your central nervous system and respiratory tract, so to avoid taking them into your system, be sure to open your doors and windows and run fans as much as possible after moving into a brand new home or remodeling with VOC materials.
Switch to LED Lights
12% of the average home’s energy bill goes towards lighting, so you might want to consider switching your light bulbs to LED (light emitting diode) and CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs, which use 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. Since these high-tech bulbs also last 10-25x longer than incandescent bulbs, fewer will end up in a landfill over the long run.
Create a Recycling and Compost Station
Most cities now pick up and process recyclable material, several of which also pick up compostable food material and yard waste. With that said, you probably won’t recycle or compost if you don’t make it easy on yourself. By having bins for trash and recycling in every room (not just the kitchen) and an actual outdoor compost station, you’ll be much more inclined to take advantage of the available programs that’ll make a significant, positive impact on the environment.
Seal Gaps Around Doors and Windows
By closing the gaps around your windows and doors, you’ll accomplish two goals: reducing your monthly energy costs and lessening your carbon footprint. As a result of keeping warm air inside during the Winter, you won’t need to run the heat as much, and by keeping air conditioned air in your home in the Summer (let’s be honest, you’re going to have to use air conditioning at some point in July), you won’t need to pump run the AC at full-throttle throughout the day.
Source: Redfin