Six Ways to Make a Home Eco-Friendly
- Running a home takes quite a bit of energy. Instead of continuing to pull all the juice your home requires right from the power grid, give some alternatives a try. Have solar panels installed on your roof or, if you are out in the country, purchase a residential wind turbine to capture the power created by this force of nature. While having these items installed will likely prove costly initially, you will save money in the long run as well as reduce your personal carbon footprint.
- Replace the standard shower heads and toilets in your home with more eco-friendly low-flow options. With these specially designed bathroom features installed in your space, you can substantially cut down on the amount of water you use unnecessarily, a change that will also have a positive impact on your water bill, leaving more money in your pocket each month.
- Many paper products make things highly convenient, but they don't do great things for the environment. Instead of going through rolls of paper towels or giving your kids napkins to wipe their hands, use rags and cloth napkins. Replace your magazine subscriptions with e-subscriptions, downloading these publications onto e-readers instead of bringing wasteful paper versions into your home.
- Make recycling the rule within your home, throwing as little as possible into the trash. To assist individuals within your home in recycling with ease, create a recycling station in your garage. Place a different bin for each recyclable, making for fast sorting and leaving reluctant recyclers no excuse not to engage in the practice.
- If your home lacks insulation, you could be leaking energy like a sieve. Replace the out-of-shape insulation in your home, keeping the climate-controlled air within your space in and the outdoor heat or cold out. Check your windows as well, replacing any that are leaking air with an EPA-approved window.
- Conscientious consumers can now purchase energy efficient appliances with ease simply by looking for the Energy Star label. The EPA approves appliances that meet a stringent set of green requirements as Energy Star models. As you replace old appliances, look specifically for options bearing this label to green your home.