Green Living Today

Compost - Black Gold!

Choosing to live green does not have to involve spending lots of money to transform your home into a more eco-friendly place.  In fact, it can take just a  little time, effort and money to improve energy efficiency. By doing that, you will lessen both your energy expenditures and carbon footprints.

Are you ready to begin the path that will lead you to an environmentally conscious home?  Here are 10 do-it-yourself budget-conscious projects.

1. Reduce Water Waste – There are many ways to reduce water consumption in your home without sacrificing your comforts.  First, taking showers instead of tub baths will not only save water, but will also save on heating costs.  Second, add a 2-liter water-filled bottle into an old toilet’s water tank to reduce the amount of water used with every flush.  Third, instead of letting the water run, use a glass for brushing your teeth.  Every little drop of water helps!

2. Replace Your Incandescent Bulbs – Fluorescent bulbs light your home just as well as incandescent bulbs.  So replace those incandescent ones today.  Plus, with the new bulbs, you will enjoy the benefits of 75 percent less energy consumption as well as having a bulb which last 10 times longer.

3. Install A Programmable Thermostat – This will save on energy costs simply because you can program the thermostat to reflect your immediate needs for heating and cooling energy.  This is great, especially if no one is at home all day.  Plus, the energy-saving features of a programmable thermostat will add up quickly to replace the cost of the new thermostat.

4. Install Eco-Friendly Faucets and Showerheads – Low-flow faucets and showerheads will save water. That means savings on your utility bill.  Showerheads are easy to install so be sure to at least do that much.  Replacing your old faucets for a cost will pay for itself.

5. Take up Gardening – Gardening means you can grow your own organic food while lessening your carbon footprint.  Plus, a nice little garden will give you some extra exercise as well as the reward of your accomplishment when you are enjoying your home grown foods.

6. Check out Eco-Friendly Insulation – You can apply organic insulation such as recycled denim, recycled cellulose fiber and even soy materials.  You can revamp windows by using double panes or embracing the use of well applied weather stripping.  All of these options will reduce energy costs while ensuring that you are comfortable in your home.

7. Opt for Low-VOC Products – When undertaking a DIY project involving paint, stains and other chemical substances, opt for the low-VOC products.  Ask the salesperson for assistance, do your research and just take the time to read labels.

8. Make Your Own Organic Home Products – In the same vein as growing your own food,  you can lessen your consumption of the Earth’s resources, as well as your grocery bill, by making your own products for you home.  For example, look into homemade oral hygiene and home cleaning products using common ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.

9. Composting – You need only a vacant portion of the backyard to make your own compost.  Using composted materials does wonders for your garden while reducing your dependence on synthetic fertilizers.

10. Solar Power – Solar panels for use in water and house heating are great ways to save energy.  Today, many DIY solar panel kits exist.  And you can off set your costs by applying for tax rebates and financial assistance.  Or you can follow the example of Ma Yanjun, a Chinese farmer, who used interconnected beer bottles to harness solar power.

It might take a little ingenuity along with your concern for the environment, but you can learn to live as green as possible while reducing your energy expenses.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.