Everyone talks about spring cleaning this time of year but on this Earth Day, I want to talk about spring greening. I’m talking about ways to make your home a little more green or eco-friendly.
Treating your house more like a living breathing organism is healthier for you, your children and your pets and it’s a bonus it’s good for the environment! My husband and I incorporate sustainability practices in our renovations as much as the environment and the home will allow.
Making your home more green doesn’t require a grand gesture like installing solar panels (although I highly recommend them if the situation is right) or a metal roof (We always use a metal roof in our homes). There are plenty of simple ways you can go greener.
UPGRADING SYSTEMS:
When you are ready to upgrade a system of some sort in your home like a water heater, consider an energy efficient energy saving system first. ‘Green’ systems will cost more in the beginning but will start to pay you back immediately.
GEAR UP:
Smart meters are a great way to conserve energy and decrease energy bills. They allow you to program your heating/cooling unit to only run at certain times. Energy efficient light bulbs are another good idea. Consider a low-flow shower head in your bathroom which can save up to 160,000 liters of water for a family of four! That’s some serious conservation!
INSULATE:
Good insulation helps ensure that you aren’t using more energy than you need. Walk around your house to see where you might be able to add a little extra help in this area. Seal air leaks around pipes (seeing daylight is a sign), put weather stripping around a door, make sure attic and craw spaces are insulated.
COMPOST:
It doesn’t take much to put a compost bin in your garden and fill it with any food waste. Also, rake up any leaves left from last fall that may have accumulated around your house. They make great additions to your garden soil.
Going green doesn’t cost as much money as you might think. Even small changes make a big difference. For instance, instead of putting grass all over your yard consider more edible landscaping options. Recycling is a no brainer! You don’t even have to take the stuff anywhere, people pick it up for you! Another small change is to start using natural cleaning products so you limit the amount of harmful chemicals you put into the air (and your lungs!).
My love for this environment goes all the way back to my days in the US Coast Guard. It is a way of life I hold dear. So here’s to Pachamama (Earth Mother), a salute on this Earth Day!
