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How Close Are You To Having An Eco-Friendly Home?

May 24, 2021 0

An eco-friendly home can exist in many forms, depending on where you are in the world and how you’re currently managing your household. After all, it can seem a little expensive to go as green as possible, and when you’ve already got solar panels installed on the roof, how much further do you need to go? 

Well, there’s always another, small change you can make to keep your home the cozy and eco-friendly place it needs to be. We all have to do our bit to help the planet, and it’s often a lot more accessible to do so than you might think. And because of this fact, here are a few questions to ask about the green factor in your home right now. 

Are You Reducing Waste?

Waste is something every single house out there produces, but often enough, we produce too much. And if you’re constantly using paper and plastics within your home, you’re going to be contributing to this major tonnage. 

You want as many reusable things as possible; straws, bags, bottles, clothes, etc., and you’ll want to recycle more than you’ll want to contribute to landfill. Old furniture and electronics are two of the main reasons why garbage tips struggle to cope, so try to dispose of them at second hand shops, or see if there’s a local (or brand sponsored) recycling campaign for such items available. 

Are You Cutting Down on Your Bills?

Your bills are very much indicative of how much energy, gas, and water you’re using month by month. And because of this, it’s a good idea to work on cutting them down as far as you can. Using less means paying less, and when it comes to energy savings that have a positive impact on the planet around you, there’s plenty you can do. 

For example, you could work with a renewable only supplier, which’ll help to keep your carbon footprint down. You can also install LED bulbs in any lights around the home, which can also cut down your bill, and you can even try using a water tank to keep your home’s plumbing flushing through in a renewable manner too. 

Are You Growing Your Own Food?

Finally, if you’re someone who has ample space in their garden, or even just a couple of window boxes to make use of, you can try your hand at growing your own food. It’s a lot easier than you’ve been led to believe!

After all, when given the right conditions to grow in, plants can mostly take care of themselves. And seeing as vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, peas, and leafy greens will shoot up with just a bit of soil, you’ve got the chance of pulling in a fine harvest once the summer rolls around. 

An eco-friendly home doesn’t have to be perfect, but you’ll certainly have to try and make some green changes. So, cut down on your bills, try your hand at gardening, and throw less away.

Tips For Lowering Your Home’s Energy and Water Usage

May 24, 2021 0

Your home’s energy bill continues to rise to the degree of you exploring green living options. How can you make your home more energy-efficient without paying thousands for upgrades? Consider these tips for lowering your home’s energy and water usage.

Get Regular HVAC Maintenance

Your home’s efficiency begins with proper maintenance, which is critical to improving airflow throughout the home. Simply replacing your air filters every three to six months can reduce the air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

It is also a good idea to have your HVAC system evaluated by a professional at least once per year. A certified specialist can give you a complete health report that tells you which components need to be changed. A report will also tell you how long you have until you need to replace the system entirely.

Make Improvements Outdoors

An energy-efficient roof is a great way to promote green living in your home. A green roof absorbs the heat from the sun to keep the residence warm during the winter months. Green roofs also help deflect excess sunlight that could lead to hotter days indoors during the summer months.

You may also consider using solar lighting outdoors. This option is affordable and can be controlled with motion sensors, which extend the lifetime of the system.

Solar panels are a great way to reduce energy costs as well. Many who choose solar paneling find themselves saving hundreds, or even thousands, on electric bills. It is even estimated that consumers and businesses can save as much as $20,000 per year on utility bills by going with solar panels.

Consider A Low Flow Toilet

Did you know that flushing the toilet is responsible for about 38% of your home’s water usage? Your water bill rises to even higher amounts if, like many families in the United States, you have more than one bathroom in the home.

Converting existing toilets to low-flow lavatories can save anywhere from two to five gallons per flush. You may also consider replacing your shower head while also fixing leaking faucets to further reduce your water bill.

Adjust Your Furniture

Placing your sofa underneath the vent is a good idea when you plan to watch television for hours. You may find yourself in a dilemma, however, when you move about your home while enjoying air conditioning or heat.

Rearranging your furniture is a good way to improve airflow and help lower your electric bill. You are more inclined to change the temperature on your thermostat when you feel like the home is not getting enough circulation. The reality, however, is that your sofa is probably consuming more energy by being in the direct path of the air.

Consider moving your big furniture items away from the vents. It may even be a good idea to leave the area in the path of vents open completely, so the air has full reign to flow through the home.

Consider Renovations With Good ROIs

The majority of Americans, about 61%, will choose to renovate a home instead of moving out entirely. Choosing improvements that contribute to better energy efficiency is a great way to tackle the problem of high electric bills.

Consider replacing single-pane windows with double or triple-pane windows. This improvement keeps the air flowing from the HVAC system inside the home.

You can also consider implementing tailored energy management solutions for your home that can help monitor and optimize usage in real time, making it easier to reduce waste and lower utility costs.

Also, make certain to insulate your living space and the home’s attic with durable weather stripping. Sealing openings with caulk is also a great way to insulate for better energy efficiency.

Green living works to save the planet and money on your utility bills. Use these tips to make your home more efficient.

Living Sustainably and Healthily with Your Garden

May 10, 2021 0

Many people would attest to the many benefits gardening has on one’s mental and physical health. There is no denying the peace that comes with being able to nurture a plant from its earliest days up until it’s time for harvesting. Gardening also comes in various shapes and forms; it can merely be a hobby you like to invest some time in after a stressful day at the office, or it can even be a means of putting food on the table. Growing your own vegetable garden can offer a means of providing food for your family and saving on costs while doing so, as well as stir up a passion for producing fresh products and doing your part for the environment.

If you would like to cultivate your own vegetable garden but aren’t sure where to start, try doing some research on what fruits and vegetables you can start off with that require minimal space and offer substantial produce – this can kick-start your gardening journey and also provide you with significant rewards within a short period of time. Gardening may also motivate you even further to help lessen the effects we humans have on the environment. There are also many health benefits associated with gardening that make it even more worthwhile, providing a win-win situation for you and your outdoor sanctuary. Have a look down below at some of these health benefits that explain why gardening is a must for any person looking to live a healthy and positive life.

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Infographic Designed By Trim That Weed<>

Eco-Friendly Ideas For Your New Place

May 6, 2021 0

Why is it important to create an eco-friendly home? Nationwide, household energy consumption accounts for 20% of all emissions. Further, ‘If you consider indirect emissions, this figure is closer to 80%,’ PBS reports.

Simply put, these figures are not good. Thankfully, there are simple things you can do around your home to improve its looks and do your part to lower your carbon footprint. Follow these eco-friendly tips to decorate your new home.

Keep Packing Materials

If you are renting, chances are you move somewhat frequently. In fact, one-third will move at least once per year. Whether you move annually or biannually, keep your packing materials on hand for the next time you move. This is especially important for fragile items, like decorations and glassware, that require extra packing materials to move.

If you move frequently, use reusable materials, like sheets, blankets, towels, cardboard boxes, and corrugated wrap roll made out of recycled paper. Some companies even rent eco-friendly plastic boxes for you to use during your move and return when you finish unpacking.

Spruce Up the Place with Sustainable Rugs

Area rugs, accent rugs, and runners can go a long way to spruce up any given space and make it truly feel like home. If you choose to go this route, make sure you choose sustainable rugs made out of natural fibers.

The average rug — up to 90% of all rugs — is machine-made in a factory. These mass-produced rugs contain petroleum-based synthetic fiber, and that chemical-based fiber releases potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Choose rugs made out of recycled plastic, jute, or seagrass instead.

Support Local Businesses

Buying local is always best. Small, local businesses are far more likely to use sustainable packaging materials and make as many of their products onsite as they can. That cuts down on exorbitant shipping costs and emissions.

Big box retailers and large, international companies, on the other hand, want to make production as economical as possible. That often means taking shortcuts, like using more packaging, cheaper packaging, and/or mass-producing products in factories overseas.

Buy your decor and household necessities from a small, local business. If you are unsure where to start, why not go for a drive? As many as 35% of customers find local businesses simply by seeing signs for them as they pass.

Purchase Indoor Plants

Indoor plants improve the appearance of your apartment or house while improving indoor air quality and boosting your mood as well. Ficus trees, spider plants, and Boston ferns are some of the most effective plant varieties when it comes to improving the air quality in your home.

Decorate with Art You Love

Art brings us joy. It is scientifically proven. In fact, a 2011 study out of the University of London showed that looking at a beloved painting is similar to looking at a loved one: it stimulates the blood flow in the parts of our brains responsible for joy and happiness by as much as 10%.

For guilt-free art in your home, search for artists that choose eco-friendly materials. More artists are using sustainable paints and recycled materials than in the past. Ask artists how they keep their work environmentally friendly.

Another option is to support local artists. Once again, local artists use fewer materials and produce fewer emissions than their large, commercial counterparts. Purchasing from a large retailer will involve shipping, which will entail using and supporting trucks that emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. You can purchase from local artists without any shipping involved at all. Simply visit a nearby gallery, art market, or art show.

Doing your part for the environment starts in your home. Make your new apartment or house look stylish and beautiful all the while keeping it eco-friendly and sustainable with the tips above.

How to Become More Eco-Friendly in Construction Projects

May 3, 2021 0

The United States has a market share of 10% of the global construction industry and this makes it the second-largest construction market in the world. Yet, it doesn’t stop there, because this market is continuously showing new growth.

In 2017, the solar market advanced by 29.3%. Additionally, worldwide nations were installing 98.9% of new capacity gigawatt power for solar purposes. Whether you want to invest in solar or rely on recycled goods for your construction project, there are plenty of ways to make it eco-friendly. Let’s take a look at a few strategies that will help make your construction project a bit greener.

Advancing Our Health and Safety

Green living and sustainability in construction implicate the manipulation of building materials that are friends to the environment. These materials include the use of paints and solvents that are non-toxic. This eco-friendliness is how recreational areas, offices, and homes are designed.

When a construction company uses toxic solvents or paint during conventional construction, it may result in many health complications. These include, respiratory, migraines, skin disorders and many other issues. The use of eco-friendly materials has proven to be beneficial over extended periods for everyone involved.

Enhancing Techniques for Demolition

Eco-friendly practices also affect how construction companies discard the old materials they are replacing such as structural steel and concrete. These materials are no longer dumped into a landfill to pollute the earth; instead they are recycled. Facilities designed to recycle non-usable materials will crush everything up at an industrial crushing site.

Almost any construction materials can be recycled. This includes materials used for flooring, ceilings, and even carpet. Every time a contractor uses recycled material it offers them the opportunity for considerable savings on a project.

In addition, the use of recycled materials enables the construction company to deter additional expenditures related to dumping toxic materials. If you’re working with a project manager, who oversees all steps of the construction process, ask them about how they can recycle their materials. It can help their bottom line as well as the environment.

Using Materials Sourced Locally

A lot goes into the transporting aspect of shipping materials along long spaces. With an emphasis on green living in construction, materials that are being locally sourced are emphasized. This means that the construction process becomes more efficient as its carbon footprint is reduced. These companies are able to support local business by using materials that are near the area of the job site. Waste should also be taken into account when trying to be eco-friendly. There are experts in concrete waste removal who are committed to sustainability, so you can feel happy in the knowledge that you are helping the environment.

Recycling Water Whenever Possible

Another imperative part to viable construction is the conservation of water. Whether it is commercial, residential or industrial construction, when water can be conserved it proves beneficial. This means implementing such strategies as setting up a system for collecting rainwater. Recycled rain water is able to be useful for irrigating landscapes. HVAC water condensation may be gathered and also recycled. When we recycle valuable water sources we are taken advantage of a valuable resource that would otherwise go wasted.

Using the Wind and Sun

As technology advances, so does our knowledge of what the wind and sun can do in providing a solution to sustainability. Solar energy isn’t just a cheaper method of power, it also lowers our reliance on electricity and the grid. Homes and other buildings become a natural source for generating energy with the use of solar power.

Another green living option is the use of wind to create clean, renewable energy. Turbine farms have been created for the production of giving natural energy to any building. An advantage to using wind turbines for energy is that it needs little upkeep to keep it operating. Air quality is maintained indoors, as well as decreasing investments in utilities is an added asset to the use of wind turbines.

As we have just explained throughout this article, there are many advantages to using the planet’s resources. Green living allows us to improve our living conditions and not destroy the planet in the process.

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