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5 Tips For an Eco-Friendly Home

May 3, 2021 0

Making your home more eco-friendly can mean adding a modular addition, reducing water usage, using sustainable materials, buying Energy Star appliances, or finding ways to save energy with electronics. Below we give you some tips on eco-friendly tips and practices.

Go Modular With A New Home or Addition

Modular homes are built in factories and the materials stored in the warehouses, eliminate weather-related problems. Custom-built modular homes and additions have many designs and builders work with customers to find the best one. They have many home designs and plans to choose from. A modular home can be built in a third of the time it takes to construct other types of homes. Modular homes also reduce energy consumption by 67%, no matter what the climate is like. Modular homes have less heat loss due to tighter construction and sealants used.

When you buy a modular home, you will need to own property to put it on. You can choose eco-friendly materials to use in the design and construction. The styles of homes are Cape Cod, green home, contemporary, colonial, ranch, and tiny house. Modular home additions can be a good way to add on an addition to your home. It can be attached to the side of your home and create an additional living space, a new kitchen, or other rooms. A modular addition can be placed on top of a one-story house to make it two-story.

Before building a modular addition find out the zoning laws in your state. Modular additions can be apartments, rooms, sheds, garages, studios, or guest houses. Modular homes and addition are environmentally friendly, save on utilities, and the construction timeline is shorter.

Focus on Water Usage

Conserve water at home by fixing any leaky pipes or faucets because you can lose hundreds of gallons this way. Install low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads that reduce the amount of water used. Traditional toilets use about 28% of water in your home or condo. Other models that use less water are pressure-assisted or dual flush toilets. Run the dishwasher only when it is full, and consider washing some dishes by hand. Install instant hot water heaters in the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. These small devices supply hot water when needed, and reduce water usage from 27 to 50%. Water the lawn and garden with a hose or watering can. Consider using drip irrigation for larger yards or soaker hoses to reduce water use.

Look For Items Made Out of Eco-Friendly Materials

Powder coatings are environmentally friendly finishes used on surfaces inside and outside your home. They can be used on doors, windows, handles, doorknobs, appliances, walls, and wood. This type of coating is safer than some paints that emit harmful chemicals. It is a tough and durable coating and environmentally friendly. It can be recycled, and it complies with environmental standards. Powder coatings have low VOC emissions and are free of solvents.

When installing flooring use eco-friendly materials bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood. Hire contractors that use recycled materials or salvaged items when building made of glass, stone, wood, steel, and metals. Salvaged wood planks can be used for flooring in the home, recycled tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, and some consumers insulate with sheep’s wool soybean foam spay. Recycled materials reduce waste and make use of eco-friendly materials.

Opt For Replacing Appliances With Energy Star Rated Brands

Energy Star appliances are certified by the US Department of Energy and use 10 to 50% less energy. This means you will save on electricity and water use lowering your monthly bills. Refrigerators use the most electricity of all home appliances. Buying a new Energy Star refrigerator will help reduce the electric bill by about 20%. Many of these appliances have rebates and tax credits for purchasing them. Some utility companies offer savings for using these appliances. They make dishwashers, air conditioning, washer, dyers, and water heaters with this label.

Make Sure You Have Energy Saving Measures In Place

Electronics use tons of energy, computers, TV, cell phone, and home entertainment systems. Use power strips for TVs and computers and turn them off when not in use. Consider having a time limit for watching TV or using the computer. Unplug electronics as they still use power when plugged in. After charging your cell phone, unplug it and turn it off at times. Customize power options on your computer, most Windows computers have this option. Look for electronic equipment with the Energy Star label. In 2019, there were many data breaches that exposed over 4 billion records of private information. Investing in software that protects your computer and electronics is a reasonable investment. Most programs are safe and reasonably priced.

With these tips, your home will be much more eco-friendly. An eco-friendly home isn’t just good for the environment, but it can also save you money in the long run.

How To Get Healthy And Save The Planet

April 28, 2021 2

Many people want to reduce their weight. Many people also want to reduce their carbon footprint. So why not pursue both goals at the same time? Many of the ways in which you can improve your health are also ways in which you can protect the environment. Below are a few ways in which you can lose weight and save the planet simultaneously. 

Drive less, walk more

Driving a car doesn’t burn many calories. It also causes environmental damage – not only are you consuming more fossil fuels by driving a petrol or diesel, but you’re also creating carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. 

By walking more, you can step up your amount of daily calories burnt – walking up to an hour more per day can burn up to 350 extra calories. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint in the process.

Don’t have time to walk an extra hour per day? Why not take up cycling? Cycling can burn even more calories and is also environmentally-friendly. It could be a means of commuting to work or even going shopping locally. Try to save your car only for the really long journeys that you cannot realistically cycle or walk. 

Consume more fresh fruit and veggies

Many of us could lose weight by simply eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and less processed foods. Fruit and vegetables don’t have to be boring – there are lots of tasty ways to consume these foods such as putting them in the form of nutritious smoothies, soups, casseroles and omelets. You can find plenty of recipes and ideas online.

Eating more fruit and veg can also have a positive environmental impact. Such foods are very sustainable and produce minimal harmful waste by-products (unlike meat, dairy and processed foods like bakeries and candy). This is particularly the case with fresh, organic, local and plastic-free fruit and vegetables. Such fruit and vegetables can be bought at local stores and farmer’s markets. You can even grow your own fruit and vegetables. 

Consume less meat and dairy

A diet high in meat and dairy could be adding inches to your waistline. Such foods naturally contain a lot of fat. Processed meats and dairy are particularly fattening – because they’re not as natural, the body doesn’t quite know what to do with them and so stores more of the proteins and carbs as fat. 

The meat and dairy industry also causes a lot of damage to the environment. Entire forests are often destroyed to farm livestock like cattle. Wild populations of animals like fish are meanwhile decreasing due to being hunted for their meat, which has an impact on the entire eco-system.

By adopting a vegetarian – or a more flexitarian – diet, you could lose weight and save the environment. Many foods like nuts and beans can be excellent sources of protein that are equal to meat. There are even artificial meats that are being brought onto the market as an alternative to real meat. Meanwhile, there are plenty of non-dairy milks such as soya and oat milk. 

Simple Ways To Make Your Lifestyle More Eco-Friendly

April 21, 2021 0

More and more people are embarking upon a mission to embrace greener ways of living. If you’re looking to make a difference and do your bit, you don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle. Here are some simple ways to go green. 

Make your home more energy-efficient

One of the best ways to make a positive difference to the planet is making changes at home to increase energy efficiency. Using less energy will help you reduce your carbon footprint and it could also save you a substantial amount of money. Swap conventional light bulbs for LED lights, improve insulation and consider replacing old or outdated heating systems and electrical appliances with smart alternatives. Modern appliances use less energy and they are also usually packed with features to offer improved functionality. If you find that you spend a lot of money on keeping your home warm or cool, use a thermostat to set the perfect temperature and upgrade old furnaces or AC units that consume a lot of energy. 

Travel less

We are accustomed to jumping on a plane when we want to take a break and most of us don’t think twice about getting in the car to drive around the block to visit a friend or go to the grocery store. Traveling less can help to reduce your carbon footprint and lower emissions. If you do have to drive frequently for work, look into eco-friendly vehicle options. If you have to fly, search for airlines that offset carbon emissions and try and limit the number of trips you take. 

It’s also an excellent idea to swap driving for cycling or walking if you’re staying local and to make the most of your home. If you have fun at home, you don’t need to go out all the time. Spend quality time as a family playing in the garden, going for walks, doing creative activities or watching movies snuggled up on the couch on a Friday night. If you visit troypoint.com, you can find out how to stream TV shows and movies and access popular apps. You can also minimize travel by working from home more frequently or sharing rides with colleagues and coworkers. If you have kids, you can liaise with other parents to organize drop-offs and pick-ups and save taking separate journeys every day. 

Recycle and reduce waste

Be honest. How often do you buy things you don’t really need or even want or throw items away that you’ve barely used? We live in a society where it’s possible to buy at the touch of a button and where marketers and retailers often encourage us to buy more than we need. Reduce waste, ask yourself if you really need to make purchases and make the best of the products or produce you do buy. If you’ve got food left over after cooking a meal, for example, use it to rustle up lunch the next day or freeze the remaining portions for dinner later in the week. 

You can also reduce waste by recycling. You can recycle paper, metals, cardboard, plastic and glass and it only takes a second to sort your trash. For helpful recycling tips, check out this article https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables. 

Many people are looking for ways to do their bit to protect the planet but they worry that small steps won’t make a difference. The truth is that every little helps and making changes is manageable. 

How to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value While Staying Eco-Friendly

April 20, 2021 2

When you want to improve the value of your home, making eco-friendly upgrades will increase the value and provide you with a healthier environment for family and friends. Below are some ideas to consider to help improve the resale value of your home.

Figure What Is In Your Budget

Figure out what is in your budget before you begin to remodel. Homeowners often spend between 5,000 to 10,000 dollars to make changes to their homes. This was the standard amount spent in 2018 by consumers. Even if you do not have thousands to spend you can make small improvements that will improve the sustainability of your home. Try to decide what you want to improve before tackling the project Do you want to install energy-efficient appliances, add a tank-less water heater, paint the inside walls with eco-friendly paint made from natural materials, landscaping, and energy-efficient exterior doors. For major upgrades, you should contact local contractors that specialize in eco-friendly remodeling and installation.

Install Energy-Efficient Exterior Doors

Replacing outdated exterior doors on the house will save you money on your energy bills. The doors that you enter or exit the house should be energy efficient. This can save you 10% on your heating and cooling bills. Energy-efficient outer doors made from fiberglass save the most energy. Fiberglass looks like real wood and is designed for cold climates and humidity. Steel doors are stronger and wear well in dry climates. Unless you are handy, it is better to hire a contractor to install them. Steel doors can be insulated to retain heat and stay cooler in the warm weather. Double glass panes are often installed to reduce heat flow and magnetic strips reduce leakage of air in the house.

Make Your Landscaping Eco-friendly

Investing in hiring a landscaper improves the value of your home. If you are an experienced gardener, you can do the work yourself. Native plants from a local garden center grow better and use less water. Invest in planting native flowers, herbs, and vegetables in a small rain garden. A rain garden collects runoff water from your yard. Rain gardens attract butterflies and reduce soil erosion. Planting native trees and shrubs can help with cooling your home in the summer. Installing a drip irrigation system to water plants in the yard and lawn will cut the water bill by 50 percent.

Permeable pavers instead of concrete driveways and walkways allow water to go into the ground. Reusing stones and bricks for borders and wall counts are considered eco-friendly landscaping too. You should reduce the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Test the soil it may just need organic compost that you can buy and the organic pesticide that uses natural substances and have a lower level of chemicals. Over 60% of potential home buyers say a well-landscaped property is one of the things they look for in a home.

Install A Tankless Water Heater

The benefit of installing a tankless water heater is it only will use water when you need it. It can save you 30 to 50 percent on fuel costs. This device works when you turn on the tap and sensors detect water coming into the heater that has to be heated. They range in price from about $200 to $2,000 depending on the size and are gas-fired or electric. They should be installed by a professional. The benefits are they produce instant hot water, some are Wi-Fi compatible, and in time save money on water and fuels. They are compact about the size of a suitcase and hang on the wall.

Upgrade to Green Appliances

Consider buying energy-efficient appliances when you replace older models. They are refrigerators, dishwashers, air conditioners, stoves, washers, and dryers. These Energy Star appliances will save you on water and electricity. They reduce pollution and create sustainability in the home. When you buy an energy-efficient dishwasher it uses less water and reduces your water bill by 25%. An Energy Star refrigerator will decrease your electric bill. Refrigerators are an appliance that uses more electricity than others appliances. Energy Star is a label that appliances get when they meet government regulations for energy efficiency and reducing the use of water and electricity. They can reduce utilities by about 30% in the home. A minor kitchen remodel will have an 82.7% return on your investment.

These are some ways to make the eco-friendly upgrade to your home for a healthier home environment.

Top 5 Tips for Building a Sustainable Deck

April 14, 2021 0

Building your own deck is the perfect DIY project for the warmer months, and it will really enhance your outdoor space. Decks are functional as well as attractive and you’ll be able to enjoy many hours entertaining guests or relaxing in the yard. If you’re undertaking a big building project such as this, however, it’s important to consider the environmental impact. The best way to reduce this is by making your deck as sustainable as possible. This will depend on the materials and design you choose, and how you maintain it.

Use sustainable materials

First of all, you need to select your materials carefully. They need to be durable enough to support your Outdoor Furniture but also an eco-friendly choice. A couple of common sustainable decking materials to opt for are reclaimed wood or composite decking. Reclaimed wood is timber that has been salvaged from other projects and structures. It looks gorgeous and each piece tells a story. Composite decking, on the other hand, is a mix of recycled materials including wood fiber, plastic, and binding agents. Both are very sturdy and easy to maintain.

Choose locally-sourced options

You also need to check where your building materials come from. The more locally sourced they are the better. This way you’ll be able to reduce any transportation emissions caused by your project. You can look up where to find reclaimed wood near you online. If you hire professional help to install your decking, look to local businesses as well.

Minimize the environmental impact

It’s also possible to reduce your carbon footprint by choosing the right design. Try to be minimal in your design and reduce waste. Avoid excessive digging or changes to the surrounding environment. Your deck should be built in harmony with your landscaping and so as not to disturb the natural ecosystem. Plan your design carefully in regards to sunlight and shade. This way you won’t need to build more structures to protect your deck and you’ll be able to get maximum enjoyment from it.

Search for advice online

If you’re not that experienced with DIY, you can find plenty of videos on how to install decking online. There are also several communities you can join to get advice on where to source recycled materials or sustainable living in general. You could also hire an eco-conscious deck installation company to help you. With a quick Google search, you should be able to find one near you. 

Carry out conscious maintenance

Once you’ve built your sustainable deck, continue to carry out conscious maintenance of the area. Avoid using harmful chemicals to clean it, you can even DIY your own homemade deck cleaner. It’s as easy as mixing a few household items such as white vinegar and baking soda. This will remove mold and stains. Be cautious with using pressure washers, instead, you could try scrubbing your deck, or hiring a professional deck cleaning service from time to time. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy your beautiful, sustainable deck for longer.

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