Green Living For Your Home And Family
Choosing the green life has become the new buzz of the day. But just how do you start the process of living green? Here, we will give you a few ideas and you will surely find at least one or two to help you get started.
First of all, just what does “Green Living” mean? Basically, it means living in a way that is environmentally responsible, earth-friendly and ecologically sound.
Here are some methods you can start using today, some with no cost to you:
- Lets start with recycling. This is something everyone can do. If your county has a recycling center, you are in luck. Carefully check the list for available recycle items, and you’ll find at least a few things you are now sending to the landfill that can be recycled. For instance, newspapers, plastics, magazines, catalogs, glass, etc. can be recycled. This is just a start, but when you recycle, you can pat yourself on the back for doing your part to save the planet, prevent global warming and provide generations to come with a much healthier environment.
- Water conservation is something we don’t normally consider when looking for greener choices.. However, in your home, you can conserve your water supply by keeping your faucets drip-free simply by replacing washers and gaskets, purchasing low-flush toilets and water saving shower heads.
- Electric power savings. The new compact fluorescent light bulbs use 60% less energy than our incandescent light bulbs, not much improved since Thomas Edison invented them over 100 years ago. (Who would have thought that we’d still be using such ancient technology in this day and age!) Look for the Energy Star logo when you’re shopping for light bulbs and always compare the ratings before buying.
- Programmable thermostats. Saving energy in winter is easy with a programmable thermostat by setting the temperature lower when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping. This can also be done in summer by keeping your air conditioner at a higher setting when you’re away. The new generation residential thermostats can store and repeat multiple settings throughout the day, allowing for manual overrides without effecting the preset program. There are many variations of programmable thermostats, so if you feel overwhelmed when you’re shopping for one, be sure to contact a salesperson who is knowledgeable in the subject, or do your homework before shopping. Prices range in the neighborhood of $30. to $100. One with a backup battery pack may be more suitable for your residence if you’re accustomed to frequent power interruptions.
- Green appliances. Whether you’re stocking a new home or apartment, you have a choice on your next appliance purchase. Here, also is a place to look for the Energy Star label. If you have green appliances in your home, the energy savings can amount to about 30%, making the extra cost for the purchase pay for itself quickly. Some appliances included in the Energy Star label are washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers, ranges, dishwashers, air conditioners, humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Note: Energy Star appliances must meet certain Federal standards to earn the label. The program was designed to help consumers save money on the cost of energy. Many rebates and tax credits are available to the consumers who purchase green appliances.
If just one home in ten was switched to, or built with Energy Star appliances the resulting savings in greenhouse gases would amount to planting 1.7 million acres of trees.
