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Easy Ideas To Make Your Home More Eco Friendly |
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Current gas prices and new reports of global warming have put increased focus on helping the environment. The problem seems so huge and so complex that you may be thinking, what can one person do? Surprisingly, there's a lot you can do.
by IslaHitchcock
Current gas costs and new reports of planetary warming have put an increased focus on supporting the environment. The problem seems so huge and so complex that you may be thinking, what can one person do? Surprisingly, there's much you can do.
The home is one of the simplest and most convenient things you can start with. Making your home environmentally friendly is a task that will provide you a sense of satisfaction as well as a higher market value should you decide to sell. Just use some extra time that you have on the weekends to get dirty and work on the house. You can even rope in the rest of the family.
Look into alternate ways to produce electricity. This is one of the more expensive and demanding tips, but you can get a return on your investment. Installing cheap solar panels|Installing acheap solar panel or windmills will take naturally occuring energy (sunlight, wind) and convert it to electricity. You can then either use the electricity for your house or sell it back to the power company to offset your utilities bill.
Placing rain barrels in your yard is an inexpensive and easy way to conserve water that normally runs off the roof and into a storm drain. Simply take a large trash can or other clean plastic barrel, install a water-tight spout near the bottom but high enough to fit a bucket or watering can under, and place the barrel underneath the downspout of the gutter, allowing rain runoff to flow in. The water, while not drinkable, can be used to water plants or wash cars etc.
A third idea is to ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed. Make sure your insulation is placed in the right places in the house, especially in the attic since most energy is lost or gained through the roof. Also, ensure all doors and windows have tight seals around their edges. A little caulk or specialized sealant could prevent a large amount of energy loss through those small spaces.
Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. The old incandescent bulbs use a lot more energy and emit a great deal of heat. CFLs, although more costly, save energy and last longer, allowing you to get a return on your investment. At the very least, replace your old bulbs in rooms that you tend to have the lights on more frequently.
Make it a habit to conserve energy and be conscious of those times when you do use energy. Turn off the lights if you leave the room. Don't leave the water running when brushing your teeth. And don't leave the refrigerator door open for a long period of time.
Don't forget to check resources like your local library and conservation and governmental internet sites to discover many more eco-friendly tips. When it comes to making changes and personal choices to help decrease the environmental impact on the planet, there is something for everyone, and everyone benefits from them.
About the Author:
Isla Hitchcock frequently writes articles with respect to the home and family industry and has most recently covered subjects like pool liners and carpet runners. |
