| Going Green Without Going Broke | | Print | |
| Written by Allison Mackinnon |
| Wednesday, 23 September 2009 11:57 |
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While it is certainly desirable to own a home with all the latest green features, not everyone is in a financial position to purchase a new home or fundamentally transform the one they currently own. But that doesn’t mean that there is nothing you can do to make your home more green. In fact, there are many changes you can make that involve only a small financial investment, and will provide a return in the long run. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL’s) last approximately three times as long and use around three quarters less electricity that incandescent bulbs. While they cost slightly more, this money will eventually come back to you on your electrical bill. You don’t necessarily need to invest in a low flow toilet to conserve water. Instead, why not convert the one you already own with a dual flush retrofit kit such as this one? These kits simply have two handles: one for solid waste and one for liquid. They are simple to install, inexpensive, and will save thousands of gallons of water every year. Older windows are especially bad for allowing drafts in your home, but replacing them can be expensive. A simple solution is to seal the cracks between the window and frame, thereby keeping cold air out and warm air in. This is effective way to save energy and reduce your heating costs and is relatively simple to do. Weather stripping caulk sealant is a product specifically intended for this purpose. It is easy to apply, easy to remove when no longer needed, and will not damage the surrounding paint. Composting may seem like a small contribution, but the environmental impact of organic matter in landfills is huge. As much as 50% of compostable waste ends up in landfills, producing massive amounts of greenhouse gasses. Composing is an easy way to make your home greener, and will save you money if you pay per bag for garbage removal. What’s more, compost bins are relatively low cost, odour free when properly maintained, and produce rich soil for your garden Block heaters for your car are a true necessity for many people living in colder climates, but heating your car all night is a waste of electricity. A simple electrical timer can be programmed to turn on two hours before your departure time, saving you electricity and of course, money. Just be sure that the timer you are using is approved for outdoor use. Hanging your clothing to dry is not only a greener choice, but a financially sound one. Dryers are huge energy suckers, and the more you can avoid using them, the better. In addition to saving electricity, hanging your clothing and linens rather than using the dryer will substantially increase their lifespan. Retractable laundry lines are a great option as they can be easily hidden when not in use, and are appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use. Faucet aerators are small but essential items when it comes to conserving water. The basic principle behind these is that they add air into the stream of water that comes out of your kitchen and bathroom faucets, which results in a lower volume of water being used. These are simple to install, and well worth the effort. If you already have these installed, it is worthwhile to take a look at the number imprinted on the side to ensure that the gallons per minute (gpm) is 2.75 or lower. Another item along the same lines as a faucet aerator is a low flow shower head. When it comes to these there are two choices: aerating and non-aerating. They are both viable options, and which one you choose is really a question of preference. Aerating shower heads are more popular, but if you prefer a strong spray it may be a good plan to consider a non-aerating one. Whichever type you choose, the installation process is quick and simple. These are only a few things you can do around the home, for more ideas check out One Million Acts of Green. Click Here to View Articles Written by Allison 
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