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9 Creative Ways Anyone Can Start Building A Greener Home

Written by Posted On Monday, 18 September 2017 00:03

There are millions of things we can do to protect the environment, but it should always start at home. Think of the difference it would make if everyone tried to make their home a little greener. If you want to take the first step we can look at some things you can do whenever you're ready.

 

1. Start Using Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

If you still use incandescent light bulbs you should stop buying any more right now. The next time you need to replace them turn your attention towards compact fluorescent bulbs instead. Even though they're more expensive to buy you'll save lots of money. It works out at about $58 per bulb over their lifetime.

 

2. Use A Broom To Clean Your Garden Paths

Using a hose to get rid of dirt on your garden path is understandable, but when it's used for everything you're taking it too far. For example, water is a terribly inefficient way to get rid of dry leaves. It's possible to sweep most things away with a broom in seconds without wasting any water. You'll save lots of money over the course of a whole year.

 

3. Unplug Everything You're Not Using

Some people say it's okay to leave your electronics on standby because it doesn't waste much energy. Sadly, we know this isn't true in the slightest. Phantom loads will waste 10 percent more energy than your electric appliances would normally use. The only way to stop this from happening is to unplug anything you're not using.

 

4. Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector

Everyone will have fire alarms in their home, but carbon monoxide detectors is a different story. Lots of people get poisoned on a daily basis through no fault of their own. You don't want any dangerous gasses being released into the air, especially inside your home. Put an end to it by installing a carbon monoxide detector.

 

5. Try To Use Your Curtains More Effectively

Central heating has been around for a while, but obviously it wasn't always the case. If you stop using yours as much you'll save energy and end up with more money in the bank. Do it by using your curtains more effectively. Open them in winter and close them in summer to take advantage of natural solar energy.

 

6. Ban Everyone From Smoking In Your Home

Even if it's a member of your family they'll have to go outside to smoke from now on. The chances of you getting cancer shoots up by 30 percent when you're exposed to secondhand smoke. It's also going to cause lots of air pollution inside your home. In an ideal world the air would be as clean as possible.

 

7. Clean Your Clothes Using Cold Water

Unless your clothes are very dirty they don't need to be cleaned in hot water. You can throw them in the machine on a cold cycle instead. If you look in the supermarket you'll find plenty of cold water detergents. Most of the energy you use washing clothes goes towards heating the water, so you'll save a great deal of money.

 

8. Opt For Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

If you don't want dangerous chemicals in your home use eco-friendly cleaning products instead. They are still good enough to deal with everything their toxic cousins destroy. Stop using normal insect repellent too, because it's basically a pesticide you'll be breathing into your lungs whenever you spray it.

 

9. Use Low-Flow Toilets And Shower Heads

We've already talked about how you can save water outside, so let's focus on the inside of your home. You should install low-flow toilets and shower heads. When you take a shower or flush the toilet you'll waste far too much water. If you can't afford expensive new toilets it's easy enough to build your own eco-friendly one.

 

Creating A Green Home Is Definitely Worth It

If you've decided you want to create a green home there is no way you'll regret it. Lots of homes are the opposite of eco-friendly, so it's not like it will be hard to make a difference when getting started.

Once you decide it's the right thing to do you'll have tons of little ways to improve your home. It's just hard to do everything at once, so start with the tips we've talked about today first.

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