Category: green living
Green Goes Simple: Conservation at Home By Emily Anderson for Green Goes Simple Winter is my favorite season, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy being cold. I appreciate a well-heated home — and I’m definitely not alone. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy …
As winter approaches and the outdoor temperature drops, energy consumption is on the rise. Homeowners can implement these five tips to help reduce their home’s energy use and costs, yet maintain a warm and comfortable indoor environment, this winter. Energy audit If you want to reduce your home’s energy costs, a home energy assessment or audit …
Because the world’s population is increasing, energy conservation and pollution are a growing dilemma. As carbon emissions become a greater threat to our environment, due to pollution and wasteful energy consumption habits, the irreversibility of global warming is a necessary discussion. You can decrease the size of your carbon footprint by using energy efficient appliances in …
You turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth and installed low-flow toilets and showerheads – but your outdated irrigation system could be undermining your efforts to save water. The average American household uses 30 percent or more of its water outdoors in landscaping. Bigger users might be closer to 70 percent in some cases, according …
The mantra of the green earth movement – reduce, reuse, recycle – can easily be adapted in your kitchen. No need to redo your entire kitchen with bamboo floors, the newest energy efficient appliances, counters made of recycled paper and yogurt containers, and locally made antique cabinetry. In fact, the greenest option is to keep the …
The peak driving season is upon us, and warm weather typically means the windows are rolled down, the radio is turned up and there’s nothing ahead but the open road. High fuel costs and the extra mileage on your vehicle, however, can hit your wallet – and the environment – harder than you’d like. But a …
Many homeowners looking to lower their utility bills may try to seek a cheaper electricity supplier, if they live in a state that has deregulated its energy market. Others may be looking into home improvement projects that will improve the energy efficiency of their homes. For folks looking into more ambitious home improvement projects, the federal …
As temperatures rise this summer, so do the risks of droughts. Water shortages can be a threat to your home and community. That’s why it makes sense for Americans to conserve water as a matter of course. The best place to start is right in your own backyard. What can you do to conserve water? Here …
(HIB) – Maybe the economy really is getting better, but if you’re still planning to forego a pricey vacation this summer, you’re likely not alone. Rather than dropping a lot of cash on travel, many Americans are choosing to spend their hard-earned money where they’ll enjoy it more for longer – in their own backyards. Upgrading …
(HIB) – Bright flowers are blooming, nights are turning warmer, the days are getting longer: ’tis the season for outdoor entertaining. Design insiders say you can make summer sizzle by throwing a great dinner party without breaking the bank. Simply start with two sources – your china cabinet and Mother Nature. “With the higher gas prices …
(HIB) – Sprucing up outdoor spaces doesn’t have to cost a lot to create a big impact. Rather than buying new, consider refreshing or upgrading furnishings, equipment and features you already have. You will save some green and give new life to items that might otherwise wind up in the trash – and ultimately in the …
(HIB) – Winter may cause many homeowners to contemplate a new heating system or other major investments, but some small, smart investments can often go just as far toward protecting your home and saving you cash. Through the proper home maintenance techniques, you can keep typical damage caused by snow, ice and rain at bay and …
Most homeowners rarely venture up to their attics, but as winter approaches, many will make the annual trip upstairs to put away warm-weather items and retrieve holiday decorations. While a home’s attic is ideal for storage, smart homeowners realize that their attics also represent a great opportunity to save money. How? Similar to the human body, …
Save money using natural cleaning solutions When you clean your house in the spring, you really want it to be clean. Dirt, dust and germs are banned, and all appliances, floors and walls are scrubbed clean. The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning …
Heating and cooling systems account for 56 percent of energy used in a typical home, making it the largest energy expense for most households, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Making smarter decisions about your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help you save money on your monthly utility bills.