Like most people, you probably don’t really think about the environment when you are at home, using energy. However, every choice you make impacts the environment in some way. There is much you can do for your household to make it a more sustainable environment. The tips below will help you implement green energy ideas in your life.
While it makes sense to change from traditional light bulbs to energy-saving light bulbs you should wait until your old ones are all burned out. It is not a good idea to throw away perfectly good bulbs in order to make the switch since that would be a way to waste energy as well.
Start paying attention to your energy consumption. Unplug the charger for your iPod and XBox when they are not in use. Chargers for devices like phones, music players, computers and others use small amounts of power any time they are in an outlet, even if you aren’t charging anything.
If you live in a sunny area, you could generate your own energy. Invest in PV cells and have a professional install them on your roof. You should have your needs in electricity assessed by a professional to make sure your solar installation will provide enough power for your home.
Think outside of the box. While many people think ‘solar’ panels when they think of green energy, there are other ways to take advantage of the sun. If you are building a new home, consider incorporating passive solar design into the home. By building with materials such as concrete or adobe and taking advantage of the sun’s natural heat with south-facing windows, you can create a home that will naturally heat itself in the winter and stay cool in the summer.
When you purchase new appliances, like refrigerators, ranges, and washing machines, look for the Energy Star label. The United States Department of Energy recommends these products because they save energy. You will also save money by using them. Products that are energy efficient will usually have a star on them.
If you are planning to go green in your home, you may want to consider contacting your utility provider to learn about your options. They may have some great suggestions for you look into. If they do not have the options for you, they can direct you to where you can find them.
Don’t throw away that coffee grinds- use them to fertilize your plants. Coffee grinds are rich in nitrogen so these make great, healthy plant food. Using coffee grinds as fertilizer keeps them out of the landfill, makes it unnecessary for you to purchase and use chemical plant food, and make your plants grow nicely, adding oxygen to the atmosphere.
Using cold water in your washing machine whenever possible is a great way to save energy. The reason for this is that a significant amount of energy is required to heat water. In fact, about ninety percent of the energy consumed when washing clothes is used for heating water. Using hot water is more expensive for both you and the environment.
Get your whole family thinking about green energy by stocking organic, recycled or eco-friendly products whenever possible. Ask your kids to identify such products on the shelves at the store and explain why those products are better for your family, your home and your environment. You can also segue such conversations into other eco-friendly practices like shutting off the water while brushing your teeth or turning off lights when not in a room.
Caring for the environment may not have been on the top of your priority list till now. You can change this, however, now that you know more about green energy. Use what you have learned here and start making your home a more environmentally friendly place to live.
