When spring arrives, we are reminded how important nature is and how fragile it is as well. That is part of the reason why you’ve got to be aware of how your actions can either hurt or help the planet.
You are faced with dozens of choices every day. Here are some helpful hints on how you can make green choices.
If you’ve got plumbing leaks, you need to get them fixed right away. It may not seem like you are wasting water, but leaks add up over time to a substantial amount of waste.
Consider Switching to Solar Appliances
You can save money if you switch to EnergyStar certified appliances, but if you really want to be earth-friendly, check out solar appliances.
Solar ovens work well for both cooking and baking. If you are concerned that you won’t be able to use them on a cloudy day, you’d be surprised at how much energy they can harness.
Solar refrigerators are good for the environment and save you money on your energy bills, but also have other benefits. You are blackout proof and don’t have to worry about food spoiling in a power outage; they are also safer.
Remember the Chimney Flue
As you likely retire the fireplace over the spring and summer, don’t forget to keep the chimney flue closed.
Leaving it open creates a clear passageway for the air that you are paying to cool, or heat, to exit your home.
That means that your HVAC needs to work harder than it should.
Plant More Trees
Benefit from the natural cooling from the shade of trees. If you plant trees outside your windows, you can cool your home naturally. It is important to think about where you are planting the trees though.
You want to be able to leverage shadows on your windows at the right time of day, depending on the position of the sun.
Work at Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Reducing your carbon footprint comes down to using less energy and water. Make sure that your HVAC is working as efficiently as possible by getting a seasonal tune-up.
Unplug electronics when not in use; ensure that walls are properly insulated. Hang insulated drapes to keep warmth out and cool air in (or vice versa depending on the season).
Reduce your intake of meat and dairy; only buy locally sourced food. Carpool to work and walk or bike to do errands.
A Bright Idea
Replace your existing light bulbs with LED ones, which consume a fraction of the power and last much longer than regular bulbs.
For extra HVAC energy savings, ensure that your ducts are sealed. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to help you heat and cool as needed only.
Adjust the Thermostat
Did you know that turning the thermostat down a couple of degrees in the winter and wearing a sweater can save you lots of money and help the environment?
You can accomplish the same thing in the summer by turning the thermostat up and using a fan to circulate air.
