We all make long lists of personal resolutions for the year ahead – to lose ten pounds, exercise more and eat less, get a new job, among others. But how many of you include home and garden resolutions? The New Year is a great time to create a list of home improvement projects to enhance your surroundings and improve your quality of life. It is also a great opportunity to think about going green.
In a sluggish economy your green resolutions may simply be the practical thing to do. It’s not only good for the planet but for your wallet too; and going green has never been easier. Most home improvement stores have energy efficient, green materials as options, including appliances, flooring, light bulbs and cooling systems.
Here are five easy projects for a green savvy home:
Recycle and reuse
Recycling at home is one of the easiest ways to do something good for the environment. Separate recyclables from your regular trash by investing in small bins, one for each type of recyclable (plastic, newspaper and glass). Get the family involved and help save our landfills.
Go tankless
Your home’s largest energy-guzzler is your water heater. To save big, install a tankless water heater, a system of coils that heats water on demand. These heaters are not only more efficient, but they take up considerably less space.
Switch to CFLs
Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Although they cost several times more upfront than regular incandescent bulbs, CFLs use 50 to 80 percent less energy, generate 70 percent less heat and last up to10 times longer so you will save big time in the long run.
Be an energy star
Appliance use accounts for 18% of a typical home’s energy bill, with the refrigerator being one of the biggest energy guzzlers. If your appliances and electronics are more than 10 years old, replace them with energy-efficient models that bear their "Energy Star" logo. Energy Star appliances use 10-15% less energy and water than standard models.
Rainwater harvesting
Harvest rainwater from your roof and store for irrigating your garden. It can also be pumped back into your house to flush your toilets and supply your washing machine and dishwashers. Please note that for human consumption such water needs to be properly filtered first.
Grow what you eat
Maintaining a vegetable patch is easier than you think. Even if you only have space for a container garden on your balcony or a small space in your back garden it will be worth it. You’re bringing healthy foods to your table, saving money and saving the environment too!
Compost it
Composting is a great way to reuse items that cannot be recycled. Make your own compost with fruit and vegetable scraps and yard waste. It is one of the best natural fertilizers and is an excellent alternative to putting potentially harmful chemicals into the environment. Turn it once in awhile and water it every now and in a few months you'll have nutrient-rich soil to add to your garden.
