Five Ways to a Greener Home
It’s true: Going green isn’t always convenient. But it’s a lot easier than it used to be and more affordable. In just the past two or three years, ecofriendly choices have become more accessible and less expensive, and going green is no longer just for the dedicated environmentalists and the wealthy.
Install a programmable thermostat. You can set it to automatically adjust the temperature while you’re at work or sleeping, and you’ll save energy and money. Your heating and cooling account for about 55% of your energy use. The efficiency folks at Energy Star estimate that the average household could save $180 a year by switching to a programmable thermostat and using it properly. How does a programmable thermostat work? You can set it to, say, cool off at night while you’re sleeping, then warm back up in the morning. In the summer, you can set it to keep the AC off during the day while you’re at work, then cool the house down by the time you get home. Some thermostats let you program a different schedule for each day of the week.
Switch to renewable energy. You might not even have to change providers. There’s Green Mountain Energy, of course, which is powered by wind and water. But now, many traditional companies offer customers the option to use renewable energy. The rates are slightly higher, but the impact on your carbon footprint is amazing. The electricity that goes to your home doesn’t change; it still comes from the grid that lights us all up. But when you have renewable power, it means your money is designated for renewable energy. The more people who pay for wind instead of coal, the more of that big grid will be powered with wind instead of coal.
Invest in efficient appliances. You have no idea how much energy is sucked up by old, inefficient refrigerators and other appliances. So if you have to (or want to) replace an appliance this year, go with the Energy Star designation. Energy Star appliances require a lot less energy, which requires a lot less money. An Energy Star refrigerator, for instance, uses at least 20% less energy than a standard fridge. How do you know if what you have is adequate? Energy Star has guidelines. If your dishwasher was made before 1994, it’s sucking up energy at an alarming rate. If your washer was made before ’98, it’s a drag on the system. And if your fridge has been around since the Reagan era, you could be spending an extra $100 each year just to keep your milk cold.
Seal up your doors and windows. Especially if you have an older home, you’re likely to have some drafts and some air leaking in around your doors and windows. Go around your windows and see if you can feel the spots where air is moving through. You can find sealants at your nearest home improvement store for less than $5.
Vow to use less plastic. Yes, plastic is easy, but it’s not always the greenest option. So promise yourself that you’ll use less of it. Use glass containers to store and heat food. Take your own bags to the grocery store to avoid taking home those filmy plastic bags that can’t go in the recycling bin. And commit to stop filling the fridge (and the trash) with water bottles. If you’re opposed to tap water, get a filtered pitcher or attach a filter to your kitchen faucet.
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