Environmental issues

With subjects like global warming and rapidly depleting fossil fuels and other threats to the environment at the forefront of the news, homeowners are choosing more and more to do what they can to switch to eco-friendly habits. For those of you who haven’t joined in or don’t know where to begin, there are many things the average person can do, beginning with the home.

Starting where you live is easy, convenient and wise considering that every dollar you invest may be recovered in a higher value should you decide to sell your home. Not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are contributing to a safer, cleaner, more sustainable way of living on the planet. So, enlist the help of friends and family, and get started on energy and resource saving weekend projects.

Installing solar panels on either your roof or another convenient nearby structure saves electricity, money, and fossil fuels. Sunshine is collected and converted to usable household electricity, where it may be used immediately. When more electricity is created than used, public utility companies sometimes buy excess power from you, depending on how your solar panels are set up. Buy a used solar panel online for an economical way to make this upgrade to your home. If going for a used option, ensure it is in good working order first.

Another great way to improve your energy efficiency is to use rain barrels. They can be as simple as recycled trash cans made into a water container. What a rain barrel does is collect the water running off a roof. You simply put the barrel under the rain spout, attach a water valve, and use the accumulated water for watering your plants or washing your car, for example.

A third idea is to make sure your home is correctly insulated and sealed. Ensure your insulation is placed in the best places in the house, especially in the attic since most energy is lost or gained through the roof. Also, ensure all doors and windows have proper seals around their edges. A little caulk or specialized sealer could prevent a large amount of energy loss through those little spaces.

Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. The old incandescent bulbs use a lot more energy and emit a great deal of heat. CFLs, although more costly, save energy and last longer, allowing you to get a return on your investment. At the very least, replace your old bulbs in rooms that you tend to have the lights on more frequently.

Also, there are even easier steps that can be taken to make your house environmentally friendly. Things as simple as turning off lights when you exit a room or turning the water off whilst brushing your teeth can also help.

Don’t forget to check resources like your neighborhood library and conservation and governmental websites to discover many more eco-friendly tips. When it comes to making changes and personal choices to help decrease the environmental impact on the earth, there is something for all of us, and everyone benefits from them.

Tags: energy conservation
Filed under: energy conservation